This summer, two local Scouters from the Heart of America Council traveled across the globe to join the US Contingent in South Africa for the 2nd Africa Scout Moot. Gathering at Arrowe Park on the outskirts of Johannesburg, the US delegation teamed up with Scouts/Rovers from over thirty countries across five continents for an unforgettable week of fellowship, service, and adventure.
“The Moot led to a greater appreciation for Scouting internationally and especially for the people. I am so excited to see where else Scouting may take me,” said Lizzie Boyce—an Eagle Scout from Troop 6091 in Prairie Village, Kansas and senior at Kansas State University.
Lizzie Boyce represents the USA during the parade of flags
What Makes a Moot Unique?
While similar in scale to a World Scout Jamboree, a Moot is designed specifically for young adults aged 18 to 25. Instead of remaining with their home units, these Scouts/Rovers are integrated into international patrols. For the entire week, they camp, cook, and travel side by side with peers from around the globe. Our US Contingent forged bonds with Scouts from Mauritius, Angola, South Africa, Scotland, and beyond.
A signature element of the Moot experience is the overnight patrol adventure. Participants had a choice of different cultural, physical, and adventure activities that included: the “Gig Adventure”, rowing 12 kilometers in a traditional South African boat across the Vaal Dam.
Other patrols explored the Sterkfontein Caves. Known as the “Cradle of Humankind,” the naturally-forming Sterkfontein Caves house a treasure trove of early hominid fossils, making it one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world.
Living "Ubuntu": Service and Shared History
Scouting naturally mirrors the southern African philosophy of Ubuntu—the fundamental interconnectedness of all people. Participants put this principle into practice by crafting sustainable "eco-bricks" out of collected plastic waste, providing low-cost building materials for local classrooms.
Participants also visited the historic township of Soweto, gaining firsthand insight into South Africa’s Apartheid history and the ongoing journey towards peace.
Back on site at Arrowe Park, the grounds buzzed with activity. Patrols tackled pioneering projects, water sports, robotics, amateur radio, and music. Working through language barriers and cultural differences to complete challenges proved once again that teamwork is a universal language.
No international gathering wraps up without International Day, a vibrant celebration where contingents share their heritage.
“Sharing cultures was a major highlight,” said Lizzie. “There’s dancing and everyone got to showcase their outfits, their uniforms, their food, their cultures, their attire, and jewelry.”
Behind the scenes, more than 100 International Service Team members kept the operations running seamlessly. US IST members managed registration logistics, cooked and served meals, supported production for the opening and closing ceremonies, and served as frontline advisors to the international patrols.
That included Tom Pistorius the current COR of Troop 6091 in Prairie Village, Kansas who also served as advisor and attended as a member of the International Service Team.
A Global Perspective That Lasts
The true impact of an international Moot extends well beyond the campsite.
Reflecting on the journey, “I definitely learned that there’s unity in being a Scout, no matter what language you speak or where you’re from, that connection is there throughout the whole program," said Lizzie.
For adult leaders and staff, the event offered equally meaningful growth. The Moot “was a big confidence booster” said one advisor. “I was able to work with the young people and effectively guide them despite cultural differences and language barriers.”
That global kinship is precisely why international Scouting remains one of the most effective tools for keeping young adults and volunteers engaged. As one participant summed up: “Going to this Moot truly inspires me to go home and make a difference.”
International Scouting events take place every year, with opportunities available for individual participants, local units, and full national contingents. Start planning ahead for upcoming milestones, including the World Scout Moot in Taiwan (2029) and the Interamerican Scout Moot in Colombia (2030).
To learn more about upcoming global events, visit Scouting.org/international or reach out directly to your council’s International Representative.