What’s happening
All the latest news from British Scouting Overseas
BSO Southern Europe wishes to appoint an additional trustee. Our trustee board provides collective leadership and oversight of the charity, and supports our volunteers who deliver our programme to young people around the world. The Trustee Board’s role is to support our volunteer line managers, through the District Lead Volunteer and District Chair, so that they can be as successful as possible in their role of supporting leadership teams to deliver our programme. You may be of any nationality and live in any part of the world – the only condition is that you are willing and able to carry out the duties of a trustee and to bring a constructive and independent-minded approach to the role. We are keen to include younger adults in the team. Applications from within Southern Europe are encouraged About BSO BSO is a part of the UK Scout Association with headquarters in Gilwell Park, London. BSO members have access to the same resources, support and programme as UK based Scout groups. BSO exists to support British families living overseas in the provision of a UK Scouting programme to expatriate British children and to several British Overseas Territories. We aim to ensure that all our members have the opportunity to feel and experience high quality UK Scouting whilst providing support and advice to adult members no matter where they are in the world. BSO undertakes Scouting activities in a safe and secure environment with flexibility to adapt to both local customs and guidelines set out within The Scout Association's policies and rules. BSO operates 57 Scout Groups, 22 Explorer Units and 3 Scout Networks, with an impressive 2,997 young people supported by 936 adult volunteer leaders across 30 countries around the world. Whilst most adult volunteer members are delivering programme activities with our young people, many volunteers are also based in the UK offering support, training, mentoring, governance and resources in a variety of different roles from trustee to marketing and event support to skills assessors. BSO is fully inclusive and open to all who share our fundamental values. BSO exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
The 26th World Scout Jamboree will take place in Gdansk, Poland in the summer of 2027. The UK Scout Association has a long history of sending large number of Units (36 young people, aged between 14 and 18, and four leaders divided into four patrols) as part of a UK Contingent to attend World Scout Jamborees. The units represent each of the UK’s counties and countries/regions, with unit numbers be allocated based on the numbers of young people in each area.
The Scout Association in the United Kingdom offers a series of Good Service Awards to recognize adult volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service.
Find out what's happening across BSO with our latest Far & Wide Magazine, with information on events and important updates.
Follow us on Instagram @britishscoutingoverseas
couts have updated and improved their safety learning. All volunteers are expected to complete the new course by 14 July 2025.
Please sign in to scouts.org.uk as soon as possible to complete your learning.
Further information is available at scouts.org.uk/safetylearningsupport
@sonianexplorers Grand Prix weekend! Some of our Explorers participated in the Grand Prix wooden car race on Saturday organised by 1st Brussels. 2 of our Explorers won Best Design (Creative) and (Streamlined) respectively, and 1 Explorer won 3 out of the 4 categories for the Explorer Section! On Sunday, some of our Young People went on a lovely hike and had a fantastic time go-karting, an adventure they longed for and asked our Leaders to organise! #youthled #YouShape #SkillsForLife
Congratulations to our first 14 beavers enrolled in our newest Scout Group at 1st Montpellier in the south of France earlier this year.
#SkillsForLife #readyforlife
Celebrating Squirrels
Earlier this year 5th Dubai opened our first Squirrel Drey in the UAE. The Squirrels held their investiture ceremony in the park and were confident enough to make their Squirrel Scout promises individually. They had a picnic afterwards to celebrate.
Even Sandy the Squirrel, 5th Dubai’s mascot, made his promise and proudly wears his necker.
It was a special moment for Owl (Lucy) who was able to invest her own daughter into our Scout family.
🌍 Calling All BSO Adult volunteers – Be Part of Something Extraordinary! 🇵🇱
Applications are closing at the end of May for British Scouting Overseas adult volunteers to join the UK Contingent heading to the 26th World Scout Jamboree in Poland in 2027! 🏕️✨
This is your chance to play a vital role in the adventure of a lifetime—supporting young people from across BSO as they represent the UK on the global Scouting stage, meeting Scouts from around the world, and creating memories that will last forever.
🔹 You’ll be part of a dynamic, international team working together to deliver an unforgettable experience in the heart of Europe.
👉 Don’t wait – get involved, get inspired, and help shape the journey to Poland 2027!
📅 Applications and more info: https://www.britishscoutingoverseas.org.uk/world-scout...
📣 Tag your fellow BSO leaders and spread the word!
