International Branch
Introduction
The International Branch is the external affairs department of the Association responsible for communication with other National Scout Organizations around the world. It links local members with overseas Scouts. The Branch arranges visits between local and other youth organizations abroad, coordinates the participation of national and international events, enrolls members to take part in international jamborees, seminars and conferences.
Opening Hours
| Monday - Friday: | 9:00am to 6:30pm |
| Saturday: | 9:30am to 6:30pm |
| (Lunch 1:00pm - 2:00pm) | |
| Sunday & Public Holiday: | Close |
Contact Information
Main duties
International Events
The Branch is to organize international events, for example the annual Jamboree-On-The-Air cum Jamboree-On-The-Internet. It is also responsible to coordinate the enrolment of overseas jamborees, conferences and seminars to promote international interflow in Scouting.
Hospitality
The branch is responsible for the hospitality of the visits of Scouts from other parts of the World. The current situation of the Association is introduced to enhance the understanding of the visiting Scouts.
Support Services
Transferring and introducing service is provided for our Scout members who are going to emigrate abroad, travel overseas or to visit Scout units abroad. The Branch is to formulate guidelines and procedures.
International Events
Jamboree-On-The-Air cum Jamboree-On-The-Internet
The Jamboree-On-The-Air cum Jamboree-On-The-Internet is an annual worldwide event held simultaneously by all Scout Organizations of the World on the third Saturday and Sunday of October every year. It provides an excellent opportunity for Scouts in various countries to communicate with each other through the internet and amateur radio. Exhibition and games are also arranged for the festival.
Overseas Jamborees, Conferences and Seminars
International jamborees, conferences and seminars organized by Scout Organizations around the World provide opportunities for the members to share their Scouting experience with each other. Information for those events will be uploaded to the Association’s webpage when we receive invitations from other NSOs. The branch is also responsible for the preparation of the contingents of Scout Association of Hong Kong. Besides, we have ever co-organised international events, for example, the Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on Adult Support to Youth Programme in 2017 at Hong Kong Scout Centre.
Hospitality
Reception of Overseas Scouts
To promote the fraternity with our national and international counterparts, Scout units from other parts of the World are welcome to visit us at the Hong Kong Scout Centre. Please contact the Branch directly for the arrangement.
Scout units which intend to receive overseas units should complete Form “Application for Reception to Overseas Unit” (IL/5C) and submit it to International Branch. Prior consent from International Branch is required. For Guidelines on Holding Overseas Visit / Activity and Receiving Overseas Unit, please refer to the Policy Circular No. 23/2018.
Support Services
Application for overseas visit / activity
Scout units who want to organize or arrange overseas visits or activities should apply for approval from International Commissioner. Application by unit should complete Form “Unit Application for Overseas Visit / Activity” (IL/5A) while individual / overseas expedition application should complete Form “Individual Application for Overseas Visit / Activity” (IL/5B). The completed form, with endorsement of the Group Scout Leader, District Commissioner or Assistant Chief Commissioner concerned and supporting documents, should reach International Branch at least 1 month in advance from the date of departure. Detailed application procedure can be found on the Guidance Notes on the forms.
Please be reminded that under no circumstances should any member or members traveling overseas hold himself/themselves out as the Contingent of Scout Association of Hong Kong without prior authorization from the Association Headquarters.
For guidelines on Holding Overseas Visit / Activity and Receiving Overseas Unit, please refer to the Policy Circular No. 23/2018.
Issuing the International Letter of Introduction
Scout members who are going to travel abroad not as member of any delegation may apply the International Letter of Introduction to identify themselves to fellow Scouts in countries they are visiting. Interested parties should fill in “Application for International Letter of Introduction” (IL/2) and submit it to the International Branch at least 1 month before departure.
Assisting in transferring abroad
Youth Scout members who relocate with their families or emigrating abroad may submit the Transfer Form (IL/6) through their scout leaders to the International Branch for the arrangement of joining a suitable group in their new countries.
Policy
Communications with Overseas Scout Organizations (Policy Circular No. 02/2018)
Policy on Participation in Overseas and Mainland Activities (Policy Circular No. 22/2018))
Policy on Holding Overseas Visit / Activity and Receiving Overseas Unit (Policy Circular No. 23/2018)