Three Fires Council

Three Fires Council Venturer’s and Advisor
attend the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in Sweden.

 

Words cannot explain the experience both the youth and advisor’s had attending the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in Sweden this past July/Aug 2011.  It is like nothing else we have experienced before.  I don’t know where to start……..Attendance was over 40,000 scouts from 160 countries around the world.  This was the 2nd highest attended World Jamboree in history. 

Upon arrival, we were provided tents, a dining fly and a few cardboard boxes with our cooking equipment.  We had to build our own cooking tables, wash bin racks, etc out of timbers and rough sawn planks.  Pioneering skills are second nature to most other countries.   Unit gateways were impressive.  Some built small cabins 6 meters off the ground, I saw one gate way that the scouts actually made a spiral staircase leading up to a lookout tower 10 meters high.  (They encouraged structures to be less than 10 meters in height, That’s 30 feet!!!

One tower that was a tower of towers stood 150 feet high.  You can see it in the background in the photo of Dave Bruns, Indian Prairie District Commissioner and myself posing in front of it.  Everyone was allowed up to the lookout deck, 30 meters in the air (90 feet).

To the left of our campsite, we had a unit from Italy, to the right a unit from the UK, behind us a unit from Portugal, and in front a unit from Korea and all around us units from Japan, Germany, Ireland, Bangladesh, Turkey, South Africa, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the list goes on and on and on.

I learned that Scouts don’t trade patches in other countries, instead they “swap badges” . Neckerchief trading is a high priority and in high demand among scouts from all other countries, Scouts from the USA learned quickly.  Most Scouts wear their neckerchief even with their scout T-shirt.  Scouts traded their uniform shirts too.  Below you will see Kevin Harrington wearing his newly traded uniform from Bangladesh.  Keep a lookout; you might see me wearing my new uniform that I traded for from Japan, home of the next World Scout Jamboree in 2015.

In the photos, you may have noticed girls everywhere.  In all other countries both girls and boys are in the same Scouting units.  They cook together, camp together, share the workload together.  Our Venture Crew, Crew 70107, one of only two Venturing Crews from the United States that had the honor to bring girls along was assembled from both girls and boys together from units in our area.  Only 30 girls from the United States participated and experienced the World Scout Jamboree as a scout.  Scouts got to meet Bear Grylls, The King of Sweden, Royalty from Saudi Arabia and more.

Some Scouting events are a once in a lifetime experience.  This was a LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE.

The International Committee of the Three Fires Council views Scouting as an international brotherhood and is committed to helping Scouts in the Three Fires Council interact with Scouts from other nations around the world. We are please to offer your this newsletter with up to date offerings of International Scouting Opportunities!

TFC International Newsletter - Volume 1, Number 1

Are You Interested in an International Opportunity?

The International Department of the Boy Scouts of America is in the process of updating their database of Scouts and leaders who are interested in participating in International Scouting opportunities as a delegate of the Boy Scouts of America. Nomination forms are available for youth  and leaders  and the International Department requests that interested parties submit their recommendations as soon as possible so that the database can be updated so that scouts and leaders may be considered for upcoming events.  Your international representatives are responsible for collecting and sending recommendations to the BSA’s international committee.

Local Contact
Please contact your TFC international representatives Joe Harrington  630-707-0200 or Ken King  630-513-0494, for questions and answers about this process. Per international division requirements, these nominations must be processed by your local council International Representative. 

Jamboree on the Air (JOTA)

Not all international Scouting experiences require a scout to cross the border.  The Jamboree on the Air brings scouts from around the world together through radio contact.

What Is Jamboree -on-the-Air: The Jamboree-on-the-Air, or JOTA, is an annual Scouting and amateur radio event sponsored by the World Scout Bureau of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. Thousands of amateur radio stations around the world participate. If the conditions are right, it is common to contact a hundred Scouting countries during the weekend. In the United States, Cub Scout dens and Boy Scout patrols visit a local amateur’s ham shack during JOTA. Many districts and councils hold events that coincide with JOTA, where amateurs set up stations giving Scouts and leaders a chance to exchange greetings with Scouts from other areas. The exchanges typically include information such as
• Name
• Location (QTH)
• Scout rank
• Hobbies
• Age

Some exchanges lead to long-lasting friendships and the exchange of photos, badges, pins, and patches. The usual communications method calls for speaking into a microphone. However, the following specialized communications are also used during JOTA:
• Slow Scan TV, or SSTV
• Amateur TV, or ATV
• Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio, or OSCAR
• Packet radio, or modem communication without a phone—PSK-31
• Radio Teletype, or RTTY
• Earth-Moon-Earth, or EME, contacts
• EchoLink

There will be many stations operating, including the following:
• K2BSA stations assigned to various areas, such as K2BSA/0, K2BSA/1, etc.
• HB95, the World Scout Bureau headquarters in Switzerland
• GB2GP at Gilwell Park, England
Listen for other special call signs from many countries.