#poland2027 #WSJ2027 #ukcontingent #bsoadventures #scoutingwithoutborders #britishscoutingoverseas #onceinalifetime
@1stdjursholm Scouts last week had a bike maintenance evening learning all about how to look after their bikes ahead of our cycling trip on the 24th! 🚴🏼♀️
Dave, our GLV from @omanbsoscouts, recently presented a token of appreciation to Mohamed Al Zadjali, CEO of Outward Bound Oman, for allowing 1st Oman Scouts to use their camp in Jebel Akhdar a few months ago. Thank You.
@bso_1st_bah Scouts learning how to read a compass and navigation skills 🧭
#skillsforlife #scout #britishscoutingoverseas
1st Bougival Scout Group Scouts and Cubs camping in Les Rochers de Fontainebleau.
Saturday morning was Bouldering with trained monitors.
Sat afternoon was Gina's Bear Pit wide game.
In the evening 10 older scouts set out on the first part of their Expedition Challenge.
They retur Ed successfully , cooked heir dinner and put up their tents
In the morning they coked breakfast and then set out on a challenging expedition through the sentence 25 bosses. 25 mini mountains.
They all reached their target and returned to camp for a well earned lunch.
Tenerife Scouts BSO recently enjoyed Scout Camp taking in a range of great activities (and great weather)
Summer activities are in full flow across BSO as 1st Alicante had their recent Group Activity Day.
Lots of excited and happy young people from all sections of the Group enjoying various activities including kayaking, archery, quad biking and zip lining.
The event finished with traditional campfire songs and yells.
Group Lead Volunteer Meg was presented with her wood bead award from DLV Kenny Lee. Well done Meg.
🌍 Calling All BSO Adult volunteers – Be Part of Something Extraordinary! 🇵🇱
Applications are now open for British Scouting Overseas adult volunteers to join the UK Contingent heading to the 26th World Scout Jamboree in Poland in 2027! 🏕️✨
This is your chance to play a vital role in the adventure of a lifetime—supporting young people from across BSO as they represent the UK on the global Scouting stage, meeting Scouts from around the world, and creating memories that will last forever.
🔹 You’ll be part of a dynamic, international team working together to deliver an unforgettable experience in the heart of Europe.
👉 Don’t wait – get involved, get inspired, and help shape the journey to Poland 2027!
📅 Applications and more info at the link in our bio
📣 Tag your fellow BSO leaders and spread the word!
#poland2027 #WSJ2027 #ukcontingent #bsoadventures #scoutingwithoutborders #britishscoutingoverseas #onceinalifetime
@collectthewhalebso are waiting for a few entries but thanks to the effort last weekend, we've hit a major milestone. #milestonemomentsilestone!
#globalaction #cleanup #collectthewhale #plasticpollution #milestone
📣📣 OPEN CALL FOR TRUSTEES 📣📣
Could you spare a little time to join our @southern_europe_bso Trustee Board to support the teams who deliver scouting to 500 young people across 5 countries and territories?
BSO Southern Europe is recruiting for a new Trustee 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 Explorer Scouts had a brilliant time at the recent Northern Europe District Camp with the theme Mission Possible! 4 mini missions ranging from high ropes and climbing to raft building, highland games and orienteering to crack the code and free a captured prisoner! Congratulations as well to Faith, former Sonian Explorer, who was announced as our new District Youth Lead! British Scouting Overseas
📣 Calling all Young Leaders in BSO 📣📣
📣📣 Module E for all Young Leaders 📣📣
Our next Online Module e for Young Leaders will be on Wednesday 14/05.
This is open to all Young Leaders across BSO, to join us for this interactive training session.
Sign up in advance at the link in our bio
Our @brussels_explorers are home from our Northern Europe District Camp
Climbing, Rafting, Highland games, orienteering, campfire, fun and friendship. Great curry dinner with the others on our site from Telstar ( Luxembourg) Explorers, The Hague Explorers, @blackpoolscouts @northerneuropenetwork .
🌍 Calling All BSO Adult volunteers – Be Part of Something Extraordinary! 🇵🇱
Applications are now open for British Scouting Overseas adult volunteers to join the UK Contingent heading to the 26th World Scout Jamboree in Poland in 2027! 🏕️✨
This is your chance to play a vital role in the adventure of a lifetime—supporting young people from across BSO as they represent the UK on the global Scouting stage, meeting Scouts from around the world, and creating memories that will last forever.
🔹 You’ll be part of a dynamic, international team working together to deliver an unforgettable experience in the heart of Europe.
👉 Don’t wait – get involved, get inspired, and help shape the journey to Poland 2027!
