International

Scouting is currently active in 216 countries and territories with a global membership of over 28 million worldwide and offers lots of opportunities for young people to travel abroad, meet people from other countries and learn about the wider world.

International Scouting has always been actively encouraged in Scotland from Scouts/Explorer Scouts attending Jamborees to visits abroad, home hospitality for foreign visitors, international evenings and Explorer Belt expeditions for Network and Explorer Scouts.

All Sections of the movement can participate in international activities. There are specific 'Global challenges' for the Beaver, Cub Scout and Scout Sections, while Explorer Scouts and Scout Network have specific international items as part of their awards. They also have the opportunity to participate in an Explorer Belt Expedition and the International Friendship Partnership Award.

The Scout Association in Scotland also holds an International Camp every two years at Blair Atholl, where Scottish and foreign Scouts join together for a unique international Scouting experience. The Jamborette gives young people the opportunity to live and work together, build international friendships, and to take part in a wide variety of adventurous activities. For more details, visit the Blair Atholl International Jamboree website.

The 22nd World Scout Jamboree will take place in Sweden in July 2011. A World Scout Jamboree is a gathering of Scouts from almost every country in the world, and it really will be the "experience of a lifetime" for those lucky enough to take part. Watch the promotional video below to get a flavour of what the World Jamboree is all about...

Promotional video from Worldscoutjamboree 2011 on Vimeo.

If you are planning to take young people abroad, be it a day trip to Disneyland Paris, an Explorer Belt expedition in Poland or a challenging expedition in USA, you will need to obtain a Visit Abroad pack, which are available from our Regional International Advisers. The pack is full of useful planning information, overseas Scouting contacts, insurance requirements and more. Last year a huge contingent from Scotland headed to the Bla Sommer Jamboree in Denmark, but for those who didn't go, the whole world is waiting out there – get global!

In 2009, Scottish Scouting embarked on an appeal to help Scouting in Malawi. The aim is to help more young people in Malawi experience the adventure of Scouting and indeed simply to allow the Movement there to continue. Visit the Scottish Scouts Malawi Appeal page for more details on the appeal, what is needed and how you can get involved.

To contact Lenny Jamieson, SHQ International Adviser, email international@scouts-scotland.org.uk.