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Description

Find a Scout Group somewhere else in the world, learn about them, and send a friendly introduction from our Troop.

* Investigate Scouting in another country.
* Use search engines effectively.
* Communicate online safely and respectfully.
* Understand how Scouting is similar and different around the world.

Resources

Pens and paper
A laptop/tablet or similar devise. One per patrol.
Wi-Fi/hotspot
Printed world map
Small prize for winning Patrol

Instructions

## 1. Introduction (5 minutes)

Show a world map and ask:

* How many countries have Scouts?
* What do Scouts in Japan do?
* Do Scouts in Kenya wear the same uniform?
* What activities might Scouts in Canada do that we don't?

Briefly explain that Scouting is active in over 170 countries through the World Organization of the Scout Movement.

Challenge:

> "By the end of tonight, every Patrol will have found a Scout Group somewhere in the world and written a message introducing our Troop"

---

## 2. Safe Online Searching (5 minutes)

Before they touch a device, discuss:

### The Green Flags

✅ Use official Scout websites

✅ Look for Scout Groups, Districts or Councils

✅ Use official email addresses

✅ Be polite and respectful

### The Red Flags

❌ Don't share personal information

❌ Don't give home addresses

❌ Don't arrange meetings

❌ Don't share phone numbers

❌ Don't click suspicious links

Ask:

> "What information would be safe to tell another Scout Group?"

Make a list, eg:

* We are in [town], [city].
* We have Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.
* We enjoy camping, hiking and tomahawks.
* We recently celebrated 75 years.
* We have around 130 young people.

Then ask:

> "What wouldn't be appropriate to share?"

---

## 3. Patrol Challenge (12 minutes)

Each Patrol gets a different continent:

### Patrol 1

North America

### Patrol 2

South America

### Patrol 3

Europe (excluding UK)

### Patrol 4

Africa

### Patrol 5

Asia

### Patrol 6

Oceania

They must find:

* Country
* Scout Group name
* Website or Facebook page
* Three interesting facts about Scouting there

Bonus points for:

* Finding photos
* Finding a troop programme
* Discovering a badge unique to that country

---

## 4. Write the Message (5 minutes)

Give them a simple template:

> Hello from x Scout Group in London, England.
>
> We are a Scout Troop with Scouts aged 10½–14.
>
> We enjoy camping, hiking, fire lighting and tomahawk throwing.
>
> This year we celebrated our 75th anniversary.
>
> We would love to hear about Scouting in your country.
>
> What activities do you enjoy?
>
> Yours in Scouting,
>
> [Patrol Name]

The Patrol Leader can then send it (or more safely, give it to a leader who sends it from the Group email account afterwards).

---

## 5. Patrol Presentations (3 minutes)

Each Patrol has 30 seconds to tell everyone:

* Which country they chose.
* One interesting fact.
* Who they contacted.

---

# Alternative: Make it a competition

Score out of 20:

| Task | Points |
| ------------------------------ | ------ |
| Found a Scout Group | 5 |
| Found 3 facts | 5 |
| Wrote a message | 5 |
| Demonstrated safe internet use | 5 |


---

### Follow-up

A few weeks later, if any groups reply, dedicate 10 minutes to sharing the responses. That's often the most memorable part and really brings the requirement to life. You could even pin the countries on a map and start building a "28th Croydon Around the World" display in the HQ.

Tags

• global
• international
• other countries
• safe internet use

Badge Links

• Creative - Internet
• World - Other country