📅 Applications and more info: https://www.britishscoutingoverseas.org.uk/world-scout...
📣 Tag your fellow BSO leaders and spread the word!
#poland2027 #WSJ2027 #ukcontingent #bsoadventures #scoutingwithoutborders #britishscoutingoverseas #onceinalifetime
Day of our 3 day @med.bso skills weekend saw our UAE groups join us today as we developed core skills in navigation, knot, camp cooking and using our systems to support more young people gain skills for life. Great to have @ukinternationalteam Chief Volunteer @rob.j.murray join us via video link to talk with our volunteers across Middle East.
60+ adult volunteers for Day 1 of the @med.bso Skills weekend at Sharjah Scout Mission.
Lots of great discussions covering well being, safety, adventurous activities, nights away and practical skills.
We’re out with @med.bso this weekend for their skills weekend, but ahead of that our Lead Volunteer Graham spent the event with @1stdubai_bso Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. #skillsforlife
🚨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.
⚜️ @1stkotorbayseascouts Bike maintenance as part of the cyclist badge ✅
#kotorbayscouts #britishscoutingoverseas #seascouts #scouts #SkillsForLife
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.
A few weeks ago we had Explorers from 1st Madrid British Scouts, Paris Explorers & Sonian Explorer Scouts take part in 1 of 4 UK Youth Forums, to ensure our young people have a voice in shaping the next strategy for The Scouts #SpeakUp #SparkChange #UKScouts
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 🙌🏻
Last week saw scouts from across @southern_europe_bso take part in LanzaJam on Lanzarote for a a few days of sun and activities
⚜️ 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
This week @brussels_explorers enjoyed a 25km night hike, finishing up back at base before a hearty breakfast
📣📣 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
Eid Mubarak to all who’re celebrating. ✨🌙
📣📣 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
1st Prague Scout Group - British Scouting Overseas Winter Camp looked fantastic with a range of activities from archery, shooting to a hike!
#britishscoutingoverseas #scouts #cubs
Fantastic to see the impact of #collectthewhale! Find out how you can get involved - https://linktr.ee/collectthewhale
#britishscoutingoverseas #scouts
1st Bougival Scout Group's cubs taking part in a cycle rally and practicing some First Aid #britishscoutingoverseas #scouts #cubs #skillsforlife
Young Leaders and Explorers from @1stmadridscouts and Majadahonda had a fantastic weekend covering most of their modules and even squeezing in a hike! Well done all!
#scouts #explorer #britishscoutingoverseas
Happy International Women’s day!
Share your favourite story of an inspiring woman in scouting - let us know how they’ve inspired you below! 👇
#britishscoutingoverseas #britishscoutingoverseas #scouts #internationalwomensday
Last weekend @brussels_explorers joined 8000 other Scouts and Guides for the London Monopoly. One of our explorers enjoys photography and took these pictures of the sites during the day. #SkillsForLife
@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
@praguescouts beavers practicing some skills for life with their sewing
#skillsforlife #britishscoutingoverseas #scouts #beavers
📣📣 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.
1st Lanzarote Cubs and Scouts had a super day out! #britishscoutingoverseas #scouts #cubs
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
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus/Happy St Davids Day!
#britishscoutingoverseas
As YouShape Awareness Month comes to a close, it’s time to celebrate the amazing milestones young people have achieved this month. 🎉
We’d love to hear how you embraced YouShape in your Scouting adventures! Share your stories, photos, and videos in the comments below. 📸
#YouShapeMonth
Everything you need for a successful youth led programme is in one place! From guidance packs to activity ideas, it’s all in our one stop shop for all things youth led. 🌍
Explore the resources here: https://bit.ly/BSOYoushape
#YouShapeMonth
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
How best to celebrate Founders Day, than learn a new skill?
Ah, the classic friendship knot. Want to finally tackle it?
Watch our how-to video: https://bit.ly/3JaukTM
#SkillsForLife
1st Oman Scout Group Cubs and a few Scouts took on the Muttrah Dam hike, exploring rugged trails, enjoying stunning views, and embracing adventure with teamwork and enthusiasm!
Our Abu Dhabi and Dubai Explorers recently took part in their Chief Scout Award & The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Expedition & Adventurous Journeys
📣📣 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
Our Area Lead Volunteer’s visit to Belgium continued meeting with some of the young people and leaders in 1st Brussels’ sections in Waterloo - Skye Beavers, Wellington Cubs and Pegasus Scouts, as well as in Tervuewn park with Pinecone Squirrels.
