International Service Team

The International Service Team (IST) is the heart of the World Scout Jamboree. Made up of thousands of adult volunteers from around the globe, they are the ones who handle the day-to-day operations and logistics, ensuring the entire event runs smoothly and safely. Essentially, they are the staff behind the magic, making sure the youth participants have an incredible and memorable experience.

Key Responsibilities

IST members take on a wide variety of roles, and their specific jobs are assigned closer to the event. These roles are critical to the Jamboree’s success and fall into many different departments, including:

  • Logistics & Operations: Managing the movement of supplies, setting up infrastructure, and overseeing general site maintenance.
  • Safety & Security: Ensuring the well-being of all participants through security patrols, first aid stations, and emergency response.
  • Program & Activities: Running the various workshops, adventures, and cultural events for the youth.
  • Food Services: Distributing meals and managing food preparation for tens of thousands of people.
  • Communications: Handling media, public relations, and internal communication systems.

Who Can Be a Member of the IST?

To be a part of the International Service Team, you must meet a few key requirements:

  • Age: You must be at least 18 years old by the start of the Jamboree.
  • Skills: IST members are selected for their skills, adaptability, and hard-working attitude. They are also seen as role models for the youth participants.
  • Arrival: IST members typically arrive a few days before the main youth contingent to help prepare the site and get everything ready for the event.

Financial Information

The projected cost for International Service Team (IST) members for the 26th World Scout Jamboree is in the range of $2,900-$3,100.

This price is different from the participant fee because it does not include airfare or the pre-tour. IST members will travel on their own to arrive on different days based on their staff assignments.

The IST fee does, however, include the following items that are crucial to the experience:

    • Jamboree Fee: This is the core fee paid to the host organization in Poland. At 6,400 PLN, it’s a significant portion of the total price.
    • Other Included Items: The fee also covers essential gear and swag (including a duffle bag, a backpack, patches, a tent, and a cot), insurance to keep everyone safe, and a small contingency fund to cover any unexpected costs.

USA CONTINGENT NEWSLETTER

HoC Minute – 08/2025

HoC Minute – 08/2025

Head of Contingent Minute - August 2025 (Contingent Newsletter Volume 3) The Momentum Continues for Poland 2027! The momentum is truly building for the 26th World Scout Jamboree in Poland! We’ve received over 800 expressions of interest from 49 states, and nearly 800...

HoC Minute – 07/2025

HoC Minute – 07/2025

Head of Contingent Minute - July 2025 (Contingent Newsletter Volume 2) The excitement for Poland is building. We've had over 700 expressions of interest on our website. In July, I visited seven Scout camps in New England, talking about the Jamboree and eating meals...

Fun Facts About Jamboree

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The excitement for the 26th World Scout Jamboree in Poland is building! Here are a few things to know about the event's powerful theme and goals: The theme is "Bravely." This theme is designed to inspire young people to act courageously for the future of humanity and...

Contingent Preparation Updates – 07/2025

Contingent Preparation Updates – 07/2025

  Registration Launch The team is working on getting the registration system live and is hoping for an early September launch. Jamboree Fee The team is actively working on setting the Jamboree fee. The fee's three major components are the Jamboree fee itself,...

Bill McKinney to Lead U.S. Contingent to Poland

Bill McKinney to Lead U.S. Contingent to Poland

Scouting America is excited to announce the appointment of Bill McKinney as the U.S. Head of Contingent for the 26th World Scout Jamboree in Gdańsk, Poland. An accomplished Eagle Scout, McKinney brings a wealth of experience, having served as a Scoutmaster at the 2013...