The 26th World Scout Jamboree (WSJ) in Gdańsk, Poland, is rapidly approaching! With the theme “Bravely,” this is a pivotal moment for our Scouts to step out of their comfort zones and engage in a truly global experience.
Here is a step-by-step action plan, packed with fun ideas, that you can use to promote the official USA Contingent at your very next Scout meeting.
I. Make it Real: Meeting Ideas to Drive Global Appeal
The goal is to bring a piece of the “world” right into your meeting space.
| Activity | Goal | How to Do It |
| The “Bravely” Challenge | Encourage youth-led participation and confidence. | Start your meeting by asking: “What is one brave thing you did this week?” Connect this to the Jamboree theme and the courage to travel and meet new people. |
| Polish Culture Corner | Introduce the host country, Poland. | Teach a few simple Polish phrases (e.g., Cześć – Hello), or serve a simple Polish snack. Show images of Gdańsk and the Baltic Coast. |
| WSJ Memorabilia Display | Make the Jamboree concrete. | If anyone in your community attended a previous WSJ, invite them to bring their neckerchiefs, patches, or souvenirs for a brief show-and-tell. |
| The “Gdańsk Harbor” Challenge | Tie into the Jamboree location. | Gdańsk is a major port city. Use ropes and staves to organize a quick pioneering competition to build a small maritime-themed structure or a model dock. |
| “Friendship Trade” Practice | Rehearse patch trading skills. | Print some scout patches or use stickers and practice “trading” politely, asking about the patch’s background. |
II. Leveraging Your Professional Promotional Files
Your USA Contingent graphic designer created two essential tools. Here is how to use them most effectively:
1. The Eye-Catching Flyer: “Adventure Awaits: Join Team USA!”
- Audience: Scouts (focus on excitement and adventure).
- Meeting Strategy:
- The 30-Second Punch: Start the meeting by holding up the flyer and stating clearly: “This is your shot at Poland 2027! For ages 14-17 (at the time of the event). If you’re interested, scan this QR Code now before you forget!” (This creates urgency and immediate action.)
- Visual Resource: Post the flyer prominently (on a notice board or projected onto a screen) and ensure the QR Code links directly to the USA Contingent’s official website.
GET THE FLYER FILE
2. The Detailed Brochure: “Your Journey to the World Jamboree”
- Audience: Parents and Adult Leaders (focus on logistics and funding).
- Meeting Strategy:
- Dedicated Parent Time: Hold a quick, separate 5-minute huddle for parents at the start or end of the meeting.
- Key Talking Points: The Unit Leader should be prepared to address the costs and fundraising plan (Use the Presentation Deck from the Contingent Town Hall). Being upfront and transparent about the financial commitment gives families the necessary planning time.
- Call to Action: “Please take this Brochure home. It contains information on the World Scout Jamboree. It’s the ideal resource to review with your family tonight. You can also scan the QR Codes to get additional details.”
