International Spirit
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 Spirit Award (has replaced the old International Activities Award and International Youth Exchange Emblem as well; for historical reference)
- 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!
- Somewhat recently, the Association of Top Achieving Scouts was created, and very recently it was opened to Eagle Scouts in the US. Peter Armstrong is the Inter-America Chairman, and can be found at many International gatherings, including the Michigan International Camporee.
A great Cub Scout project is to learn more about different Scouts of their rank around the world. For example, the youngest Cubs in Canada are called Beavers, while in Australia they are called Joeys. Wolf Scouts in Mexico are known as Lobos. It’s a fun project to find other Scouts around the world, and then Skype with your den.
Similarly, while boys in the US strive to become an Eagle Scout, did you know that Korean Scouts work hard to become Tigers? ATAS595 has some great information related to the pinnacle of Scouting in many countries around the world.
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
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 traveling 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 traveling 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!
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