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 Partnership Award.

Scottish International Events Staged Activity Badge

Launched by Scottish Headquarters in August 2011, the purpose of this staged badge is to encourage interaction between Scottish Scouts and Scouts and communities from other countries.

This badge can be achieved by all Sections in Scotland and can be used to compliment other staged badged activies.

Read more and download the requirements from the right hand column on this page.

Badges are available directly from SHQ at a cost of 50p each.

Blair Atholl International Jamborette

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.

World Scout Jamborees

The 22nd World Scout Jamboree took place in Sweden in July 2011. A World Scout Jamboree is a gathering of Scouts from almost every country in the world, and is the "experience of a lifetime" for those lucky enough to take part.

The 23rd World Scout Jamboree will take place in Japan in the Summer of 2015 and has the theme "WA: A Spirit of Unity". WA (和) is a kanji character which means many different things including friendship, peace and cooperation.

Regional International Advisors

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.

More Information

To contact the SHQ Commissioner (International), email [email protected].