International Spirit Award

The International Spirit Award helps Scouts discover the larger world. It gives young people a chance to learn about other places and cultures in simple and hands-on ways. Many Scouts enjoy seeing how Scouting connects people across the globe. This award encourages that curiosity. It invites Scouts and leaders to take small steps that help them grow in understanding and friendship.

This award gives families and units a new way to explore international Scouting. It does not require big trips or special budgets. Most tasks can be done at meetings, campouts, and simple family activities. Each step introduces ideas that help Scouts notice how others live. These moments support growth at any age. They also help units add variety to their yearly plans.

The award works for Cub Scouts, older youth, and adult leaders. Each group has its own set of tasks, but the goals stay the same. Learn something new. Try something different. Share the experience with others. Units can enjoy these projects together. This creates a sense of teamwork and shared purpose. It also supports youth who want to explore other cultures.

Many units find that the award fits well into their regular program. Games, nature activities, and service projects all support the requirements. Some units add simple food nights or short research projects. These small steps give Scouts a fresh look at the world. They also help leaders guide youth with simple activities that still feel exciting and meaningful.

The International Spirit Award celebrates curiosity. It honors Scouts who take time to learn about international Scouting. Each requirement helps youth see the world with new eyes. These activities invite Scouts to compare their own experiences with the experiences of others. When a Scout finishes the award, they gain a deeper sense of how Scouting connects people from many cultures.

This award is unit centered. Leaders and families help create simple activities that support the requirements. Many units plan games, meals, and short presentations during meetings. These moments help Scouts share what they learn. The shared effort brings the group closer together. It also gives everyone a clear view of how Scouting values respect for all cultures.

The emblem for this award is a temporary patch worn on the right pocket. Scouts often enjoy wearing it because it shows they took part in something special. Adults can earn it too. This sends a strong message to youth. It shows that learning never stops. It also shows that leaders support international Scouting alongside their Scouts.

The award encourages steady progress. Units track requirement dates and support youth through each step. All work must be finished within five years. This gives enough time for Scouts who begin early. It also helps leaders plan their program with small, simple activities each season. This slow and steady path makes the award easy to manage.

Cub Scouts complete tasks that match their age and interests. One requirement is the Champions for Nature elective. This adventure helps them notice the world around them. It also helps them see how nature connects people everywhere. Learning new words in another language adds a simple and fun challenge. Most Cubs enjoy practicing these words with friends or family at home.

Cub Scouts also play games from other countries or cultures. These games give Cubs a look at how other children play. Many leaders discover new games that fit well into regular meetings. Simple movement games and guessing games work best. Cubs enjoy learning that kids around the world play in many of the same ways.

Jamboree-on-the-Air and Jamboree-on-the-Internet offer another way for Cubs to join the world of Scouting. These events help Scouts listen to or talk with others far away. Some Cubs only listen. Others try short messages. These events show Cub Scouts that Scouting reaches beyond their own town. It helps them see how large and friendly the Scouting family can be.

Cub Scouts also select experience options. Adults help guide these choices. Most Cubs enjoy options that involve food, stories, or simple research. These tasks help them learn without feeling pressure. When a Cub Scout completes the requirements, they gain confidence. They also learn that understanding other cultures begins with small steps.

Scouts BSA members, Sea Scouts, and Venturers complete a different set of tasks. These requirements match the maturity and skills of older youth. They start by earning the World Conservation Award. This award builds awareness of how people care for the natural world. Older youth also earn Citizenship in the World or complete the culture section of the TRUST Award. These tasks build thoughtful discussion and reflection.

Older youth also join Jamboree-on-the-Air or Jamboree-on-the-Internet. They may help younger Scouts take part as well. This teaches leadership skills. It shows older youth how to guide others through new activities. Many units enjoy this part because it brings different ages together. It also helps older Scouts see themselves as role models.

A World Friendship Fund collection is also required. This teaches youth how small gifts can support Scouting in other countries. Units may explain how these funds help international programs grow. Many Scouts feel proud to help other young people enjoy the Scouting experience. This simple act shows how kindness can reach across borders.

Older youth choose several experience options to complete the award. These options encourage leadership, planning, and community involvement. Some Scouts prepare meals, lead research talks, or join international events. Others help their councils with international Scouting projects. Each task helps youth grow in understanding. It also helps them see their role in the larger Scouting world.

Adult leaders also have a version of the International Spirit Award. Their tasks focus on teaching, supporting youth, and promoting international Scouting. Leaders begin by learning about the World Organization of the Scout Movement. This gives them a clear picture of how Scouting works around the world. Leaders then share this knowledge with their units or at roundtables.

Adults explore the international section of the Scouting America website. They promote two programs or events found there. This helps bring fresh ideas into the unit. It also shows leaders how many international opportunities exist. These moments help youth learn that Scouting does not stop at local borders. It opens doors to many cultures.

Adults also take part in two JOTA or JOTI events. Many leaders help set up radios or computers for youth. Others help guide conversations or basic listening activities. This support allows Scouts to enjoy the event with confidence. Adults also organize a World Friendship Fund collection. These steps show the unit that leaders support global Scouting.