WHO: JOTA welcomes participation by Scouting and amateur radio enthusiasts of all ages:
• Cub Scouts
• Boy Scouts
• Venturers
• Brownie Scouts
• Girl Scouts
• Former Scouts and Scouters
• Amateur radio operators
• Anyone interested in doing a Good Turn for Scouting and amateur radio

WHEN: JOTA always falls on the third full weekend in October. JOTA will begin on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at 00:00 hours local time, and end on Sunday, October 16, 2011, at 24:00 hours local time. 100 years of scouting
OCT 15-16, 2011

WHERE: JOTA Scout Frequencies
Band SSB (phone) C W (Morse code)
80-meter 3.690* and 3.940 MHz 3.570 MHz
40-meter 7.090* and 7.190 MHz 7.030 MHz
20-meter 14.290 MHz 14.060 MHz
17-meter 18.140 MHz 18.080 MHz
15-meter 21.360 MHz 21.140 MHz
12-meter 24.960 MHz 24.910 MHz
10-meter 28.390 MHz 28.190 MHz
6-meter 50.160 MHz 50-160 MHz
* Not authorized to transmit in the United States (Region 2); however, you may listen
Note: Remember that others use these frequencies, so move off the listed frequency if another group is operating there. Always be courteous; others will find you.

HOW: Scouts and leaders should follow some of the following tips for help in preparing for participation in the JOTA program:
• Contact a local amateur radio operator.
• Contact a local amateur radio club.
• Put a notice in the local newspaper.
• Run an article in the local council newsletter; almost every local council has a Scouter involved
in amateur radio.
• Contact the American Radio Relay League’s Field and Educational Activities Department toll free at
800-326-3942; or visit the ARRL Web site:
http://www.arrl.org/ead/jota.html.
• Request the More About Jamboree-on-the-Air
(JOTA) guide from the International Department at
Boy Scouts of America, International Department S221,
1325 West Walnut Hill Lane, P.O. Box 152079,
Irving, TX 75015-2079.

Radio amateurs should:
• Invite Scouts and Scout units to their radio shack.  Radio amateurs who do not know any units should contact the nearest BSA local council service center for the names of Scout unit leaders in the area. Local councils can be found by visiting www.scouting.org.
• Volunteer to set up a station at a district or council camporee, Scout show, or other event. Contact the nearest BSA local council service center for more information.
• Call “CQ Jamboree,” or respond to such calls.
• K2BSA/? is available throughout the year for organized Scout events. K2BSA/? may be available for use during JOTA. Contact Ray Moyer for details by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or by mail at Boy Scouts of America, Ray Moyer, c/o International, S221, 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-0279.
Please make plans early to reserve K2BSA/? for your event. 

CONTACT CARDS /PATCHES: The JOTA contact cards are 10 cents each, and can be purchased individually or in packs of 10 for $1. The contact cards are available to anyone participating and are a good place to record some of the contacts made during JOTA. The patches are temporary insignia to be worn on the right pocket of the Scout uniform or on jackets/vests, and they cost $4 each. Both the contact cards and patches will be available after August 1 and in LIMITED QUANTITY, so order early!  Please allow four weeks for delivery. Checks or money orders will be accepted and must be made payable to Boy Scouts of America. We also accept American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards. Send requests for cards and/or patches to Boy Scouts of America, Jamboree-on-the-Air, S221, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, Texas 75015-2079, or call the International Department at (972) 580-2405.

JOTA REPORT: The JOTA report on the following pages is very important in working on the next JOTA event. Your combined information will be forwarded to the World Scout Bureau and will be used to improve the overall event. Include anything that was funny, interesting, or learned, along with your ideas or suggestions to help improve the event. If you include pictures, put them on a disk using JPG format so they can be forwarded with the report. Make sure you have the full names of all those in the picture.

Scouts in uniform would be really great. Please provide anything that would be of interest to others.
An example of a story: “The snow was two feet deep but we drank hot chocolate and talked to Scouts from New Zealand. They had just gotten back from swimming.”

Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI):

What Is Jamboree-on-the-Internet? Jamboree-on-the-Internet, or JOTI, is an annual Scouting event sponsored by the World Scout Bureau of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. This event utilizes computers and the Internet. Thousands of Scout groups can be contacted during the weekend. In the United States, Cub Scout dens and Boy Scout patrols can meet and, under the supervision of leadership, make many new friends.
Councils and districts can host a JOTI event at Scout shows or other events where computers can be connected to the Internet.

What Is Needed: All that is needed is one or more computers, a modem, and a phone line or internet connection. As for software, you will need at least:
• A Web browser such as Netscape or Internet Explorer
• An e-mail program or built-in e-mail feature of the Web browser • A chat program (IRC client) to meet and chat with others in real time There are many other things you could use to enhance your JOTI experience; here are some ideas:
• Scanner to scan pictures
• Microphone to connect to a sound card to talk using a voice-capable chat program such as VIRC or JOTI eGroups chat area
• Help from a local amateur radio club
• Digital cameras to take live snapshots to share
• Webcam to post snapshots during JOTI

Who: JOTI welcomes participation by all youth and
organizations that support Scouting:
• Cub Scouts
• Boy Scouts/Varsity Scouts
• Venturers
• Chartered organizations
• Supporters of Scouting
• Anyone interested in doing a Good Turn for Scouting

When: JOTI will always occur the same weekend as Jamboree-on-the-Air, which is the third full weekend in October. JOTI will begin on Saturday, October 16, 2010, at 00:00 hours local time, and end on Sunday, October 17, 2010, at 24:00 hours local time.

Rules: Be courteous and acknowledge messages received. If you promise to send information or exchange badges, then keep your word. Think before you write or talk. Do not use language that could offend others. The most important rule to follow is to not give your address, telephone number, or any other personal information on the Internet.

Where to Start: Start by going to the JOTI Web site: www.joti.org. This site has all the information needed to start using JOTI, including the software you need to participate fully. This site is where you can get help setting up JOTI and where you can sign in using the guest book. This site is the meeting place for all participants. The rules are also listed.

How to Start: Before JOTI begins, make sure you visit www.joti.org and www.jotajoti.org. These sites can help you get ready for the JOTI weekend. After getting all the software ready and working, recheck these sites and register yourself as a participant right before the JOTI weekend. You can get a temporary e-mail address that will protect you from unwanted material after JOTI.

CONTACT Cards/PATCHES: The JOTI contact cards are 10 cents each, and can be purchased individually or in packs of 10 for a $1. The contact cards are available to anyone participating and are a good place to record some of the contacts made during JOTI. The patches are temporary insignia to be worn on the right pocket of the Scout uniform or on jackets/vests, and they cost $4 each.

Both the contact cards and patches will be available after August 1 and in LIMITED QUANTITY, so order early! Please allow four weeks for delivery. Checks or money orders will be accepted and must be made payable to Boy Scouts of America. We also accept American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards. Send requests for cards and/or patches to Boy Scouts of America, Jamboree-on-the-Internet, S221, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, Texas 75015-2079, or call the International Department at (972) 580-2405.

Local Contact: Please contact your TFC international representatives Joe Harrington  630-707-0200 or Ken King  630-513-0494, for questions and answers about international scouting opportunities.

Jamboree on the Trail
Jamboree on the Trail (JOTT) is an annual day for the World Scout Movement to hike together. All Scouts, whatever their age and wherever they may be in the world, are invited to participate in whatever way they can. Cubs and younger Scouting sections could visit a local nature trail as part of a weekend camp. A Scout Troop might check out a hiking trail while working on badge requirements. A Rover Crew might make a Service Project out of restoring or maintaining a hiking trail. In their own way, everyone will be hiking the same direction: towards a better future through Scouting. JOTT is scheduled for May 14 this year. Hiking emblems to commemorate this event are available through www.jott.org.
 

International Scouting Opportunites

Learn About the Exciting Scouting Events Being Offered World Wide!

Scouting began in England in 1907, based on the ideas of founder Sir Robert S. S. Baden-Powell and his book Scouting for Boys. The book and program proved to have universal appeal for boys and quickly spread worldwide. The Scouting program spread around the world until it became what it is now—the largest voluntary youth movement in the world, with a membership of more than 25 million.

