Scouting began in England in 1907, based on the ideas of founder Robert S.S. Baden-Powell and his book Scouting for Boys. The book and program proved to have universal appeal 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 Scouting America’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.
Mission Statement
Promote International Scouting and encourage collaboration among cultures worldwide.
What is it we do?
- Support International Scouting through fundraising and donations to the World Friendship Fund
- Promote International Scouting events
- Bring international camp staff to our council camps for the summer
Join us for the monthly International Scouting Committee meeting. For more info email Rick Nygren. Also, see our Calendar.
To post relevant news, updates or events on this page, contact webmaster.
Patch Campaign
Every year we design and produce a patch to raise money for International Scouting. This year our proceeds are going to World Friendship Fund (WFF) and the Scouting associations in Taiwan and other countries to strengthen and extend their Scouting program after the devastating disasters. The patch is available for a suggested donation of $10 per patch. The patch will be mailed to in 2-3 weeks.
Past Patch Campaigns
See our list of sponsored international campaigns from 1995 to 2022
Events
Jamboree-on-the-Air / Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTA/JOTI)
SFFD Union Hall, San Francisco
United Methodist Church, El Sobrante
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) 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 (HAM) 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. Scouts will learn about amateur radio - what it is, how it works, types of equipment, and how to use it.
Scouts will have a chance to listen to and talk to other scouts and ham radio operators participating in Jamboree-on-the-Air. To sign up, Scouts must be 13 years or older by the day of the event. Join millions of Scouts from all around the world for an unforgettable digital and radio experience.
German National Jamboree 2026
Immenhausen, Germany
July 25 - August 9, 2026
Embark on an unforgettable international scouting adventure at the German National Jamboree. Hosted by the Bund der Pfadfinderinnen und Pfadfinder (BdP) in Immenhausen, Germany, this event offers an incredible opportunity for Scouts aged 12 and older to join 5,000 peers in a vibrant tent city.
Participants will experience authentic German scouting by living in traditional black tents (Jurten) and will be paired with a German host group. This ensures deep cultural exchange, unique activities, and the chance to build lasting international friendships.
If you, as an individual participant, troop, crew, ship, or group, are ready for this amazing journey, please add your name and information to our Google interest form to receive updates, participate in virtual meetings, and be notified when registration opens. This is a coed program. Both males and females are encouraged to add their information to the interest form. This is not a registration, and there is no fee for adding your name to the interest list.
26th World Scouting Jamboree 2027
Gdańsk, Poland
30th of July – 8th of August 2027
This Jamboree will be a historic event coinciding with the 120th anniversary of the Scout Movement, and bringing together tens of thousands of young people and volunteers from around the world. The Jamboree will be a unique opportunity to celebrate and experience the persity and unity of international Scouting, forge lifelong friendships, and engage in meaningful cultural exchanges.
The 26th World Scout Jamboree Site is located on Wyspa Sobieszewska within the borders of the city of Gdańsk, on the coast of the Baltic Sea in northern Poland. Gdańsk has 1,000 years of history and has been influenced by many cultures, religions, and events through the ages. It is the birthplace of the Solidarity Movement, which began as a labour union led by the later Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Wałęsa, and evolved into a protest movement that contributed to the fall of Communism in Poland and Eastern Europe.
Youth Participants must be between the ages of 14 and 17 at the time of the event(born after 30 July 2009 but not later than 30 July2013). Inpiduals older than 18 (born on or before 30 July 2009)can take part as International Service Team (IST) volunteers.
Adult volunteers and Contingent Management Team (CMT) members must be 18 or older(born on or before 30 July 2009)
World Organization of the Scouting Movement
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.
What Districts Can Do
Promote International Scouting during district Roundtables. Have GGAC International Committee representative present international scouting opportunities available to districts, units and individual scouts. To arrange International Committee visit to your district’s Roundtable email Rick Nygren.
Past Events
National Norwegian Jamboree 2025
July 5 – July 12, 2025 in Gjøvik, Norway
National Icelandic Jamboree 2024
July 12th – July 18th 2024 in Úlfljótsvatn, Iceland
International Symposium 2023
On December 11th, 2022 at Camp Herms Lodge:
-
Our GGAC IC Chair Roy Adam was hosting the event
-
Lou Paulson opened as the symposium’s Keynote Speaker
-
Mateusz Janik from Polish Scouting and Guiding Association (ZHP) presented on scouts helping ongoing Ukraine war refugee crisis – see ZHP for Ukraine. He also had an update on preparations for 26th World Jamboree in Poland in 2027. Follow the jamboree on Facebook. See Polish Scouting Association Facebook page and PDF.
-
Andy Lewis described current challenges for scouting in UK
-
Dave Shaw, Devin Sevilla and Rand Mahoney gave JOTA/JOTI update – more above
-
Deborah Gomez, Bahzad Izad and Dave Shaw reported on their visit to Swiss Jamboree – more below
-
Keith Blackey gave an update on challenges faced by scouting in Iraq and Afghanistan. RiP – you are missed. More info on Green Zone Council.
-
Djoko Adi Walujo presented on BP House Indonesia Museum – you can see video of BP House
National Swiss Jamboree 2023
-
The Swiss National Jamboree took place again for the first time in 14 years
-
From July 23rd to August 6th 2022
-
Goms in Valais welcomed 30,000 scouts for a week of fun and adventure
-
It was not a World Jamboree, yet it included contingents from US, UK, Austria, Czech republic and more
International Letter of Introduction
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 WOSM. It conveys no special privileges, including any entitlement to hospitality.
Note: Please send the completed copy to Golden Gate Area Council office for approval and we will forward it to the Scouting America International Department.
Scouting Awards
International Spirit Award
For Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA and older youth, and adult leaders, the International Spirit Award is worn as a temporary patch centered on the right uniform pocket. The award seeks to broaden knowledge of international Scouting and increase appreciation and awareness of different cultures and countries.
International Scouter's Award
To encourage Scouters to broaden their involvement in Scouting through participation in world Scouting activities and to recognize those Scouters for their contributions to world Scouting.
World Conservation Award
Scouts are eligible to receive the World Conservation Award after completing the requirements for the following merit badges: Environmental Science, Citizenship in the World, and either Soil and Water Conservation or Fish and Wildlife Management.
Return completed application to council office for authorization to purchase the badge from a Scout shop.
Interpreter Strip Award
To signify that a youth or adult member speaks a foreign language (one other than English)