Scouting Opportunities Internationally
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.
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 Division, 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.
World Scouting
The World Organization of the Scout Movement is a federation of more than 149 recognized national Scout organizations. The Boy Scouts of America is represented in world contacts and developments by the international commissioner. The international efforts of the BSA are supported by the International Committee, one of the operating committees of the National Executive Board, and the staff of the International Division at the national office.
World Scout Jamboree - Sweden 2011
The 22nd World Scout Jamboree will be in Sweden from July 27, 2011 to August 7, 2011. Make your plans know to attend an incredible scouting experience. Scouts and Venturers must be between the ages of 14 and 17 on July 27, 2011. Specifically, those born between July 25, 1993, and July 27, 1997, may take part. Age requirements are set by the World Scout Committee and are not negotiable.
Registration and payment of fees will be done online through My Scouting. The Web page email address is www.scouting.org /worldjamboree. The cost of participation is:
Adult Leader and Youth Participant - $3,525 plus $10 non-refundable application fee.
International service team: ages 18 – 25, - $1,750 plus $10 non-refundable application fee.
International Service team: ages 26 and up, -$1,950 plus $10 non-refundable application fee.
For additional information or questions contact Mike Pazdernik at or at 714-581-6312 or Sarah Johnson at 715-359-0610 or
Once every four years, adolescent Scouts from all around the world gather together for two weeks of activities and adventures. Building a tent city that stretches for hectares across the fields, the Jamboree brings tens of thousands of young people together.
The World Scout Jamboree is an educational event, where Scouts learn together about themes relevant to their participation in modern society. They can experience multiculturalism in action, and learn about how they, themselves, can have an impact on their world. At the 21st World Scout Jamboree held in the United Kingdom in July 2007, there were youth representatives from 156 countries.
The World Scout Jamboree gathers young people together and builds solidarity and understanding across cultural and geographic boundaries. A special fund supports representatives from countries with lower GNPs. This is a peace building exercise on a very large scale.
The World Scout Jamboree truly is a once in a lifetime experience: for participants, for the staff, and even for the visitors who come to see the camp in action.
The Close ties between Scouting and Rotary International [as well as local Rotary Clubs]
BSA Chief Scout Addresses RI Convention
Bob Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America, has been invited to give a keynote address at the 2010 Rotary International Conference taking place in Montreal on Wednesday, June 23. Mazzuca’s speech will be entitled “Boy Scouts of America and Rotary International: Sharing a mission of leadership,” and will examine Scouting’s long and treasured history with the Rotary and the importance of the relationship as the BSA looks ahead to its next century.
He’ll also use the opportunity to highlight how Scouting organizations around the world have made a lasting difference in communities and in the lives of young people because of their ability to work together to advance the greater good.
The Chief’s appearance before Rotary International is particularly timely, since Rotary is celebrating its 100th year in Canada the same year Scouting is celebrating 100 years of service to youth in America.
Bob Mazzuca will be joined by Scouts Canada and, by proxy, Scouts Mexico, in announcing a trilateral North American bid to bring the 2019 World Scout Jamboree to the BSA’s new National Scouting Center in West Virginia. A decision on the 2019 World Jamboree site in expected in January 2011. During the evening, a short program will provide an overview of this historical effort by BSA, Scouts Canada and Scouts Mexico to bring this global Scouting event to North America.
RI President Kenny Active Scouter
Rotary International President John Kenny of Scotland was one of the founders of the International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians in 1991. He became the second World Chairman of the Fellowship in 1996. Under his leadership, membership in the fellowship doubled and expanded to 18 countries, including: Australia, New Zealand, Africa, South America, the Philippines, Thailand, Japan and the Mediterranean areas.
RI President Nominee Ray Klinginsmith
Rotary International President Elect Ray Klinginsmith, who will become the Rotary International President for 2010-11 has a long history with Rotary and Scouting. He has been a Rotarian since 1961. He is a former member of the Executive Board of the Great River Council in Columbia, MO, USA. Ray was presented the Silver Beaver Award for Distinguished Service to youth by his home Boy Scout Council.
24th World Jamboree 2019
Seems so far away, but BSA, Scouting Canada and Mexico are combining efforts to bid for the 2019 World Jamboree in the hopes of having it at the new BSA Jamboree site in West Virginia. Let’s all pull together to make it happen.
- The 22nd World Jamboree will be held July 27 – August 7, 2011 near Kristiansand, Sweden.
- The 23rd World Jamboree in Japan in 2015 with the theme: “Wa – Spirit of Unity”.
More details as they become available will be at http://scout.org/; click on the links to the World Jamborees including reports from the 21st World Jamboree held in England at the ‘home of Scouting’.
Questions & More Information
Questions about international Scouting opportunties can be directed to represenative Dick Judy (715-252-9660 or ) or the council Scout Center.