Adult leaders also encourage at least two Scouts to earn the award. They choose several shared experience options too. These tasks help adults grow in understanding while guiding youth. Many leaders feel renewed energy when exploring these new activities. It brings new ideas into the unit. It also shows Scouts that learning continues at every age.

All versions of the award share ten experience options. Units can pick the ones that fit them best. Some options involve hosting international Scouts at council events. This helps youth hear stories firsthand. It also helps them see how Scouting is practiced in other places. Hosting takes place at camps, not in homes, to keep the activity official.

Other options mix food, fun, and learning. Scouts may prepare a meal from another country. They share what they learned during dinner. This simple idea works well for both families and units. Many Scouts enjoy seeing how meals reflect culture. The conversations that follow help Scouts grow in understanding.

Some options involve travel or joining international events. A World Scout Jamboree or international camporee offers powerful experiences. Units can also visit our neighbors in other countries during family trips. These visits help Scouts see Scouting in action outside their own region. When youth return, they share their stories with others.

Other options focus on research and service. Scouts may study a region of the Scouting world. They may also help their council’s International Representative. Some Scouts research how to get a passport. These tasks help Scouts build practical knowledge. They also help units stay active in international Scouting efforts.

Units record the International Spirit Award through Scoutbook or an advancement form. Leaders check dates for each requirement to make sure they fall within five years. This record helps the unit keep track of progress. It also helps the council confirm when all tasks are complete. The process stays simple when leaders check tasks as they are done.

The emblem for the award is a restricted item. Units must bring signed paperwork when buying it. Local Scout Shops keep many in stock, but they can order more when needed. Families may also email National Supply with the completed application. This gives units several easy ways to get the emblem once all steps are done.

The emblem is worn centered on the right pocket. This position shows that it is a temporary award. Many Scouts enjoy adding it to their uniform. It becomes a reminder of the experiences they completed. Leaders also wear it with pride. It shows their support for international Scouting in their units.

Applying for the award feels easy when units stay organized. Leaders can help families understand the steps. They can also help Scouts choose tasks that fit their interests. With a clear plan, the award becomes a natural part of the program. Units often find that it adds variety and fun to their year.

International Spirit Award Application

Messengers of Peace

Interpreter Strips

What is the International Spirit Award?

It is an award for Scouts and adult leaders. It encourages learning about other countries and international Scouting. Each group has its own set of requirements. The award helps units add fun and learning about the wider world.

Who can earn the award?

Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA members, Sea Scouts, Venturers, and adult leaders can earn it. Each group follows its own list of requirements. The goals are similar for everyone. Learn something new, try a few activities, and share what you learned.

Where is the emblem worn?

The emblem is a temporary patch. It is worn centered on the right pocket of the uniform shirt. Many Scouts and leaders enjoy wearing it because it shows they worked on international Scouting.

How long do I have to finish the requirements?

All requirements must be completed within five years. This gives plenty of time. Units can work on tasks during regular meetings or outings. Families can help with simple parts at home.

How do we record the award?

Units record the award in Scoutbook or on an official advancement form. Leaders keep track of completion dates. After approval, families can buy the emblem with the signed paperwork.

Do we need to travel to another country?

No. Travel is only one of the optional experience choices. Most requirements can be done at home, at meetings, or at local events. Units can choose the options that work best for them.

Do Cub Scouts and older youth follow the same requirements?

No. Cub Scouts have their own set of age-appropriate tasks. Scouts BSA members, Sea Scouts, and Venturers follow a different list. Adult leaders also have a unique set of tasks. Many of the experience choices are shared.

What is Jamboree-on-the-Air or Jamboree-on-the-Internet?

These are worldwide Scouting events. Scouts talk or listen to others around the world by radio or online. Units can take part with simple equipment. These events help Scouts feel connected to international Scouting.

What are the experience requirements?

There are ten choices. Scouts and leaders pick a few from the list based on their program. These activities include meals, research, talks, events, and helping the council. Each choice gives a simple way to learn about the world.

The International Spirit Award helps units bring the wider world into simple Scouting activities. It invites Scouts to learn new words, try new games, and notice how others live. These small tasks help youth build understanding without feeling pressure. Many families enjoy watching their Scouts grow as they explore new ideas. Each step shows that curiosity can lead to meaningful learning.

This award also brings units together. Scouts of different ages often help one another with the tasks. Older youth guide younger Scouts during events or games. Adults learn alongside them. This shared effort helps everyone see that Scouting connects people across many cultures. These moments build confidence and teamwork. They also make meetings and outings more engaging for the whole unit.

Leaders often find that the experience options open new doors. Some units enjoy preparing food from other countries. Others enjoy research projects or service work. These activities add variety to the program. They also help Scouts see how friendship and respect grow when people explore new cultures. The award becomes a simple way to bring these ideas into regular meetings.

The emblem tells the story of every moment spent learning about the world. It shows that the Scout or leader took time to explore something new. This simple patch carries memories of meals, games, talks, events, and shared experiences. When worn on the uniform, it reminds the unit that Scouting reaches far beyond their own community and invites them to enjoy that journey.