International Activities

Most councils have an International Activities Committee.

Lee Kammerer of Lighthouse District is our International Activities Chairperson.

The purpose of this committee is to promote the brotherhood of Scouting around the world, and help Scouts and their families become more aware of opportunities for growth as they take their own place as global citizens! Here are some great places to get started with your own International Activities for your Pack, Troop or Crew!

• World Organization of the Scout Movement is the International Governing Body
• Jamboree of the Internet / Jamboree on the Air (JOTI / JOTA)
  - both take place the third weekend in October each year
  - this is the easiest way to meet Scouts from around the world, without leaving home!
• Jamboree of the Trail (JOTT)
  - takes place the second weekend in May
  - appropriate for all ages of Scouts
• International Activities Award Requirements for all Cub and Boy Scouts
  - each council sets their own standards for receiving this award
  - Potawatomi Council (Waukesha) Requirements as well
• International camping and events
  - there are many Scout Jamborees and Moots in both Canada and South America
  - Scouts Canada also offers a PDF of all Scout related campgrounds in Canada
  - Kandersteg International Scout Center in Switzerland is nestled in glaciers and includes downhill skiing!

Each Scout Association generally publishes their own magazine. Here in the US we have Boys Life and Scouting magazines. But check out these links from other associations!

• Scouting Magazine is published by the UK Scout Association
• Scouting Life Magazine is published by Scouts Canada
• Australian Scout Magazine is a publication of Scouts Victoria
• Scouting Ireland eZine, New Program News and Smack! are products of Scouting Ireland

Are you and your family planning to take a trip overseas our outside of the US? If so, consider applying for the BSA’s International Letter of Introduction. It is free, and takes about 3 weeks to order. On it you state your travel dates, and where you are travelling to.

The International Division of the BSA will send you back a passport sized certificate and an information sheet on Scouting programs in the countries you are travelling to. The certificate does not convey any special rights upon you or provide a guarantee of hospitality, but it does identify you as a representative of the Boy Scouts of America and serve as a wonderful memento of your trip! These certificates are suitable for framing, and you should get one every year!