The International Committee of the Three Fires Council recongnizes Scouting as an international brotherhood and is committed to helping Scouts in the Three Fires Council interact with Scouts from other nations around the world. We are please to offer your this newsletter with up to date offerings of International Scouting Opportunities!

As member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, the Boy Scouts of America works through the BSA's International Department, to ensure that American Scouts and international Scouts are provided a common resource of programs, funding, and training that increases and enhances their experience in the brotherhood of Scouting.
 

 EUROPEAN CAMP STAFF PROGRAM

Through the European Camp Staff program, young leaders from the Boy Scouts of America have the opportunity to learn more about Scouting in Europe by working at a European Scout center.

The aim of the European Camp Staff program is to assist young people in developing their leadership skills and to encourage intercultural learning. This is achieved by providing the individual with a residential experience as a volunteer staff member at a Scout center in another country.

Scout centers in Europe do not operate in the same way that BSA camps do. The staff members of a typical European Scout center are usually involved in many different aspects of operating the center rather than specializing in one particular area. This is different from the situation in a BSA camp, where staff members are usually assigned to a particular activity or skill with which they work for the majority of their time at camp. In addition, Scouting in Europe normally operates on a coeducational basis, with males and females having the opportunity to be equally involved at all levels.

All participants in the European Camp Staff program must be between 18 and 30 years of age and must be volunteers registered with the Boy Scouts of America. To ensure that the experience is a worthwhile one, participants should be prepared to commit themselves to work for a minimum of six weeks.  See information at the BSA’s International Department.

Personal note from Ken King, TFC International Representative: “My summer spent working with the European Camp Staff Programme was one of the best summers of my life—in Scouting or outside of it.  This experience is highly recommended.”

   22nd World Scout Jamboree

The BSA web page with information on the next World Scout Jamboree has been recently updated.  Simply Scouting, the 2011 World Scout Jamboree, will take place on the fields of Rinkaby, not far from the town of Kristianstad, in the province of Skåne, southern Sweden. Hosted by The Swedish Guide and Scout Council, the 22nd World Scout Jamboree will run from July 27-August 7, 2011. The purpose of the event is to bring together Boy Scouts, Venturers, leaders, and staff to share international friendship and adventure for personal growth and development.
The upcoming World Scout Jamboree in Rinkaby, Sweden, promises to be one of the best ever. With 40,000 Scouts expected to attend from six continents and more than 114 countries, it’s going to be a world-class event, one you can be a part of if you start planning now.
At Rinkaby, you will get to live and learn with fellow Scouts and leaders from around the world. You’ll be housed in tents along with the BSA contingent, but you’ll soon venture out to mingle with tens of thousands for two weeks of activities and adventure. That’s right, a world fellowship exercise on an enormous scale!

Visit the 2011 World Scout Jamboree website for more information.

Historic Bid for a World Scout Jamboree

BSA International Commissioner Jim Turley has announced that the BSA will team with Scouts Canada and the Scout Association of Mexico to bring the 2019 WSJ to the United States. This will be the first time since 1967 that a world jamboree has been held in the U.S. The 160 national Scout associations around the world will vote for the final selection of a jamboree site for 2019 at the World Scout Conference in 2011. In the meantime, Scouts Canada, the Scout Association of Mexico, and the BSA will move forward to ensure the selection of the site. 

International Events Database

There are a variety of international events that BSA scouts and venturers can take part in.  The World Organization of the Scout Movement keeps a database of events taking place around the planet.  Why not make your next adventure an international one? 

• Visit the International Events Database to see what opportunities are coming up.

  Program Enrichment and Recognitions for International Scouting

International Activity Badge

The International Activity Award recognizes scouts and scouters who have taken part in a variety of international scouting experiences at through the activities of their unit, council, and world scouting international activities.  The emblem is worn as a temporary award on the right pocket of the uniform.   It is not worn in place of or alongside the World Crest emblem. A 5-inch jacket patch is also authorized for wear.

•  International Activity Award - Application

Interpreter Strips   

Youth and Adult members (Cub and Webelos Scouts, Boy and Varsity Scouts, Venturers, and Sea Scouts, plus adult Scouters in all programs) may wear this strip if they show their knowledge of a foreign language or the sign language for the hearing impaired by:

• Carrying on a 5-minute conversation in this language.
• Translating a 2-minute speech or address.
• Writing a letter in the language (Does not apply for sign language)
• Translating 200 words or more from the written word

        Interpreter Strips are worn centered above the Boy Scouts of America Strip

  The World Conservation Award

The World Conservation Award provides an opportunity for individual Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers to "think globally" and "act locally" to preserve and improve our environment. This program is designed to make youth members aware that all nations are closely related through natural resources and that we are interdependent with our world environment. Please see the Conservation Page of this site for specific requirements for each level.

