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Volunteering at Scouts is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing at Scouts. Read more

Discover what this means

Volunteering abroad

Learn about the Voluntary opportunities overseas.

Volunteering in another country can be a life-changing experience for you to meet new people, develop new skills and experience living in a different culture.

You will need to link up with your ACC (I) to complete your visit abroad process if you are volunteering as a member of The Scout Association:

  • as an adult volunteer
  • as a youth member as part of a visit abroad
  • as a youth member completing part of your Queens Scout Award or Scouts of the World Award

There are many opportunities both in and outside of Scouting some of which we have detailed below.

If the host Country that you are applying to volunteer with requires an International Letter of Introduction from the Scouts International Commissioner, you can request this by completing this form. You must have a current role on Compass, a valid disclosure and in-date Safeguarding training, or we will not be able to issue a letter.

International Camp Staff Programme (ICSP)

The Boy Scouts of America (and some other NSOs invite Scout Network members and leaders (under 30yrs old) to join the temporary staff of their summer camps throughout the USA, with general or more specific responsibilities.

Volunteer staff act as instructors in badge work and therefore you will be asked in advance of your skills and experience in this area.

The work is hard, but ICSP provides a very rewarding experience and a superb opportunity to spend a summer in America, discovering both the country and its Scouting.

All accommodation and meals are provided, and you receive an average salary of $800 for the whole period to cover some of your travelling expenses. The registration fee is £30, and you need to be available for six weeks, beginning sometime from late May to early July.

Applications should be received by January for the following summer.

Visit the Boy Scouts of America website

KISC volunteer staff

Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC) is the World Scout Centre, founded by Baden Powell. Set in the Swiss Alps, it provides a "permanent mini-Jamboree" for Scouts from every part of the world.

All year round, international volunteer staff are needed to run programme activities, administration, the shop, reception, and site services. Your accommodation, meals and other staff benefits are provided by KISC.

There’s a diverse range of short term and paid long term positions, which can be found on their website.

Visit the KISC website

Opportunities outside of Scouting International Citizen Service (10-12 wk placements)

This is a UK Government funded programme providing volunteer placements to 18-25 year olds and Team Leader placements to 23-35 year olds.

ICS is a development programme that brings together young people from the UK and developing countries to volunteer in some of the poorest communities in Africa and Asia.

Placements are 10-12 weeks in length and UK volunteers work side-by-side with local volunteers in developing countries, staying with host families in the local community.

ICS isn't a holiday. It's demanding but hugely rewarding. It's a great opportunity for personal development, a stepping stone to future careers and a chance to make your world a better place.

Visit the ICS website

Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organisations (2 week + placements)

The Alliance Network brings together small volunteering charities all over Europe. These charities offer short term volunteering projects, that bring together people from different countries to work on focused community projects for short periods of time (from 2 weeks).

Visit the Alliance Network website

National Volunteer Opportunities

We're the UK's largest mixed youth movement, proudly led by volunteers. Volunteer today.

Join our national volunteer team