International Scouting
A blog written by Steven MacLennan, Lead Volunteer for International
It’s been a fantastic summer for International Scouting, we’ve had a tremendous number of Scottish Scouts going on trips abroad but also had a wide variety of international guests who have visited Scotland and been supported by Scottish Groups, Districts and Regions. Scottish Scout groups have been busy sharing our unique culture ensuring Bagpipes, Irn Bru and Haggis have been on offer whether they have been taking part/running activities or exploring a huge number of countries. Across Europe, we had members visit Denmark, Switzerland Netherlands, Portugal, Germany, France, Poland, Norway and Estonia. Not forgetting the hundreds of young people who have been at Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC).
Check out the 46th – Cowdenbeath (Rosyth District) – sporting the New Scouts Scotland International Neckie/Necker on their visit abroad (left image). Also, check out the 1st Forres Nelson Explorers visiting KISC with their international Neckies/Neckers (right image)
Ceud Mìle Fàilte – ‘one hundred thousand welcomes’
Greenock & District Scouts and the 5th Greenock & District Scout Group extended the warm hand of Scouting to a group of German Scouts at their Everton campsite over the summer. The German Scouts were in Scotland to complete their Explorer Belt but due to the weather sought the use of Everton campsite to dry out camping equipment and re-charge before flying home.
Local leaders and Network members rose to the opportunity of having international Scouts based at their campsite and ran a Scottish programme of games and the essential experience of some Ceilidh dancing and a Burns Supper.
Blair Atholl
This year our Blair Atholl International Patrol Jamborette had 11 Countries represented. Explorer Scout Ross attended the Blair Atholl International Patrol Jamborette and had this to say:
Blair Atholl embodied the true scouting experience for me. I made the most amazing friends from all over the world to just down the street that I feel could last a lifetime. As well as this, the amazing activities made the experience one of the most fun and exciting episodes of my Scouting experience. Blair Atholl is a truly one of a kind event, and I can not wait to return as an adult to help the next generation of explorers experience the wonder that is Blair Atholl Jamborette.
Roverway
Iain spoke to us about how much of a brilliant time he had at Roverway this year.
I’m Iain, a Scout Network member and Cub leader in the Scottish Borders. I attended Roverway 2024 as my first international camp abroad. I was selected to go to European Jamboree 2020 in Poland but wasn’t able to due to Covid, so I was very happy to be given another opportunity to take part in an international Scouting event as a participant. Some of my favourite experiences from Roverway have been making new international friends from a variety of countries, some of whom we met and took part in activities with during the path section of the camp, and some who we met during the main camp in Stavanger. Through these new international friends, we got to take part in and learn about various aspects of their cultures, including dances, songs, games, food and language. As a Scottish Scout I greatly enjoyed sharing our culture with other Scouts. We chatted about where we come from and our Scout groups and events such as Blair Atholl International Patrol Jamborette, about our food and drink, and we all took part in running a ceilidh for over 100 Scouts from many different countries. I really enjoyed being at Roverway and hope to take part in more international events (probably as staff) in the future.
New Team
I would like to introduce two new members to the Scouts Scotland International Team:
George Walker – Lead for International Events
James Maclean – Lead for International Support
As always, it’s vitally important that our visits abroad are safe, well managed and most importantly fun, and that all members (individuals, Sections, Groups, Districts & Regions) undertake The Visits Abroad Process when going on a visit abroad. There is a Regional Advisor in place in all Scottish Regions that can support the Visits Abroad process and they should be your first contact when planning an international trip as your first step.
We know travelling brings to life our Skills for Life strategy. Whether that’s Explorers and Networkers completing their Explorer Belt and undertaking their project and challenges, or whether it’s attendance at an international event. There is nothing quite as unique or challenging as a visit abroad and I’m always happy to hear from members who are planning or have been on a trip.
P.S Don’t forget that if going on a visit abroad you can also purchase the new Scouts Scotland International Necker to represent whilst you are away.
Training Events
The International Team will be running two online teams calls regarding Visits Abroad Process –
- Visits Abroad Process: Leaders – November 14th, 19:30pm – 20:30pm
- Visits Abroad Process: Regional and District Lead Volunteers – November 28th, 19:30pm – 20:30pm
Future Events to Get Involved
JOTA-JOTI 2024 | Scouts for a Greener World (jotajoti.info) – the world’s largest digital and radio Scout event promoting friendship and global citizenship from 18 to 20 October 2024
