International Links Scheme

Scouting has always promoted international understanding, co-operation and comradeship through contacts with young people from other countries and cultures. The International Links scheme helps young people to develop awareness of life outside of their immediate surrounds, and helps them recognize and respect the differences that exist between nations and races of the world.

The scheme offers a means of communicating with other Scouts and provides an "international experience" without necessarily leaving home.

There are two types of links available:

International Friends: This is a link between individual Cub Scouts, Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Scout Network members. It is a fun way of learning about life and culture of a Scout in a foreign country, and may result in close friendships and exchange visits to each other. It is often difficult to link people under 12 years of age and therefore for Cub Scouts and Beaver Scouts a group link may be more appropriate. A good knowledge of the language is required.
International Group Links: This enables Groups in the UK to link up with a group abroad. They can exchange letters, photographs, videos and other material with an overseas Group. Groups as we know them do not exist in some countries and it is better to link leaders as a starting point and then develop this to a group or section.

Corresponding with a Scout or Group abroad is not just about writing letters. You could try some of the following methods to communicate and forming a varied and exciting link.

Exchange Scout magazines, newsletters, bulletins
Scrapbooks, postcards, posters, tourist literature and maps
Photos, videos, slides with commentaries and audio cassettes
Birthday and Christmas cards.
E-mails
Exchange programme ideas

Ideas for joint activities:

Hold an International evening devoted to the other Link Group with films, slides videos, recorded messages, national dishes from you Link's country. Involve parents, committee members and friends.
Attempt radio contact during Jamboree-on-the-Air
Try an evening produced by your Link group
Do the World Friendship Badge
Do the International Friendship Award in your Group or Section. There may be a similar award that you International Link could also tackle.

How do I make a Link?

First obtain an application form. Complete it and return to the Postbox Secretaries. This will be acknowledged, and you will then need to be patient while a suitable link is found.

Think carefully about your choice of countries. You will need to take language into account.

You should be aware of the commitment involved in corresponding with an International Friend. You will need to maintain regular communication, which involves a lot of self-discipline.

To obtain your application forms contact your Assistant County Commissioner (International) or the Postbox Secretary.

Please note that the INTERNATIONAL LINKS SCHEME should not be used as a means of making local contacts in order to obtain campsite information or arrange a visit abroad. These requests should be made through your ACC (International).