 | Council Committee on INTERNATIONAL SCOUTING |
Scouting is truly international. The Boy Scouts of America is part of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) which recognizes Scouting programs in at least 216 countries. Scouting is literally a world-wide program. Heart of America Council Scouts have many opportunities to participate in international activities and events with Scouts from other countries, bridging differences in language, cultures and politics, and helping fulfill Lord Baden-Powell's dream of international friendship.
The goal of the International Scouting Committee is to help Heart of America Scouts participate in these events. World Jamborees, national jamborees in many countries, camp staff exchanges, troop and Venturer high adventure trips, Citizenship in the World MB, Jamboree on the Internet, Kandersteg, and many more programs offer a gateway to International Scouting opportunities. This committee will provide information, contacts, program guidance and assistance, and resources to help both units and individuals interested in an International Scouting experience.
International Events
The Heart of America Coucil will be sending contingents to two major international events:
Other International Opportunities
- KANDERSTEG is the International Scouting High Adventure base in Switzerland, open to Scout units from around the world
- Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) and Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI)
- The European Camp Staff Program offers young leaders from the BSA an opportunity to learn more about Scouting in European countries while working at one of their Scout centers. Participants must be between 18 and 30 years of age and be registered with the BSA. Contact the BSA International Division for applications.
Want to visit Gilwell Park?
Visit the Gilwell Park website and register as an official Group 1 member. This site has all the details on where Gilwell is located, along with driving directions, photos of the White House, and more! You can see where the BSA Buffalo is nestled, across from the new "Purple Rose Garden" and can also check out the history of Gilwell Park.
Plan a trip to Gilwell if you are going to London, and stay in the historical White House with Scouting's premier artist, Ernest Carlo's paintings surrounding you. Plan on visiting the Group 1 Room and enjoy refreshments among your Scouting Wood Badge Troop 1 friends. For more details contact Tom Johnson.
Council International Scouting Award
Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturer Scouts and adult leaders can now earn the HOAC International Scouting Award. Requirements are specific to the age group. Requirements include learning about the Scouting program in another country and communicating with a pen pal from that country. Requirements will be posted on this web site and will be available at the Council office starting in May.
Friendship Knots
Click here for Friendship Knot Instructions
Council Support for International Scouting
To contact the International Scouting Committee for assistance or information about any International Scouting activity, please send us an e-mail.