What’s happening
All the latest news from British Scouting Overseas

Our Trustee Board is made of up to 12 members, this includes the Chair, Treasurer, Area Lead Volunteer, and Area Youth Lead. The Trustee Board meets between 4-6 times a year, and helps ensure that everything is running safely, legally and that Scouting across BSO has the resources it needs to operate well, now and in the future.
Follow us on Instagram @britishscoutingoverseas
🚨Are you looking for your next challenge and adventure? Do you like working and supporting the Explorer age range of Scouts?⛺
We're excited to announce that British Scouting Overseas & British Overseas Territories has been allocated a unit of 4 patrols to become part of the UK Contingent to the 26th World Scout Jamboree in Poland during 2027. 👏
💻Adult recruitment is going live soon, so keep an eye out on the BSO website for more information and how to find out more.
📣📣 OPEN CALL FOR TRUSTEES 📣📣
Could you spare a little time to join our Trustee Board to support the teams who deliver scouting to 3000 young people across 28 countries and territories?
British Scouting Overseas is recruiting for 2 new Trustees to join our Trustee Board, to support our work.
You can find out more information at the link in our bio.
This week our @praguescouts Cub pack worked on their Entertainer badge! After a game of charades to get their acting skills warmed up, they worked together in small groups to prepare skits. They learned about the importance of audience etiquette and performed their skits for the rest of the Cub pack.
Our @1stdjursholm Scouts were inspired by a visit from @vexanie - a professional E-sports photographer who spoke to us about photography, cameras and gave some handy tips and tricks before the Scouts started taking their own photographs.
📷 Stay tuned for the exhibition!
Big thank you to Steph for coming out to our group 🙌🏻
⚜️ Join Us as Area Treasurer for British Scouting Overseas! ⚜️
Are you someone with financial acumen looking to make a meaningful impact while enhancing your CV? British Scouting Overseas is seeking a dedicated Area Treasurer to join our trustee board!
In this rewarding volunteer role, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Utilise Your Financial Skills - Bring your understanding of finance to support scouting communities around the world. Help us manage budgets, oversee financial planning, and ensure our resources are allocated effectively.
Make a Difference - Play a crucial role in empowering young people through scouting. Your contributions will help provide life changing experiences for scouts globally.
Expand Your Network - Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for community service and youth development. Enhance your personal and professional growth while giving back to the development of young people.
Boost Your CV-This role offers an excellent opportunity to showcase your leadership and financial management skills, helping your resume stand out.
If you are enthusiastic about contributing to a global community, we would love to hear from you!
Let’s work together to inspire the next generation of scouts!
Find our more at the link below
https://lnkd.in/g2UW-QT9
#Volunteer #Finance #Scouting #Leadership #CommunityService #BritishScoutingOverseas
🎉🎉 Celebrating our Adult Volunteers 🎉🎉
Every year we're delighted to celebrate our adult volunteers across BSO who are recognised with one of our Good Service Awards. Congratulations to all our adult volunteers recognised with an award for their service over this last year.
Any adult in scouting can nominate an adult volunteer for a good service award. You can find out more about this from your Group or District Lead Volunteer.
Find our more on our website
📣📣 OPEN CALL FOR TRUSTEES 📣📣
Could you spare a little time to join our Trustee Board to support the teams who deliver scouting to 3000 young people across 28 countries and territories?
British Scouting Overseas is recruiting for 2 new Trustees to join our Trustee Board, to support our work.
You can find out more information at the link in our bio.
This week 1st Bougival Scout Group Thursday Scouts hosted a ´bring a parent/ caregiver’ week. We had a fun and competitive evening filled with Scouting activities, s’mores, hot chocolate and a badge ceremony. It was fabulous for adults to see the Scouts in action and for Scouts to share their skills with their families.
We currently have space in the 1st Bougival Thursday Scouts, so please DM us if you have a young person who is keen to find out more.
#britishscouting #britishscoutingoverseas #SouthernEurope #bringyouradulttoscouts #scoutgames #scouts #scoutshonor
📣📣 Volunteer Opportunity: BSO Treasurer 📣📣
After 11 years in post, our Treasurer Ben Balaam is stepping down at our AGM in September.
With Ben stepping down we are seeking a new Treasurer for BSO, who will provide sound financial administration, support and information to the Trustee Board.
Find our more at the link in our bio
📣📣 OPEN CALL FOR TRUSTEES 📣📣
Could you spare a little time to join our Trustee Board to support the teams who deliver scouting to 3000 young people across 28 countries and territories?
@britishscoutingoverseas is recruiting for 2 new Trustees to join our Trustee Board, to support our work.
You can find out more information at the link in our bio.
