 International Scouting Opportunites
Learn About the Exciting Scouting Events Being Offered World Wide!
Scouting began in England in 1907, based on the ideas of founder Sir Robert S. S. Baden-Powell and his book Scouting for Boys. The book and program proved to have universal appeal for boys and quickly spread worldwide. 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 25 million.
As member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, the Boy Scouts of America works through the BSA's International Department, to ensure that 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.
EUROPEAN CAMP STAFF PROGRAM
Through the European Camp Staff program, young leaders from the Boy Scouts of America have the opportunity to learn more about Scouting in Europe by working at a European Scout center.
The aim of the European Camp Staff program is to assist young people in developing their leadership skills and to encourage intercultural learning. This is achieved by providing the individual with a residential experience as a volunteer staff member at a Scout center in another country.
Scout centers in Europe do not operate in the same way that BSA camps do. The staff members of a typical European Scout center are usually involved in many different aspects of operating the center rather than specializing in one particular area. This is different from the situation in a BSA camp, where staff members are usually assigned to a particular activity or skill with which they work for the majority of their time at camp. In addition, Scouting in Europe normally operates on a coeducational basis, with males and females having the opportunity to be equally involved at all levels.
All participants in the European Camp Staff program must be between 18 and 30 years of age and must be volunteers registered with the Boy Scouts of America. To ensure that the experience is a worthwhile one, participants should be prepared to commit themselves to work for a minimum of six weeks. See information at the BSA’s International Department.
Personal note from Ken King, TFC International Representative: “My summer spent working with the European Camp Staff Programme was one of the best summers of my life—in Scouting or outside of it. This experience is highly recommended.”
 22nd World Scout Jamboree
The BSA web page with information on the next World Scout Jamboree has been recently updated. Simply Scouting, the 2011 World Scout Jamboree, will take place on the fields of Rinkaby, not far from the town of Kristianstad, in the province of Skåne, southern Sweden. Hosted by The Swedish Guide and Scout Council, the 22nd World Scout Jamboree will run from July 27-August 7, 2011. The purpose of the event is to bring together Boy Scouts, Venturers, leaders, and staff to share international friendship and adventure for personal growth and development.
The upcoming World Scout Jamboree in Rinkaby, Sweden, promises to be one of the best ever. With 40,000 Scouts expected to attend from six continents and more than 114 countries, it’s going to be a world-class event, one you can be a part of if you start planning now.
At Rinkaby, you will get to live and learn with fellow Scouts and leaders from around the world. You’ll be housed in tents along with the BSA contingent, but you’ll soon venture out to mingle with tens of thousands for two weeks of activities and adventure. That’s right, a world fellowship exercise on an enormous scale!
Visit the 2011 World Scout Jamboree website for more information.
Historic Bid for a World Scout Jamboree
BSA International Commissioner Jim Turley has announced that the BSA will team with Scouts Canada and the Scout Association of Mexico to bring the 2019 WSJ to the United States. This will be the first time since 1967 that a world jamboree has been held in the U.S. The 160 national Scout associations around the world will vote for the final selection of a jamboree site for 2019 at the World Scout Conference in 2011. In the meantime, Scouts Canada, the Scout Association of Mexico, and the BSA will move forward to ensure the selection of the site.
 International Events Database
There are a variety of international events that BSA scouts and venturers can take part in. The World Organization of the Scout Movement keeps a database of events taking place around the planet. Why not make your next adventure an international one?
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