Scouting began in England in 1907, based on the ideas of founder Sir Robert S.S. Baden-Powell and his book Scouting for Boys. The book and program proved to have universal appeal for boys and quickly spread worldwide. The Scouting program spread around the world until it became what it is now—the largest voluntary youth movement in the world, with a membership of more than 40 million. A member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, the Boy Scouts of America was incorporated on February 8, 1910, by W.D. Boyce.
Through the BSA’s International Department, American Scouts and international Scouts are provided a common resource of programs, funding, and training that increases and enhances their experience in the brotherhood of Scouting.
What do we do?
Join us for the monthly International Scouting Committee meeting. Enjoy a great dinner and find out what is going on in the world with Scouting. Held typically on the 4th Monday of the month at Cafe Europa in Moraga, but currently we are meeting monthly online. For more info email Roy Adam. Also, see our Calendar.
International Symposium 2022
When December 11th 2022 – 9 AM to 4:30 PM
Where Camp Herms – 1100 James Pl, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Cost $40 – includes snacks, lunch and patch either from Poland or Tonga patch campaign (mailed after the event)
MEET International Committees members and the world to share International
Scouting experience, to learn about other Scouting organization from other countries,
JOTA/JOTI experience.
Lunch will be provided – Indonesian, Swiss, Japanese dishes will be offered with Polish desert to follow.
Featuring speakers
Turn your creative talents into a patch creation that will help our council support Scouting around the world! Every year we create a patch to help with our fundraising for Scouting in one or more of the 172 countries that are part of WOSM (World Organization of the Scout Movement). This year we have two very worthy causes.
Please click on the link below for the 2022 Patch Design Competition details and rules. Designs are due June 13. Also, check out our patch designs from previous years listed below. Good luck to all!
Imagine if there were a global organization made up of 54 million young people, and each one of them was committed to making the world a better place through their actions and attitudes. It’s World Scouting, and it’s making a difference through 171 National Scout Organizations around the globe. Learn More
Program Ideas for Bringing World Scouting to Units
Not every Scout can attend a World Jamboree, but every Scout can experience World Scouting in their home unit. This guide is intended to give unit leaders ideas on how to incorporate World Scouting experiences into their program, ranging from activities to do at a unit meeting, to international travel opportunities. Unit Guide
International Scouting Committee’s 2020/2021 Patch
Every year we design and produce a patch to raise money for International Scouting. This year we are contributing our profits to World Friendship Fund (WFF) and to help Scouting associations in Australia and other countries to strengthen and extend their Scouting programs after the devastating fires. The patch is available for a suggested donation of $10 per patch. The patch will be mailed to in 2-3 weeks.
Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) 2022 and Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI) are annual events in which Scouts and Guides all over the world speak to each other by means of amateur radio or via the Internet. Scouting experiences are exchanged and ideas are shared, via the radio waves. Each year about half-a-million Scouts and Guides “get together” over the airwaves for the annual JOTA.
All scouts will learn about amateur radio – what it is, how it works, types of equipment, and how to use it. Scouts will have an opportunity practice 2-way radio communications using UHF radios, and will have a chance to listen to and talk to other scouts and ham radio operators participating in Jamboree-on-the-Air.
For more information contact Dave Shaw.
Video introduction to JOTA-JOTI
Scouting Magazine article on JOTA-JOTI
JOTA/JOTI Date: Saturday, October 15, 2022.
Location: At Pacificon, San Ramon Marriott; 2600 Bishop Dr, San Ramon, CA
The 25th World Scout Jamboree 2023 – South Korea
August 1-12, 2023 (REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED)
World Scout Jamboree is a worldwide youth camp held every four years with the aim of cultural exchange and building friendship. It is the world’s leading international youth event with more than 50,000 teenagers from 169 countries.
Video: https://youtu.be/SqHYiMAva9s
Website: http://www.2023wsjkorea.org/ (note: click on English on the upper right)
To see our entire list of sponsored international campaigns from 1995 to 2008 click HERE or on the graphic.
Click HERE for the current quarterly edition of the International Newsletter from BSA.
The International Letter of Introduction (ILI) is recognized by members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) as the standard form of introduction of a Scout or leader when travelling internationally. The letter’s sole purpose is to establish the identity of the bearer, and to entitle him or her to be welcomed as a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). It conveys no special privileges, including any entitlement to hospitality.
Click HERE for the ILI form.
Note: Please send the completed copy to your local council (MDSC) for approval and we will forward it to the BSA International Department.
The BSA International Department works 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.
For more info: https://scouting.org/international/
There are 2 main ways that Scouts in the BSA can participate in Scouting events outside of the USA:
1. Join a BSA National Contingent to an upcoming World or International Region Sponsored Event outside of the USA.
2. Attend an International Scouting event that does not have a National Contingent with your Troop or Crew outside of the USA
Upcoming International Scouting Events with BSA Contingents
https://www.scouting.org/international/events/
© 2023 All rights reserved, Golden Gate Area Council, BSA
First, try to connect the Scout and counselor in Scoutbook. If that is successful, the counselor is registered and qualified. If unsuccessful, go to the counselor’s home council and search for their Advancement Administrators. Most will have an email address for either the Council Advancement Committee or Professional Advisor. Send an email asking if the counselor has been registered and qualified for the merit badge(s) in question and the status of their Youth Protection Training. Ask California councils if the counselor has completed AB506 training and LiveScan. The unit leader’s “blue card” signature verifies their counselor credentials verification.
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Order of the Arrow
