International Scouting
Scouting began in England in 1907, based on the ideas of founder Sir Robert S.S. Baden-Powell. The Scouting program spread around the world until it became what it is now—the largest voluntary youth movement in the world, with a membership of more than 40 million. A member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, the Boy Scouts of America was incorporated on February 8, 1910, by W.D. Boyce. Through the BSA’s International Department, American Scouts and international Scouts are provided a common resource of programs, funding, and training that increases and enhances their experience in the brotherhood of Scouting.
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES | LINCOLN HERITAGE COUNCIL
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The World Scout Conference has voted to award the 25th World Scout Jamboree to the Korea Scout Association (KSA) for the year 2023. This will be the second World Scout Jamboree for the KSA. They also hosted the 17th World Scout Jamboree in 1991.
The 25th World Scout Jamboree will be a part of the KSA’s celebration of a century of Scouting in South Korea. The Korea Association was founded in the year 1922 and is now the largest youth organization in South Korea. The 25th World Scout Jamboree will be used both “to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Scout Movement in Korea in 2022 and to prepare for the next 100 years.”
Just as the 25th World Scout Jamboree represents the KSA’s transition into a new century of Scouting, the 24th World Scout Jamboree in North America and the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea will represent the end of the first century of World Scout Jamborees and the beginning of the second century of future World Scout Jamborees.
Jamboree-on-the-Air, or JOTA, is the largest Scouting event in the world. It is held annually the third full weekend in October. JOTA uses amateur radio to link Scouts and hams around the world, around the nation, and in your own community. This jamboree requires no travel, other than to a nearby amateur radio operator’s ham shack. Many times you can find the hams will come to you by setting up a station at your Scout camporee, at the park down the block, or perhaps at a ham shack already set up at your Council’s camp.
Jamboree-on-the-Internet, or JOTI, is an annual international Scouting event sponsored by the World Organization of the Scout Movement. Each year, during the third weekend in October, Scouts from around the world gather online to learn about other cultures and the activities in which other Scouts participate. They communicate with each other using Internet-enables devices such as computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. Last year, JOTA-JOTI had over 1.5 million Scouts and leaders participate in more than 160 countries!
ACTIVITIES FOR SCOUTING UNITS
Units conduct a collection and submit it to the World Friendship Fund where it is used to support Scouting in underdeveloped nations. The unit receives recognition including a certificate for their support.
Scouts and adults can earn the International Spirit Award through the completion of a series of activities designed to increase awareness of and participation in international activities. Information is available in the resource section.
Adults can earn this award and uniform knot by completing a series of activities related to international Scouting. It requires an effort over a prolonged period of time.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
This can be a pinnacle activity for Scouts but requires extensive planning and coordination.
Kandersteg International Center is located in the stunningly beautiful alpine mountains of Switzerland near the interlake district. Scouts from around the world gather there for a truly international experience.
Gilwell Center visit and stay at one of the birthplaces of Scouting in England.
International Camporees – are held almost annually somewhere in the world. There are camporees in nearby Michigan and Ontario, Canada.
International Camp Staff Member – for a truly unique experience for older Scouts and adults, consider sharing your skills and culture at one of the Scout camps located throughout the world.
RESOURCES
National website – a multitude of resources are available on line through the international office of the Boy Scouts of America at www.scouting.org/international.
For additional assistance or resources please contact: Steven Driver – steven.driver@gmail.com