The mission of our International Committee is to promote interaction between our council’s Scouts and Scouts of other countries.

Since its founding in England by Sir Robert S.S. Baden-Powell in 1907, Scouting has spread to 169 countries becoming the largest voluntary youth movement in the world with more than 40 million members.

The Vision for Scouting, adopted at the 40th World Scout Conference in Ljubljana, Slovenia in 2014, is that by 2023 Scouting will be the world’s leading educational youth movement, enabling 100 million young people to be active citizens creating positive change in their communities and in the world based on shared values.

Upcoming Activities

• JOTI / JOTA – Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI) and Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) Scouts can chat with Scouts around the world via the Internet and on Ham radios! We’ll also Zoom with Scouting friends in India, Japan, Poland and more. Participants at all levels of Scouting can earn the JOTA-JOTI Patch. (More information provided below)
• Radio Transmitter Balloon Launch – Join in the countdown as we launch a small trackable balloon fitted with a WSPR transmitter into the jet stream! Follow it as it travels around the globe! Purchase chances to win prizes for the best guess of where the balloon will land with proceeds supporting the World Friendship Fund! Radio Call Sign is: KA5BSA!
• International Scouting Midway –Scouters and Scouts alike can check requirements of the International Spirit Award by visiting over 20 displays about how Scouting is Creating a Better World.
  • International Spirit Award & International Scouter Award – Learn about the International Spirit Award and International Spirit Award awards and work on some of the requirements.
  • Messengers of Peace – Learn about the new, expanded Messengers of Peace Award and participate in a MOP project related to SDG Goal #2 Zero Hunger and earn your Messengers of Peace Award!
  • SDG’s and Goal 2 Zero Hunger. Learn about the 17 SDG’s and particularly Goal 2 Zero Hunger and how you can make a difference.
  • Meet Emiri, Scout from Japan! Emiri will share her experiences Scouting in Japan and Zoom with her friends back home!
  • World Scout Jamboree 2027. The next WSJ will be held in Poland! International activities will be provided with Polish roots (ie food, games, flag, culture) so you can “Be Prepared!”
  • World Friendship Fund – Learn about the World Friendship Fund and purchase chances to win a prize for the balloon landing. All proceeds benefit the WFF!
  • International Peace Light – Learn about the International Peace Light Ceremony and eternal flame from Bethlehem and how to get the flame for your home or unit.
  • Friendship Knot – Learn how to tie the friendship neckerchief knot, then share it with your friends!
  • Interpreter Strip. Get tested on your knowledge of foreign languages including Spanish, Japanese and Hindi and earn your Interpreter Strip.
  • And much more! 
• Merit Badges – The following merit badges will be offered:
  • Friday, October 20th from 5:45 – 9:45 pm: Citizenship in the World, Sustainability and Radio.
  • Saturday, October 21st, 2:00 – 6:00 pm Environmental Science, Citizenship in the Nation and Scouting Heritage will be offered.

  Sign up for each one individually

General Schedule

Friday, October 20th

• 5:30 pm                      Flag Ceremony
• 5:45 pm – 9:45 pm
  • JOTI Walk-in
  • JOTA- Ham Radio
  • Merit Badge Courses (ie. Citizenship in the World, Sustainability and Radio)
  • Zoom with Scouts in other countries
• 6:30 pm                       Dinner: Indian Food
• 9:45 – 10:00 pm          Closing Ceremony

Saturday, October 21st

• 8:30 am                       Registration and check in
• 9:00 am                       Flag Ceremony (USA and Poland)
• 9:30 -11:30 am           JOTI and Zoom with International Scouts
• 9:30 -11:30 am           JOTA with Ham Radios
• 9:30 -11:30 am           International Spirit Award Midway
• 11:30 am                     Radio Transmitter Balloon Launch
• 12:00 pm                     Polish Lunch catered by Apolonia Catering
• 12:00 – 2:00 pm          JOTI and Zoom with International Scouts
• 12:00 – 2:00 pm          JOTA with Ham Radios
• 12:00 – 2:00 pm          International Spirit Award Midway
  • International Spirit Award
  • Messengers of Peace
  • SDG and Goal 2 Zero Hunger
  • World Scout Jamboree 2027
  • International Peace Light
  • Interpreter Strip
  • Friendship Knot
• 2:00 – 6:00 pm            Merit Badge Courses (ie. Citizenship in the Nation, Environmental Science and Scouting Heritage)

Jamboree On The Internet (JOTI)

Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI) is an annual Scouting event sponsored by the World Organization of the Scout Movement and is held the 3rd weekend of October. This event utilizes the internet and the numerous devices that are used to get online, from your home computer to iPad tablets to mobile phones, to link Scouts from around the world. Last year, JOTA-JOTI had over 1.5 million Scouts and leaders participate in more than 160 countries!

Scouts of any age can take part and can participate at home with the help of an adult, or they can participate in a Scout group at a council-wide event. JOTI is an economical way of communicating around the world. The event allows Scouts to “meet” other Scouts from around the world through the Internet and share more information than just “Hi.” The exchanges can include such information as name and location, Scout rank, age, and hobbies. Some exchanges lead to long-lasting friendships. JOTI participation can be used to help fulfill some of the Citizenship in the World or Digital Technology merit badge requirements!

Jamboree On The Air (JOTA)

Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) is an annual Scouting event that uses amateur radio to link Scouts around the world, around the nation, and in your own community. Held on the third full weekend of October each year, this worldwide jamboree requires no travel, other than to a nearby radio amateur’s ham shack. Many times the hams will agree to set up at a Scout event. There are many ways to get your Scouts involved in JOTA.

More at: jota.joti.info

Contacts

Lynn Brooks
International Representative
lobrooks@austin.rr.com

Jessica Snider
International Committee Staff Advisor
jessica.snider@scouting.org

Scholarship Program – The Capitol Area Council International Scouting Committee offers a scholarship program to introduce Scouts of all ages to the excitement of the World Scouting Program. The CAC International Scouting Scholarship program helps scouts in need of financial assistance with up to 50% of the total cost of the program fee. This scholarship ensures that every scout has the same opportunity in World Scouting. 

Here’s how to apply for The CAC International Scouting Scholarship program:

1. Click here to get the International Scouting Scholarship Application
2. Complete the application by filling in the PDF and saving it to your computer, or printing and filling by hand
3. Have your Scout write a Letter of Introduction (by hand or electronically)
4. Provide a Letter of Recommendation from someone over the age of 18 who know you well
5. Email the completed Campership assistance request form, Letter of Introduction, and Letter of Recommendation to jessica.snider@scouting.org, or in person at

Capitol Area Council, BSA
12500 North IH 35
Austin, Texas 78753

Please submit the application and all necessary documents together in one email or one shared folder. Allow 30 days to process your application and schedule the interview with the Scholarship Selection Committee.