It was great to join @brussels_explorers last night for pancakes and to hear about their recent explorer belt to Bulgaria and @international_award expedition.
📣📣 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
1st Bougival Scout Group Beavers working on their science experiments badge making mini lava lamps, balloon inflator and acid tester
Another great night at 1st Lanzarote Scouts. The cubs and beavers are working on their navigation badges !
Tonight we split into 2 groups and each wrote out a route and directions for the other group.
We did get a little sidetracked though when we got to the beach !
Our @omanbsoscouts Scouts had probably the coldest, dustiest, most beautiful and fun camp this weekend. Lots of laughs, some fantastic food, scorpions, snakes and toilet roll eating goats!
#SkillsForLife #omanscouts #1stomanscoutgroup #britishscoutingoverseas
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.
1st Bougival Scout Group Beavers out bird watching s part of the Big Garden Birdwatch project
Here I'm the Parc departmental at Monresson spying lots of water fowl on l'etang there.
Great crested grebes, Canad geese, Moorhens, Coots, Mallard as well as many smaller garden birds.
You can do winter sports in the desert! Our 1st Oman beavers, Cubs & Scouts recently enjoyed some top tips on the ice, all having a fantastic time.
#britishscoutingoverseas #1stomanscoutgroup #1stoman
📣📣 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
7th Dubai held a group investiture ceremony with over 30 young people making their Scout promise and being welcomed into our Scout family.
#7thdubai #investitureceremony #scoutpromise #britishscoutingoverseas #scouts
Great to see @brussels_explorers celebrating Burns night with Dancing, full Haggis Dinner, Rabbie Burns Poetry, Bagpipes and Irn Bru. For many their first experience of this Scottish celebration. With thanks to our guests from #Brusselscaledoniancorneymusers
Team BSO and colleagues from the @ukinternationalteam at #Summit25 as @scouts plans it's next 10 year strategy.
Happy New Year from all at British Scouting Overseas
#britishscoutingoverseas #scouts #newyear
🎉🎉 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.
Sonian Explorer Scouts collected new and unused gifts for orphanages and families in need in Wallonia as the festivities approach
#britishscoutingoverseas #scouts
Merry Christmas from all at British Scouting Overseas
#britishscoutingoverseas #scouts #christmas
📣📣 Far & Wide Winter 2024 📣📣
Check out our latest Far & Wide, with great news and stories from around BSO as well as key updates.
Link is in our Bio
📣📣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
Sonian Explorer Scouts had a fantastic indoor Unit camp working on their Camper, Pioneer and Climber badges to cooking challenges, tracking, hiking and lots of games! Congratulations as well to 2 of their YLs who were awarded their YL Belts! #britishscoutingoverseas #scouts #youngleaderbelt
Fantastic to see Bougival Beavers working on their creative badges making Christmas stars and pictures using invisible ink - these look incredible!
#britishscoutingoverseas #christmas #creativebadge #scouts
Well done to members of 1st Alicante Beavers and Cubs who arranged collection of supplies to go to dogs left unattended or lost during the recent flooding in the Valencia area
#britishscoutingoverseas #scouts
📣📣 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
Dragon Boating, Navigation, Joti/Jota with Spanish scouts, Leaders First Response are just some of the the things @1stmadridscouts have been up to so far this term.
#firstresponders #keepingyousafe #scouting #healthylifestyle #outdoors #timeonthewater
Last Week 1st The Hague Scouts made Constellations on the cardboard (2x team, total of 6) and projected on the wall.
Other teams had to recognise them.
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/
Earlier this month 1st Singapore BSO, recently took our Scouts and Explorers on an overnight camp on a little island called Pulau Ubin off the coast of Singapore. We did mountain biking and kayaking, for some scouts it was their first time sleeping under canvas.
Last week 1st The Hague Scouts had the opportunity to visit the KNRM Station at Scheveningen on a Saturday and on Monday made a camp fire and learnt camp songs .
This week, @1st Brussels (British) Scouts Criffel Beavers went on a scavenger hunt and made nature pictures while Lomond Beavers got busy making bug houses! Well done, Beavers!
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
1st Abudhabi Scouts Investiture Ceremony
We are proud of our Beavers, Cubs and Scouts leaders for organizing this amazing investiture and moving up ceremony and we would like to welcome our new leaders who were invested as well on the same event.
📣📣 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
1st Chantilly Cubs and Beavers went camping this weekend: the first night under canvas for some. We fished for our supper, too!
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
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