Citizenship in the World Merit Badge

The Citizenship in the World merit badge requires Scouts to learn about global issues and international organizations, as well as take part in an international event. The official requirements can be found in Boy Scout Requirements, No. 33215, or in the Citizenship in the World merit badge pamphlet, No. 33260.

• Citizenship in the World - Merit Badge Requirements

  International Scouter’s Award

The International Scouter's Award encourages Scouters to broaden their involvement in Scouting through participation in world Scouting activities and recognizes Scouters for their contributions to world Scouting. 

• Please visit the BSA’s International Division for a list of requirements.

World Scouting and Overseas Facilities

The World Organization of the Scout Movement is a federation of more than 149 recognized national Scout organizations. The Boy Scouts of America is represented in world contacts and developments by its 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 Division at the national office.  Initiatives at the world level are addressed through three constituencies:

The World Scout Conference

The World Scout Conference is the general assembly of Scouting and is composed of six delegates from each of the 145 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

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.

What is happening at the World Level of Scouting?  Please see a special message from William F. 'Rick' Cronk, BSA Scouter and current Chairman of the World Scout Committee, who presents information regarding the vision of the World Scout Committee and its relation to scouts and scouters around the world:

• Message from William F. 'Rick' Cronk
   

 The World Scout Bureau

The World Scout Bureau  (http://www.scout.org) 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 (Santiago, Chile), 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.

 World Support

The Boy Scouts of America and its International Division have created several avenues of financial support of the world Scouting movement. Included are the following:

World Friendship Fund

The World Friendship Fund of the BSA offers a practical Good Turn opportunity for BSA youth members and leaders. Cash contributions are used to assist Scouting through the World Organization of the Scout Movement and through national Scout associations in developing countries. Tax-deductible contributions can be from individuals, units, camp, and training course groups. Unit participation in the World Friendship Fund offers a unique annual service project to benefit brother Scouts around the world.

Click here to download World Friendship Fund donation form [pdf]

 United States Fund for International Scouting

The United States Fund for International Scouting (USFIS), within the National Boy Scouts of America Foundation, provides the opportunity for substantial support of World Scouting by individual business, corporate, and foundation grants. This fund is administered by an appointed committee of the BSA International Committee. The National Boy Scouts of America Foundation has full tax privileges and is not a private foundation.

Provision is made for trust and endowed instruments as well as current support of special Scouting projects around the world. Grant proposals from Scout associations around the world are received and reviewed for disposition by a volunteer committee.

The Baden-Powell World Fellowship

The Baden-Powell World Fellowship is a major program of the World Scout Foundation to establish an endowment fund for ongoing support of the World Organization of the Scout Movement and the United States Fund for International Scouting. Membership is open to individual men and women throughout the world. Each member receives a special medallion, certificate, and lapel pin in recognition.

 Order of the Condor

Order of the Condor  is an endowment recognition program of the InterAmerican Scout Foundation for individuals. Income from the fund is used to help support work of the InterAmerican Region of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. The region serves member Scouting associations of all nations in the Western Hemisphere.

Details on any of these programs are available by contacting the International Division.

 Overseas Facilities

International accommodations for Scouts are available in Switzerland and in England. All offer one-day visits also. All require advance reservations. Contact the BSA’s International Division for details.

Kandersteg International Scout Center

Kandersteg International Scout Center in the Alps of Switzerland is operated by the European Region of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. Dormitory and campsites plus mountain climbing and ski programs are offered.
http://www.kisc.ch
http://www.scout.org/europe

Baden-Powell House

Baden-Powell House, London, England, operated by the Scout Association of the United Kingdom, offers lodging and meals.
http://www.scouts.org.uk/nationalcentres/bpactivity.html
http://www.scouts.org.uk

Gilwell Park

Gilwell Park, near London, is also operated by the Scout Association. It offers both indoor and campsite lodging facilities plus program activities.
http://www.scouts.org.uk/nationalcentres/gilwellactivity.html

 Brownsea Island

Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Dorset, England, the site of B-P’s first experimental scout camp, offers limited indoor and campsite facilities. It is operated by the National Trust.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-brownseaisland