How to Promote the USA Contingent at Your Scout Meeting

How to Promote the USA Contingent at Your Scout Meeting

by | Nov 3, 2025 | Announcement

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.”

GET THE BROCHURE FILE

GET THE PRESENTATION – SLIDE DECK FILE

USA Contingent Town Hall (10/09/2025)

USA Contingent Town Hall (10/09/2025)

by | Oct 19, 2025 | Town Hall Videos, Video

The USA Contingent CMT hosted a Town Hall on Thursday, October 9, 2025, to discuss important details about the 26th World Scout Jamboree (WSJ), which will take place in Poland in 2027. The meeting agenda includes:

  • Introduction
  • Previous Jamboree Participants’ Testimonials
  • Dates, Location, Pre-tour…
  • Registration Process
  • International Service Team (Adult Volunteers)
  • Unit Leader Selection Process
  • Contingent Logo/Patch
  • Costs Breakdown
  • Q&A

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Contingent Management Team (CMT).

Head of Contingent: Bill McKinney
usapoland2027@gmail.com

Communication: Szymon Laczny
usapoland2027comms@gmail.com

Facts about Gdańsk

Facts about Gdańsk

by | Sep 20, 2025 | Participants

Gdańsk, a city nestled on the Baltic coast of northern Poland, is a place where history, culture, and maritime tradition blend seamlessly. Known as the “Pearl of the Baltic,” Gdańsk is a city of stunning architecture, rich heritage, and a vibrant atmosphere that continues to draw visitors from around the world.

 

A City Steeped in History

Gdańsk’s history is as rich and diverse as its landscape. The city’s roots date back over a thousand years, and throughout its history, it has been a significant player in the political and economic landscape of Europe. As a member of the powerful Hanseatic League, Gdańsk flourished as a major port and trading hub, connecting Western Europe with the eastern territories.

One of the city’s most significant historical moments occurred in the 20th century. Gdańsk is famously known as the birthplace of the Solidarity movement, which played a pivotal role in the fall of communism in Central and Eastern Europe. The Gdańsk Shipyard, where Solidarity was founded in 1980 under the leadership of Lech Wałęsa, remains a symbol of resistance and freedom. Today, the European Solidarity Centre, located in the shipyard area, stands as a museum and cultural institution dedicated to the history of this movement and its impact on the world.

 

Architectural Splendor

Walking through Gdańsk is like stepping back in time, with its beautifully preserved and restored architecture telling the story of its past. The city’s Old Town, meticulously rebuilt after World War II, is a masterpiece of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The Main Town, with its iconic Long Market (Długi Targ) and the towering Gdańsk Town Hall, is a stunning example of the city’s historical grandeur.

One of the most striking buildings in Gdańsk is St. Mary’s Church, one of the largest brick churches in the world. This Gothic marvel dominates the skyline and offers panoramic views of the city from its tower. Nearby, the Artus Court, a former meeting place for merchants and a symbol of the city’s wealth, showcases the opulence of Gdańsk’s golden age.

 

Maritime Tradition

Gdańsk’s identity is deeply intertwined with the sea. The city’s port has been a gateway to the world for centuries, and its maritime heritage is celebrated throughout the city. The Crane (Żuraw), an iconic symbol of Gdańsk, harks back to the city’s days as a bustling port in the Middle Ages. This medieval port crane, one of the largest in Europe at the time, now houses part of the National Maritime Museum, which delves into the city’s rich seafaring history.

The riverside area of Gdańsk, along the Motława River, is bustling with activity. Modern ferries, traditional ships, and pleasure boats navigate the waters, offering visitors a chance to explore the city from a different perspective. The Maritime Culture Centre and the Museum Ship SS Sołdek are also located here, providing insights into Gdańsk’s enduring relationship with the sea.

 

A Hub of Culture and Innovation

Gdańsk is not only a city of history but also a thriving cultural hub. The city hosts numerous festivals, concerts, and exhibitions that reflect its dynamic spirit. The annual St. Dominic’s Fair, one of the largest and oldest fairs in Europe, brings together artisans, performers, and visitors from across the continent in a lively celebration of trade and culture.

In recent years, Gdańsk has also emerged as a center for education and innovation. The city’s universities and research institutions attract students and scholars from around the world, contributing to its growing reputation as a hub of knowledge and technology.

Meet the CMT (Part 2)

Meet the CMT (Part 2)

by | Sep 20, 2025 | CMT

Each month, we’ll introduce you to members of our dedicated Contingent Management Team (CMT). These volunteers are working tirelessly behind the scenes to make this the best Jamboree ever, and we look forward to introducing you to them.

[Part 2 & continue…]

 

Ella Ozier has a long history of embracing international Scouting adventures. Her involvement began with living and working in South Korea and supporting her younger son’s 2015 World Scout Jamboree (WSJ) trip to Japan. She continued her journey by serving as a Crew Advisor at the 2019 WSJ and as Scoutmaster for Troop 13 at the 2023 World Scout Jamboree. In 2017, Ella also led her council’s contingent to the National Jamboree, where her crew camped in Foxtrot and connected with many international units.

Ella is an active member of the Potawatomi Area Council in southeast Wisconsin. She is a Vigil Honor member of the Wag-O-Shag Lodge, an active member of the council advancement committee, and Advisor to the CST 6 Venturing Officer Association. Her service and leadership have been recognized with the Venturing Leadership Award at the council, territory, and area levels.

Along with her husband, Kent Johnson, Ella shares a love for the outdoors. Together, they rescue large-breed dogs and enjoy adventures with them and their two Eagle Scout sons, Tom and Theo.

Tony Woodard is a dedicated leader in Scouting, holding the prestigious titles of Eagle Scout, Silver Beaver, and Baden Powell Fellow. He has a strong passion for International Scouting, as evidenced by his service on Council and National International Committees and the Messengers of Peace Committee.

Tony’s commitment to international Scouting has earned him several awards, including the International Scouter’s Award and the International Spirit Award. His extensive international experience includes attending numerous global events:

  • Assistant Scoutmaster at the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Japan (2015).
  • Scoutmaster for the USA Contingent at the 24th World Scout Jamboree in the USA (2019) and the 25th World Scout Jamboree in Korea (2023).

He strives to expose Scouts to the richness of cultures around them. In 2018, he also served as IST at the National Muslim Scouts Jamboree and as the Council Contingent Chair to Kandersteg.

Tony is passionate about helping youth grow and expand their horizons beyond what they believe their limits are. Locally, he serves as a Committee Chair for both a girls’ troop and a boys’ troop, helping them achieve their best and, most importantly, have fun along the way.

Szymon Laczny serves as the Marketing and Communications Lead for the US Contingent, marking his first direct involvement with a World Scout Jamboree. Growing up as a Scout in Poland, he was inspired to get involved when the 26th WSJ was announced to be hosted by his native country.

Szymon’s Scouting journey in the United States began when his son joined Cub Scouts. He later became an Assistant Scoutmaster when his son crossed over. He is a Wood Badge recipient, having staffed two courses, and has served for five years as an adult staffer at his council’s NYLT courses. Additionally, he has served as the District’s Eagle Board Chair. His son’s Eagle Project had an international focus, involving the collection of supplies for a school in Haiti following the devastating hurricane in 2016.

An avid fan of sports and the outdoors, Szymon has led six crews to high-adventure bases, including three trips to Philmont and three to Sea Base. He is excited to help Scouts discover the rich beauty, history, and culture of his birthplace, Poland.