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International Development

Where will Scouting will take you? To another side of the world, working side by side with other members of the Scouting community, fighting poverty and inequality or working towards environmental initiatives to make a lasting change in the world.

From as early as Beaver Scouts, we learn to help take care of the world, to do our best, be prepared, challenge ourselves and serve others. International development projects through ScoutsAbroad put everything you’ve learned to the test. You get the opportunity to grow, build your resume, find your passion in life, and change the world. Its youth development through international development, and it starts with Scouts.

Interested in planning your own international development project? Contact the International Committee today to get started.

Resources

International Development Projects Guide

Community Development Project Request Form

International Development Projects FAQ

What is an International Development Project (IDP)?

An International Development Project is a partnership between Scouts Canada and another National Scout Organization (NSO). The objective is to work together towards community development. This project can take the form of a construction project (like a hospital or a school), or a training project (like delivering FOCUS or Woodbadge Training). The result should always be working towards ending poverty and inequality in the world.

First, you’ll want to find a number of people who will serve as the core of your team. Then, check out the Community Development Project Request Form and Planning Your International Development Project guide, which will give you the basics. When you’re ready, you can start to fill out whatever information you have in the IDP Request Form.

It’s important to remember that this form is really just a way to start a dialogue with the International Committee. We’re here to support you and your team to help you be successful. By filling out the form as completely as you can (with any information you can give us), we can help you to work towards filling out the rest. The hardest part is getting started. The rest, we can help you with. We’re at your service.

You may email the completed form to intl@scouts.ca, or mail it to Scouts Canada’s International Commissioner at the National Office:

International Commissioner, Scouts Canada
1345 Baseline Road
Ottawa, ON K2C 0A7
Canada

Yes, the Canadian Scout Brotherhood Fund, which was created directly after World War II to help rebuild scouting in Europe, is available to help cover the material costs of an IDP. Today, the Brotherhood Fund is maintained through money coming from the annual Scoutrees Campaign.

There are requirements for this funding however. Funding can only be granted where Scouts Canada’s youth will be directly involved in the completion of the project. Funds can only be used towards project materials, not transportation or program, or any other expenses. As well, when a group receives funding for their project, they will be required to complete a Final Report to share the story of their project with everyone.

This is one of the ways the International Committee can help. We have the means and the network to contact every NSO in the world. By filling out your CDP Request Form, you can help us make a connection with another NSO.

The most important characteristics of a good IDP are sustainability and relevance. Neither of these are possible without the input and guidance from the partner NSO. Remember, this is a partnership. By talking with the partner NSO and the local community, you’ll be able to better understand their priorities and together, you’ll be able to accomplish a sustainable and relevant project.

How creative are you? Sales, service, volunteer efforts, and soliciting donations are just a few of the possibilities. Be creative, and remember to follow Scouts Canada’s Bylaws, Policies and Procedures. Talk to you Group Commissioner to learn more about policies surrounding fundraising efforts.

There are all sorts of resources, one of which is the Planning Your International Development Project guide. In this guide, you’ll find a checklist of things you’ll need to consider while doing your planning and preparations

As soon as you’ve submitted your IDP Request Form, a member of the International Committee will be assigned to your project. This volunteer will be your key contact and your support throughout the entire planning and execution of you IDP. They are full of information and are ready to answer all your questions. You can also refer to the Planning Your International Development Project guide, and take our e-learning course.

Past Development Projects

Project Project Description
Kenya 2012 In 1991 Scouts Canada traveled to Kenya with the goal of building a small health centre for a rural community. The clinic now treats 250 people a day and it was time to return for an upgrade and expansion.
Madagascar 2012 Following through on a promise made in 2008, 22 Venturer Scouts, Rover Scouts and Scouters traveled to the village of Ambato Boeni to work with the community to build a school and a washroom facility, but the impact was much, much greater than just that.

Read the Madagascar Project Final Report »

Read the Madagascar Project Six-Month Project Update »

Mexico 2011 In July 2011, a group of 35 Venturer Scouts and Rover Scouts, Leaders and parents traveled to Vicente Guerrero, Mexico for 16 days to help build four houses to help local families to break the cycle of poverty.
South Africa 2010 In August 2010, youth and adults from across Canada and South Africa traveled to Welkom, South Africa to build community food gardens and rainwater reservoirs. During the three weeks spent in South Africa the project participants upgraded eight different schools with reservoirs, including building and installing downspouts and water tanks.

Read more about the South Africa Project »

Get in Touch

1-888-855-3336

Submit a Request

Scouts Canada Charity Number: 107761694RR0028

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