This award has replaced the former
International Activity Award and
the former International Youth Exchange
Award emblem,
which have both been discontinued, and are no longer available.
The International Spirit Award is a temporary emblem that is awarded to registered Scouts and Scouters who have completed the necessary requirements, have gained a greater knowledge of international Scouting, and have developed a greater appreciation and awareness of different cultures and countries.
The International Spirit Award patch (SKU: 659814) can now be purchased through the Scout Shop on-line here, as well as at your local Scout Shop. The price of the patch is $4.99 (as of August 21, 2023). Previously, International Spirit Awards were processed by the BSA International Department at the BSA National Office.
Going forward, Youth International Spirit Awards will be processed consistent with Youth advancement procedure through Scoutbook.
Going forward, Adult Awards will be processed through your local Council International Representative (Council lead international Scouting volunteer) and Council Registrar.
Please note, the Youth and Adult Awards are restricted items only available at Scoutshop.org or through your local council Scout Shop with the required paperwork.
The International Spirit Award seeks to broaden knowledge of International Scouting and increase appreciation and awareness of cultures and countries, and it helps Scouts understand that they are members of a worldwide movement of fellow scouts.
Through this award, Scouts and Scouters will have an opportunity to learn about the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), have the opportunity to engage with world scouting in their Unit and local Council program, and engage with scouts from around the globe.
The International Spirit Award is available for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Sea Scouts, Venturers and Scouters. We encourage earning this award as a shared Unit activity among Youth and Adult Leaders. We recommend Unit leaders contact their Council International Representative for guidance and assistance on how to earn the award and lead their Unit in achieving this award.
The Requirements and Award Application form can be found here. Fill out the application with the date that each requirement was completed. All requirements must be met within 5 years from the start to completion of the Award.
For adult leaders and youth, the International Spirit Award emblem is worn as a temporary patch centered on the right uniform pocket.
Requirements
Cub Scout
- Earn the Cub Scout World Conservation Award.
- Learn 10 words that are in a different language than your own.
- Play two games that originated in another country or culture.
- Participate in Jamboree-on-the-Air or Jamboree-on-the-Internet.
- Organize a World Friendship Fund collection at a unit meeting or district roundtable.
- Complete two of the 10 Experience Requirements.
Scouts BSA / Venturer / Sea Scout
- Earn the Scouts BSA or Venturing World Conservation Award.
- Earn the Citizenship in the World merit badge
(Alternative for Venturers: Complete the “Understanding Other Cultures” requirement of the TRUST Award.) - Participate in Jamboree-on-the-Air or Jamboree-on-the-Internet.
- Organize a World Friendship Fund collection at a unit meeting or district roundtable.
- Complete three of the 10 Experience Requirements.
Scouter
- Learn about the World Organization of the Scout Movement (www.scout.org). Explain to your unit or at a district roundtable what this organization is and at least three ways that the WOSM website can be used to promote participation in international Scouting.
- Read the most current International Department newsletter (www.scouting.org/ international/newsletter) and promote at least two items from the newsletter within your unit or at a district roundtable.
- Help organize or participate in two Jamboree-on-the-Air or Jamboree-on-the-Internet events.
- Organize a World Friendship Fund collection at a unit meeting or district roundtable.
- Complete four of the 10 Experience Requirements.
Experience Requirements
- Host an international Scout or unit at a local Council camp and plan activities to help you learn about Scouting in their country. (*Please note that hosting in private homes is not considered an official Scouting activity.)
- Learn about another country and prepare a dinner traditionally served there. Explain what you learned to friends or family over the meal.
- Participate in a World Scout Jamboree, international camporee, or another international Scouting event. Share the experience with your unit or at a district roundtable.
- Take a tnp to another country as an individual or with your family or Scouting unit. Make sure to visit a Scouting event or unit in that country. When you return home, share your experience with another unit.
- Organize and participate in a Messengers of Peace project. Share the experience with your unit or at a district roundtable, making sure to explain which dimensions of the program your project promoted.
- Earn the interpreter strip.
- Research Scouting in another country. Make a presentation at a unit meeting or district roundtable.
- Contact your local council's international representative and assist them with at least two items they need help with promoting.
- Research the process of obtaining a U.S. passport. Create a fact sheet for your unit or district to assist them with requirements for traveling internationally.
- Research a region of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. Make a presentation at a unit meeting or district roundtable.
