World Scouting

The World Organization of the Scout Movement is a federation of more than 160 recognized national Scout organizations. It is composed of three parts listed below:

The Boy Scouts of America is represented in world contacts and developments by the international commissioner. The international efforts of the BSA are supported by the International Committee, one of the operating committees of the National Executive Board, and the staff of the International Department at the national office.

 

 

The World Scout Conference is the general assembly of Scouting and is composed of six delegates from each of the 161 member Scout associations. The basis for recognition and membership in the WSC includes adherence to the aims and principles of world Scouting and independence from political involvement on the part of each member association. The Boy Scouts of America is a charter member and active participant. The conference meets every three years. The BSA has hosted it twice.

 

 

The World Scout Committee is the executive body of the conference that represents the conference between regular meetings of the full conference. There are 12 members of the committee, elected without regard to nationality for a six-year term

 

 

The World Scout Bureau is the secretariat that carries out the instructions of the World Scout Conference and the World Scout Committee. The World Scout Bureau office is in Geneva, Switzerland, with regional offices in six areas around the world: Africa Region (Nairobi, Kenya), Arab Region (Cairo, Egypt), Asia-Pacific Region (Manila, Philippines), European Region (Geneva, Switzerland), Inter-American Region (Panama City, Panama), and Eurasia Region (Yalta-Gurzuj, Ukraine). The small bureau staff helps associations improve and broaden their Scouting by training professionals and volunteers, establishing sound financial policies and money-raising techniques, improving community facilities and procedures, and assisting in marshaling the national resources of each country behind Scouting. The staff also helps arrange global events such as world jamborees, encourages regional events, and acts as a liaison between the Scouting movement and other international organizations. A major effort in the emerging nations is the extension of the universal Good Turn into an organization wide effort for community development.

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