Sonian Explorer Scouts and Paris Explorers represented British Scouting Overseas in a Pioneering Camp and Competition with the theme '1001 Nights', organised by local Scouts in Belgium. The team designed and made a boat from the story of Sinbad, with 6 hours and more than 60 pioneering poles! Congratulations - it looks fantastic!
#britishscoutingoverseas #scouts #explorers
@bso_1st_bah Cubs had a wonderful time getting close to nature and enjoying the beautiful outdoor space.
🔎 Team Scavenger Hunt
❎ Learning Boundries
🎨 Using dye from natural materials to create a piece of art
🐓 Learning about animals and feeding the chickens/ducks
🪴 Designing pots/labels and planting seeds for nurturing at home
Thank you to the Learn to Grow staff for an excellent session and engagement with the Young People 🙏🏻 @learntogrow.bh
📣📣 Calling all Young Leaders in BSO 📣📣
📣📣 Module A for all Young Leaders 📣📣
Our next Online Module C for Young Leaders will be on Wednesday 05/03 & Saturday 08/03. This is open to all Young Leaders across BSO, to join us for this interactive training session.
Sign up in advance at the link below
https://tinyurl.com/bso-yong-leader
Our groups from Dubai & Abu Dhabi came together last weekend to camp and celebrate Founder's Day.
We took part in adventurous activities @hattawadihubdubai, toasted marshmallows and sang songs around our fabulous campfire! We ended on Sunday with an amazing treasure hunt and a birthday message from Lord Baden Powell.
March 🗓
There are so many different activities that you can try from learning about wildlife 🐦🦎 to growing sunflowers 🌻 in March
More activity ideas for March and beyond here: https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/planning-your-programme/programme-planning-ideas-calendars/
#programmeideas #britishscoutingoverseas #march #squirrells #beavers #cubs #scouts #explorers
The YouShape Award is all about recognising young people’s incredible contributions and achievements in Scouting.
This award is a fantastic way to celebrate leadership, teamwork, and their drive towards achieving top awards. Download the guidance pack today and see how you can support young people on their journey.
Find it here: https://bit.ly/youthshapedactivitypack
#YouShapeMonth #YouthAwards
Want to empower young people to take the lead in Scouting? You’re in the right place!
Our Youth-Led Activity Guidance Pack is packed with ideas and tips to help young people design activities that reflect their passions and creativity.
Want to empower young people to take the lead in Scouting? You’re in the right place!
Our Youth-Led Activity Guidance Pack is packed with ideas and tips to help young people design activities that reflect their passions and creativity.
Find it here: https://bit.ly/youshapeguide
#YouShapeMonth
📣📣 King Scout Support Session 📣📣
We're pleased to be able to offer a short upskilling sessions to our volunteers who are working with Explorers and Network members who are working towards their King Scout Award.
The session will be recorded and made available as a resource to members within BSO, so don't worry if you can't attend on the day.
Join the session using the link to Training in our bio
👑👑 King Scout Award 👑👑
On Sunday our Lead Volunteer Graham was delighted to join @sonianexplorers to present Faith with her King Scout Award. Congratulations to Faith on her achievement and to those who have support her along the journey.
The day included lots of questions for Graham, as well as taking part in some First Aid Module K
📣📣 Calling all Young Leaders in BSO 📣📣
📣📣 Module A for all Young Leaders 📣📣
Our next Online Module C for Young Leaders will be on Wednesday 05/03 & Saturday 08/03. This is open to all Young Leaders across BSO, to join us for this interactive training session.
Sign up in advance at the link below
https://tinyurl.com/bso-yong-leader
A Fantastic Burns Supper in Support of Scouting! 🎉🏴
On Saturday, members of @praguescouts had the privilege of attending a wonderful Burns Supper hosted by Hiram Lodge Prague. The evening was filled with Scottish tradition, featuring delicious haggis, energetic Scottish dancing, and a moving recital of a Robert Burns poem performed by some of our Scout Troop.
📣📣 Calling all Young Leaders in BSO 📣📣
📣📣 Module C for all Young Leaders 📣📣
Our next Online Module C for Young Leaders will be on Wednesday 05/02 & Saturday 08/02. This is open to all Young Leaders in BSO, to join us for this interactive training session.
Sign up in advance at the link below
https://tinyurl.com/bso-yong-leader
@praguescouts Squirrels at ice rink! ⛸️ they were brav e to skate on slippery ice, some fell, some glided. We learned various interesting winter sports as wellSquirrels at ice rink! ⛸️ they were brave to skate on slippery ice, some fell, some glided. We learned various interesting winter sports as well Squirrels at ice rink! ⛸️ they were brav e to skate on slippery ice, some fell, some glided. We learned various interesting winter sports as wellSquirrels at ice rink! ⛸️ they were brave to skate on slippery ice, some fell, some glided. We learned various interesting winter sports as well.
