Program Enrichment
Cultural Exchange
International Scouting experience for youth
Bring new dimension to your program
Exposes campers to customs, cultures, and Scouting programs of other countries
Invitation is sent to Scout associations
Scout associations promote and recruit
Prospective counselors fill out application and Scout associations certify applicants
International Department makes assignments based on skill set and availability of counselor and skill request and camp dates of council
Counselors are between 18 and 30 years of age
Both male and females may apply
Some counselors, but not all, speak fluent English
How to apply – must have an International Representative Reviewing/Accepting assigned counselor – timeliness Contact prospective counselor Arrival procedures and problems – ALWAYS CONTACT US!
Focus assignments on International Scouting theme International Days World Friendship Campfires (with World Friendship Fund
collections) Assist with the Citizenship in the World merit badge General visits to individual troops in camp
Camp Commissioner
Program Area instructors- Scoutcraft, Shooting Sports, Aquatics, etc. (cannot hold any camp staff position for which National Camping School training is mandatory)
Roving assignments
International counselors cannot be:
Intended for staffing purposes◦ Their position is principally one of cultural
exchange
Assigned to office work, kitchen staff, custodial jobs, or menial labor◦ The U.S. State Department prohibits
assignment of International counselors to these types of positions
What responsibility does the counselor have to their association?
What responsibility does the counselor have to your council?
What BSA provides
How counselors apply for visa
Length of visa
Problems encountered acquiring visa
Council Fee◦ $435 per counselor
Insurance◦ Covered in council fee
Social Security
Payment of Salary
Salary Deductions
What to do
What not to do
Council must be prepared to provide counselor with pre-camp and/or post-camp hosting.
Recommend hospitality for a few days immediately after arrival
Can be provided by Scout families or fellow camp staff members
Make arrangements in advance
Touring is allowed◦ U.S. government allows a 30-day grace period
after completion of employment
◦ Must depart U.S. no more than 30 days after leaving camp Non-compliance could result in jeopardizing further
entry into U.S.
As soon as the counselor arrives Problems that occur Counselor is unable to do
job as needed Camp has concern about
counselor When in doubt, please call!
We are happy to help!
Evaluation reports are sent to camp contacts regarding their international counselor
Evaluation reports are sent to counselors regarding their camp experience
Both reports are due to the International Department by September 1
Something totally different…
Develop leadership skills
Encourage intercultural learning
Not like your typical American Camp
Participants are assigned a variety of tasks
Most European Scouting is co-educational throughout
American Scouting volunteers
Age 18 to 30
Able to commit as a volunteer for a minimum of six weeks
Interested applicant reviews the available Scout centers on the European Scout Voluntary Programme (ESVP) website
Once they have decided on several Scout centers where they would like to work, the applicant fills out an ECSP application via the International Department website (they are not to apply on the ESVP website)
The completed application must have local council approval and is sent to the International Department for final approval
Sent to European Region
Forwarded to Scout Centers for review and selection
When placed with a camp, participants are contacted directly by the Scout centers
Participants get room and board
Participants receive a minimum of 30% travel reimbursement from the European Region while at the Scout center
Accident & Sickness Insurance from the BSA
Staff Opportunities
In March 2009, the Suncheon Asia-Pacific Scout Center began offering programs in English based on the Scout method of "learning by doing" - a hands-on experiential learning process in the outdoors through young leaders from the National Scout Organizations.
Korean youth may learn real-life, everyday spoken English and global leadership through various outdoor hands-on programs, weekly English camp programs, and seasonal experiential programs.
At the same time, staff member may learn about Korea's rich history, culture, and tradition as well as share the brotherhood of Scouting with participants and visitors
Applicants must be a registered member of the BSA
All members of Staff must be at least 18 years old on the day they arrive in Suncheon, be currently enrolled or have graduated from a university, and be less than 30 years old.
Available for at least 12 weeks Able to use and teach the Scout method and
introduce your country's culture Able to live by the culture and laws of Korea
-Furnished accommodations and meals-Full accident insurance coverage-One day off per week-Staff field trip to nearby cultural sites at the end of the term-Basic toiletries-Living allowance of $400 per month-BSA volunteers receive a $600 travel fund
The staff working periods are based on three-month terms and may be extended up to a year
Contact the International Department for an application
Send completed application to the International Department for approval
Staff is responsible for arranging own travel to and from Korea
Applicants will be informed by Suncheon whether they are accepted or not