International Scouting

Scouting is happening all around the world – there are National Scout Organizations representing their home countries and delivering the promise of Scouting in virtually all areas and regions globally. The BSA International Department and the SHAC International Committee work to help Scouts and leaders from the BSA to experience the bigger picture of Scouting and connect with it through our involvement in the World Organization of the Scout Movement.

Upcoming Events         Awards         Resources         Contacts     

Upcoming International Events

International Scouting offers a world of opportunity. Whether you’re looking for an international adventure or want to find out more about how to hold an international event in your council, contact Dave Shelburne.

Jamboree On The Internet (JOTI)

JOTI is held the third weekend in October, and is an event that provides the opportunity for Scouts to talk or email other Scouts all over the world. JOTI a lot of fun, and participation is one of the requirements to earn the International Spirit Award. Imagine emailing a Scout in Australia, or saying Hola! to a Cub Scout in Spain! 

Learn More       JOTI 

Jamboree On The Air (JOTA)

Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) is an annual Scouting event that uses amateur radio to link Scouts around the world, around the nation, and in your own community. Held on the third full weekend of October each year, this worldwide jamboree requires no travel, other than to a nearby radio amateur’s ham shack. Many times the hams will agree to set up at a Scout event. There are many ways to get your Scouts involved in JOTA.

JOTA      

Awards

The International Spirit Award is for youth and adult leaders who award seeks to broaden knowledge of international Scouting and increase appreciation and awareness of different cultures and countries.

The International Scouter's Award encourages Scouters to broaden their involvement in Scouting through participation in world Scouting activities and recognizes Scouters for their contributions to world Scouting.

The Messengers of Peace Award is to recognize Scouts and Scouters who participate in a Messengers of Peace project (service project). A global service project program carried out by Scouts throughout the world. This prestigious "MoP Ring Patch" is earned by completing a service project that meets the criteria. 

The World Conservation Award is to encourage all youth members to think globally and act locally to preserve and improve our environment. Involves advancement and project work and can be earned by Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA and Venturers.

The World Crest is an emblem of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, and may be worn by all registered youth members and adult leaders as a symbol of their membership in a worldwide Scouting brotherhood. A small amount from the sale of each emblem is sent to the World Scout Foundation to help extend Scouting in developing nations throughout the world. This adds an opportunity for each Scout to personally share indirectly in the activities of brother Scouts in other lands. The emblem is worn as a permanent patch centered horizontally over the left pocket and vertically between the left shoulder seam and the top of the pocket.      

Interpreter strips may be worn by Scouts and Scouters who can carry on a conversation in a foreign language or in sign language, write a letter in the foreign language (not required for signing), and translate orally and in writing from one language to another.

Resources

  • Messengers of Peace is a global initiative designed to inspire millions of young men and women in more than 220 countries and territories to work toward peace. Using state-of-the-art social media, the initiative lets Scouts from around the world share what they’ve done and inspire fellow Scouts to undertake similar efforts in their own communities. .
  • World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) is a federation of more than 160 recognized national Scout organizations.
  • BSA's International website
  • BSA Resources 

SHAC International Committee

SHAC International Committee

The international committee relies heavily on a very dynamic, dedicated, and diverse group of volunteers to bring a truly international flavor to the Scouts in the greater Houston area and to the surrounding councils. Everyone has something to contribute to the group's diversity. The international committee is always looking for more people interested in expanding their knowledge about a culture other than their own. Whether you have an international experience to share, or simply want to learn more about international Scouting, find the international committee on Facebook.

Committee Focus

The focus of the international committee is to raise awareness for the worldwide brotherhood of Scouting through:

  • Unit activities
  • Presentations and displays at council and district events
  • Facilitating contacts with foreign Scouts and Scouters
  • Broadcasting information on international Scouting happenings
  • Offering support and resources for SHAC Scouts and Scouters who are interested in participating in International Scouting.

Practical Ideas

Here is a list of activities that packs or troops can do to become more aware of international Scouting:

  1. Make sure all Scouts and Scouters wear the World Crest in the right position on their uniform to show their membership in the world Scouting family.
  2. Encourage Scouts and Scouters to participate in the International Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI) and Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) during the third weekend of October.
  3. Find out about Messengers of Peace and initiate a project.
  4. Work on the World Conservation Award. Find out about a conservation project in another country and help the Scouts of that country (e.g., turtle project).
  5. Hold an international night and learn about Scouting in another country.  Ask parents in the unit from another country to help.
  6. Learn about Baden Powell and the history of Scouting.
  7. Find out if there is an exchange student at the local high school who has been a Scout in his or her country. Ask them to share some Scouting experiences with your unit. Check with your local ROTARY club.
  8. Establish a Scout pen-pal relationship with Scouts in a different country.
  9. Promote the World Scout Jamboree held every four years.
  10. Take up a unit collection for the World Friendship Fund.
  11. Host one or more visiting international Scouts
  12. Attend international encampments in Europe, Asia, Australia, and Central/South America.
  13. Earn the International Spirit Award.

    Contacts

Council International Committee Chair Craig McPhie cwmcphie@sbcglobal.net
International Committee Vice Chair Brigitte Therivel therivel@earthlink.net
International Committee Representative Dave Shelburne dvshel@sbcglobal.net
Professional Staff Advisor Brendan Cronin brendan.cronin@scouting.org