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.
2009 JOTA & JOTI
Get Ready for the 2009 Jamboree-on-the-Air and the Jamboree-on-the-Internet, October 17-18, 2009
Please see the International Department website, www.scouting.org/international, for a view of the new Jamboree-on-the-Air patch as well as the separate Jamboree-on-the-Internet patch. Just click on the specific program in the What’s New box for more information on how to participate and order the patches and cards. Patches for both programs are $4 each and cards are free and will be available August 1. We accept all major credit cards and have included a credit card form to this email for use when purchasing patches. The form can be emailed or faxed.
The International Department will also have a JOTA/JOTI Extravaganza at the National Scouting Museum, Irving, Texas, on Saturday, October 17, 2009, from 9am to 4pm. We plan to have local Scouts, Scouters, and ham radio operators present at the event. Bob Mazzuca, the Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America, has also been invited to stop by. We will offer free admission to the museum, free lunch, and a commemorative patch for all who attend that day. If you can’t make it, tune into K2BSA and say hi!
JOTA & JOTI Patch Order Form
World Scout Jamboree - Sweden 2011
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.
Aimed at 14 to 17 year olds, participants attend the event in Contingents – one from each country where there are Scouts recognised by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM). 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.
Questions & More Information
Questions about international Scouting opportunties can be directed to represenative Dick Judy (715-252-9660 or ) or the council Scout Center.