📣📣 Calling all Young Leaders in BSO 📣📣
📣📣 Module C for all Young Leaders 📣📣
Our next Online Module C for Young Leaders will be on Wednesday 05/02 & Saturday 08/02. This is open to all Young Leaders in BSO, to join us for this interactive training session.
You can join at the meeting at the link below (no sign up form, just turn up)
https://tinyurl.com/bso-yong-leader
👑👑 Kings Scout Award 👑👑
Congratulations to our Area Youth Lead Charlotte who recently completed her King Scout Award which was presented by Deputy UK Chief Volunteer CJ Ledger at Summit25.
The King’s Scout Award is the top achievement for our Explorer Scouts and Scout Network members. ##SkillsForLife #Summit25
🎉🎉 Congratulations to our BSO President John May 🎉🎉
Our warmest congratulations to our Area President, John May on being awarded the CVO (Commander of the Royal Victorian Order) in the New Years Honour's list.
As well as being our Area President, John has dedicated his life to youth work through multiple roles in The Scouts in the UK and further afield, as well as latterly working as the secretary General of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.
📣📣BSO KIJ2025 – Almost Full!📣📣
We’re thrilled to see so much excitement for the Kent International Jamboree 2025! With over 100 participants already signed up, we’re quickly approaching capacity.
So far, we have an amazing mix of young people and adults from across BSO, including:
1st Abu Dhabi
1st Bahrain
1st Chantilly
1st Djursholm
1st Doha
1st Dubai (and Desert Yetis)
1st Fuengirola
1st Hague
1st Kotor Bay Sea Scouts
1st Lone Scouts (Rest of the World)
1st Madrid
1st Majadahonda
1st Oman
2nd Dubai
5th Dubai
Sonian Explorers
Telstar, Luxembourg
Don’t miss out! The cut-off for registrations is midnight on 31st December. Let’s make this a Jamboree to remember! More info and registration on the BSO website.
#BSO #KIJ2025 #SkillsForLife
📣📣 Calling all Young Leaders in BSO 📣📣
📣📣 Module A for all Young Leaders 📣📣
Our next Online Module A for Young Leaders will be on Saturday 23rd November. This is open to all Young Leaders in BSO, to join us for this interactive training session.
You can join at the meeting at the link in our bio (no sign up form, just turn up)
𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗼-𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲? 💻
The Scouts are hosting training calls to help all volunteers get familiar with the new membership system and digital tools. Whether you’re new to the system or need a refresher, our sessions will guide you through everything you need to know.
Don’t miss the next one on Monday, 18 November.
𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘄: https://shorturl.at/eyuYU
On this the 11th day on the 11th month, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice of their today, so that we may enjoy our tomorrow.
Across BSO, our members have been remembering those who fought, so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we cherish and at times take for granted.
Age shall not weary them, not the years condemning. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning. We will remember them.
📣📣 Compass will go offline for all volunteers from 11.59pm (UK Time) on Wednesday 6th November. 📣📣
To enable us to migrate data from Compass to the new digital system accurately, Compass will be going offline for 2 to 3 weeks before we Go-Live with the new system.
Compass will continue to be offline up to the go-live of the new digital system.
You can find out more here: https://www.scouts.org.uk/.../voluntee.../interim-processes/
We love this video from 1st Oman Peregrine Cubs who worked together to produce this amazing stop-motion animation recreating the World Scout Badge using neckers and different cubs badges,as part of working towards their Photographer and International activity badges #bso #1stomanscouts #SkillsForLife #YouthShaped
📣📣 New Support Lead for BSO 📣📣
I am delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Wanley as the new Area Support Team Lead for British Scouting Overseas (BSO). Chris has a strong background in International Scouting having served for 16 years on the Kandersteg committee, whilst also being a apart of the UKHQ International Team, during David Bull’s tenure as International Commissioner, and more locally as Assistant County Commissioner (International) for West Mercia. Chris was also one of the early lead volunteers for the ScoutBase website created for UK Scouting in the 90s.
You can read more about Chris' appointment on our website
It always important to remember the journey and where we began as @britishscoutingoverseas
12 Years ago today, Peter Dawes brought the original BSO Area Team together for the first time following the merger of British Groups Abroad and British Scouts Western Europe
Great photo of our Area Team - You're in safe hands with this lot, they know what they're doing, they're keen and they know how to have fun! Here's to an amazing future with British Scouting Overseas after a great Development Weekend!
