European Camp Staff Program
Through the European Camp Staff program, young leaders from the Boy Scouts
of America have the opportunity to learn more about Scouting in Europe by
working at a European Scout center.
Aim
The aim of the European Camp Staff program is to assist young people in
developing their leadership skills and to encourage intercultural learning.
This is achieved by providing the individual with a residential experience
as a volunteer staff member at a Scout center in another country.
Framework of the Typical European Scout Center
Scout centers in Europe do not operate in the same way that BSA camps do.
The staff members of a typical European Scout center are usually involved in
many different aspects of operating the center rather than specializing in
one particular area. This is different from the situation in a BSA camp,
where staff members are usually assigned to a particular activity or skill
with which they work for the majority of their time at camp. In addition,
Scouting in Europe normally operates on a coeducational basis, with males
and females having the opportunity to be equally involved at all levels.
How to Apply
All participants in the European Camp Staff program must be between 18
and 30 years of age and must be volunteers registered with the Boy Scouts
of America. To ensure that the experience is a worthwhile one, participants
should be prepared to commit themselves to work for a minimum of six weeks.
The interested person should obtain a detailed booklet from the Boy Scouts
of America's International Division. After reviewing the booklet and selecting
a host center, the person should complete the application, have it approved
by his or her local council, and return it to the International Division
for approval.
Selection Procedure
Because the European Region of the World Organization of the Scout Movement
administers the European Camp Staff program, the Boy Scouts of America plays a
support role only. The BSA's International Division will forward approved
applications to the European Region for further processing.
The European Region forwards applications to the host centers for their
selection. Once the host centers have selected their participants, applicants
will receive all information pertaining to voluntary employment.
What to Expect From the Host Center
After an applicant has been placed, it is the responsibility of the host
center and the participant to contact each other and organize all practical
details. These will include the exact dates of attendance, travel arrangements,
equipment required, and any other information necessary to ensure the placement
is a success.
Each host center will aim to provide a worthwhile placement for young leaders
from the Boy Scouts of America. A major priority will be the full integration of
the participant into the Scout center's staff team. The host center also will
endeavor to allocate a suitable amount of time for the participant to experience
the culture of the host country through a number of social and tourist activities.
As a minimum, appropriate accommodations and full board will be provided for the
participant for the duration of the placement.
Travel Costs and Insurance
It is the responsibility of the participants to pay their own travel to and
from the Scout center. The European Scout region will refund 50 percent of the
individual's travel costs. The refund will be made in autumn, once the placement
has been completed and the participant has returned home.
The BSA provides each participant with camper's accident and sickness
insurance.