International Staff Opportunities
Kandersteg International Scout Centre
Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC) is the World Centre of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) located in the Swiss Alps.The Centre began in 1923 with Lord Baden-Powell, who, after the first World Scout Jamboree, had a dream about a place where all Scouts from all over the world could meet: the Permanent Mini Jamboree. His dream came true and now YOU have the opportunity to visit KISC and live YOUR Dream!
Interested in working at KISC? Both short term and long term positions are possible. Check the KISC website for more information and up to date openings. Note: For some Long Term positions you need to have previously been a member of Short term Staff so please read the text of each vacancy carefully.
The basic requirements for being a member of the Long Term Staff Team are very simple:
- To be a Scout or Guide member of a National Scout Organization recognized by WOSM or WAGGGS.
- To be at least 18 years old on the day you arrive here.
- To be able to communicate in English.
Please be aware that we will need to secure permission to work in Switzerland with the relevant authorities. For citizens from EU/EFTA countries this may be easier than for others. Any appointment made will depend upon receiving this necessary permission. For citizens of non EU/EFTA countries it is important to know that they will be able to work at KISC as a Long Term Staff only for once regardless the months worked.
To apply, review the vacancies and application procedures on the KISC website.
European Scout Voluntary Program
The European Camp Staff program gives young leaders from the BSA an opportunity to learn more about Scouting in Europe by working (volunteering) at one of more than 25 camps located throughout Europe. A map of these sites is available.
Scout centers in Europe operate differently than BSA camps typically do. Instead of being assigned to a single area, staff is involved in many different areas. As Scouting in most countries is co-ed, males and females have opportunities to be equally involved at all levels.
All participants in the European Scout Voluntary Program must be between 18 and 30 years of age and must be volunteers registered with the Boy Scouts of America. You must also have a valid passport. To ensure that the experience is worthwhile, participants should be prepared to commit themselves to work for a minimum of six weeks. Before applying, you should be certain that you wish to take part in this program. If you are accepted by a site and then “drop out,” that could cause problems for that particular site, as it will prevent other youth from having the opportunity to take part in the program. All participants must have valid and up to date adult training including Youth Protection.
It is the responsibility of the participants to pay for their own travel to and from the Scout center; however, the European Scout Region offers a travel reimbursement at the end of the camp assignment. According to each year’s budget, the amount that will be reimbursed can vary, but as a general rule, they aim to cover a minimum of 30 percent of the overall travel costs. The reimbursement will be made through your Scout center.
If interested, it is then up to you to contact the sites for more specific information, and then to complete the relevant application process for the chosen site.