Standing l/r: Ray Lee, Area Chairman; John Nordkvelle, DC Scandinavia & Benelux; Greg Stewart, TSA - Asst Director; Rob Gue, Area Training Manager; Graham Bell, Exec Rep- France / Iberia; Peter Dawes, Area Commissioner; Nathan Prince, Deputy AC; Ann Payne, Area Appts Secretary; Jon Gill, DC Germany; Debbie Phillips, Deputy AC; David Bull, Area Secretary; Darren Bretton, DD Rest of the World; Mark Charlton, Area Adviser; Irene Orford, CC West Sussex; Tim Taylor, Area Nights Away Adviser
kneeling (ish) l/r: Andy Baird, DC Middle East; Tony Dunn, Deputy DC France / Iberia; Alfonso (Fonz) Sanchez, DC France/ Iberia; Tam Pearce, Area DofE Adviser
1st Bougival Scout Group camp Beavers Cubs scouts and Paris Explorers providing the catering.
Over 90 people in total.
Lovely autumn weather and a great learning experience for YP and new leaders.
We were joined at the campfire by scouts from Maison Laffitte. Also investitures at the campfire of a father and son and a dad and daughter.plud 4 beavers .
Unforgettable experience for a lot of kids.
Well done leadership team.
📣📣 New Programme Lead for BSO 📣📣
I am delighted to announce the appointment of Jan Waite as the new Area Programme Team Lead for British Scouting Overseas (BSO). Jan has been covering the role for the last few months since Howard took over as County Lead Volunteer for Lincolnshire in the summer and during that time has been working closely with the Districts and supporting with programme matters.
You can read more about Jan's appointment on our website
@sonianexplorers attended the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Celebration held last night at the British Residence, Belgium. One of our Gold Award Holders was invited to give a speech at the event and we were very much honoured to be there. British Ambassador, Anne Sherriff, suggested a relaxed photo together after all the formalities! 4 Gold, 5 Silver and 3 Bronze in 2023-2024! Massive congratulations to all! Although some of our Award holders could not make it, they were very much in our thoughts!
Collect the Whale - Collection 1: A whopping 9.15 kg in 1 hour!
@sonianexplorers started the Collect the Whale project, supporting Paris Explorers on 01 October. We split ourselves into 2 teams and went in opposite directions, from McDonald's in WL to Butte du Lion and back. You'd be surprised at how much McDonald's litter you can find on the way! We also found a full lighter, a cushion, used diapers, tins of food, a full milk carton and many more interesting items!
🐿️ Squirrels’ investiture day 🐿️ our new @praguescouts Squirrels made the promise and were invested today. Rainy weather couldn’t stop their excitement! After the ceremony, we hopped onto the universe theme and talked/sang about planets. We became astronauts in the end and colored own outfits. And of course we couldn’t miss delicious Squirrel cookies to celebrate today 😋
📣📣 Volunteer vacancy alert 📣📣
📣📣 Camp Leads for Kent International Jamboree📣📣
Attending an international Scout Jamboree is a transformative experience that combines adventure, learning, and cultural exchange, helping Scouts develop into well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of belonging and the ability to work in teams.
We're excited to welcome applications for volunteers to apply for the roles of Camp Lead and Deputy Camp Lead for our contingent to the 2025 @kentjamboree.
Find out more at the link in our bio
Great representation from BSO at the British Embassy in Madrid as the Royal British Legion launched their Poppy Day appeal 2024.
Well done to Catherine Fenton and the @1stmadridscouts for achieving recognition for the amount of their donation from last year.
Amazing community engagement with John Pearce and the team from 1st Majadahonda Scout Group along with @southern_europe_bso DLV Kenny Lee.
#SkillsforLife #1stMadrid #1stMajadahonda
🌟🌟🌟 Opportunities to Join Team BSO 🌟🌟🌟
🌟🌟 Vacancy BSO Support Team Lead 🌟🌟
🌟 Vacancy BSO Programme Team Lead 🌟
Only 1 week left to apply for our Area Team lead roles. Could you help lead and develop our Programme or Support Teams to provide important leadership and support for our members?
Find out more at the link in our bio
We hope everyone attending the 98th Gilwell Reunion has an amazing time!
It's going to be a great weekend, filled with programme idea sharing, developing new skills, learning about available support and a brilliant opportunity to spend time with other volunteers.
Come and visit us in the International tent from 10am today to find out a bit more about British Scouting Overseas
🌟🌟 Opportunity to Join Team BSO 🌟
🌟 Vacancy BSO Support Team Lead 🌟
Now is an exciting time to be involved in Scouting, as we develop our Skills for Life strategy, to prepare better futures and deliver skills for life to young people who want to access scouting. The Support Lead volunteer role is an important appointment within British Scouting Overseas (BSO), responsible for providing inspirational and effective leadership of our Support team.
Find out more at the link in our bio
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