More international opportunities

Okay, I admit it, I am an international scouting junkie.

Trouble is, taking youth on an international trip is sooooo cool, I just
can't help it.

I wanted to highlight another great scouting international opportunity.
European Camp Staff.

Close your eyes and picture this: Summer in the Austrian Alps, with young
people your own age (of both sexes), all scouts.
For almost free.

Okay, do you have that picture in your mind? That is European camp staff.
If you are from 18-30 years of age, BSA has a program where you can
volunteer for camp staff at a limited number of European scout camps
(examples include Gilwell in England, Vassaro in Sweden, Zellhof in Austria,
Kandersteg in Switzerland, etc.). You commit to a length of time depending
on the camp (Gilwell as short as 4 weeks, Vassaro 6 and Kandersteg 12, as
examples). You pay for the flight to Europe. The camp provides you room
and board in exchange for spending a great summer. If you fulfill your
commitment, BSA will pay you half your airfare. If they have extra in the
budget, they may pay more (last two summers, they paid full air fare).
Before or after your commitment, you are free to do whatever you want, tour
Europe, hang with your new scout friends, whatever.

If you use youth hostels and get a rail pass, that European touring option
is pretty reasonable. However, we have found that instead, our European
Camp Staff end up getting invited to visit and stay with their new European
scout friends. Last year, a scout who went To Vassaro was then invited to
staff the Swedish National Jamboree. Another was invited on a special
expedition in the Alps. You just never know where it will lead you.

All that for half air fare. Can you believe the opportunity? That doesn't
happen every day, you know.

Sure, it takes a special sort to do this. You have to be 18, and you have
to have parents who will support you having a summer off work and school.
Also, Kandersteg takes short term staff at other times of year, if you have
an interest in taking a semester off for this excellent opportunity.

You would be surprised how much fun you would have.

So, if you find this interesting, contact me for the application and list of
camps.

Cheers!
Don Roberts
Trek Organizer