World Friendship Scout Interest Badge

The World Friendship Scout Interest Badge celebrates the spirit of unity that connects millions of Scouts across the globe. Through this badge, you will explore global Scouting cultures, traditions, and experiences, learn how Scouts live the Promise and Law in different countries. and see how Scouting fosters peace and cooperation. By connecting with Scouts internationally, sharing your culture, and taking part in practical activities, you will deepen your understanding of the global Scout Movement and your role within it. This badge is designed to be fun, interactive, and an opportunity to broaden your world view — truly living the Scout Law that a Scout is a friend to all and a brother or sister to every other Scout.

Badge Requirements

Explore the Global Scout Movement
1. Learn About the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM): Describe the purpose, structure, and key aims of WOSM. Your description must include:
  - The roles of the following world Scout bodies: World Scout Conference, World Scout Committee, World Scout Bureau, World Scout Regions and Zones.
  - Identification of the WOSM Region and Zone to which SCOUTS South Africa belongs.
  - The current number of WOSM member countries and the approximate number of Scouts worldwide.
2. World Scouting Symbols: Identify and/or demonstrate and explain the meaning of at least THREE of the following official World Scouting symbols: Scout Sign, Scout Salute, Scout Motto World Membership Badge, Scout Emblem
Discover Scouting Around the World
1. Compare Scouting Cultures: Choose TWO countries from different WOSM regions. For each country, research and present the following, highlighting key similarities and differences compared to SCOUTS South Africa:
  - Differences in the Scout uniform
  - The Scout Promise and Law
  - At least one unique tradition, ceremony, or major national Scouting event
2. World Scouting Timeline:
  Create a simple illustrated timeline showing five significant milestones in the history of World Scouting. Include at least one South African contribution to global Scouting.
3. Present your research and timeline to your Patrol or to the Examiner in a format of your choice e.g. presentation may be a poster, slideshow, booklet, or talk/presentation.
Connect Through Friendship
1. Participate in at least three international Scouting activities. These must involve direct contact, communication, or shared experiences with Scouts from another country. Your activities may include any of the following:
  - Correspond regularly (at least once a month) with three Scouts from three different countries over a minimum period of three months and provide evidence of your communication.
  - Participate in JOTA/JOTI (Jamboree on the Air / Jamboree on the Internet) and contact at least five Scouts from three or more countries.
  - Attend an international Scouting event in another country e.g. World Scout Jamboree, NSO National Jamboree.
  - Interview a Scout or Adult Leader who has attended a World Scout Jamboree, Rover Moot, or other international Scouting event.
  - Participate in an organised online cultural exchange session with Scouts from another country.
  - Host a Scout or Scouts from another country in your home for at least three days.
  - Take part in a National or Regional Scout event where Scouts from another country are present.
  - Camp or hike for at least five days with Scouts from another ethnic group or from another country, either in South Africa or abroad.
  - Complete a joint Scouting activity arranged through an international Scout contact.
2. Discuss your international experience with the Examiner and provide evidence — such as screenshots, emails, recordings, photographs, or written reflections — describing what you did, what you learned, and how the experience broadened your understanding of global Scouting.
Share Your Culture
1. Create a short cultural presentation (video, slideshow, or photo story) about South Africa or your local community and share it with a Scout or Patrol from another country. Include at least three cultural elements such as greetings, food, music, traditions, Scouting customs, or local places of interest.
  As part of the exchange, do one of the following:
  - Make a short video tour of your home, neighbourhood, or a Troop meeting, OR
  - Share photos or a short video of three interesting places in your town or region.
2. Receive a similar presentation from the international Scout contact and share with your Examiner what you learned from each other.
  Note: You must contact the SCOUTS South Africa Chair: International Committee for assistance in connecting with Scouts from another country.
World Friendship Mini-Challenge
Research Scouting traditions, songs, games, food, or other cultural activities from other countries and prepare a World Friendship Mini-Challenge for your Patrol. The challenge should be completed as a Patrol Activity.
The challenge should take at least two hours, including preparation and reflection.
Document your challenge (take photographs) and discuss with your Examiner.
Include at least three activities from the list below:
- Learn basic greetings in five different foreign languages.
- Learn and demonstrate a knot or skill unique to another country.
- Learn and perform a short song, cheer, or chant in another language.
- Teach your Patrol one Scout song from another country.
- Teach your Patrol one traditional game from another country.
- Recreate a symbolic Scouting ceremony from another culture.
- Prepare a simple traditional dish from another country.
- Taste-test snacks or ingredients from another country and explain their origin.
- Play a team-building game or sport popular in another country.
- Make a World Scouting friendship flag or design a badge representing your Patrol’s friendship with Scouts from other countries.
- Create a craft or artwork inspired by another country’s Scouting tradition.
- Construct a pioneering gadget inspired by another country’s Scout style.
- Create a cultural scavenger hunt featuring objects, symbols, or pictures from different countries.
- Run a fun relay activity featuring Scouting facts or interesting facts about different countries.
- Learn a traditional Scouting story, legend, or campfire skit from another country - to be performed at your next campfire.
Reflect on your World Friendship Journey
After completing the badge requirements, reflect on what you have learned about world Scouting and how it has inspired you to foster friendship and understanding with Scouts from other countries. Share your reflections with your Patrol or the Examiner.

Recommended Age Range: The World Friendship Scout Interest Badge is recommended for Scouts aged 14 to 17 years who have developed the confidence, communication skills, and curiosity needed to engage meaningfully with Scouts from other countries.

Younger Scouts may attempt the badge if they are ready for the interpersonal and research-based components, making this badge an excellent bridge toward deeper international understanding and global citizenship within Scouting.

Badge Examiner: Training and examination for this badge should be conducted by a suitably qualified individual who has relevant experience or formal training in the specific field of expertise being assessed. The ideal Examiner is a Scout Group Leader, Troop Scouter, Assistant Troop Scouter, or an Adult Leader with experience in international Scouting. They should guide Scouts safely in global activities, verify communications, and provide constructive feedback on cultural understanding and international friendship.

Note: All international Scouting contacts for the World Friendship Scout Interest Badge must be verified by the SCOUTS South Africa Chair: International Committee to ensure the safety and integrity of communications and activities. Scouts must follow safe Scouting practices, including appropriate supervision, parental permission where required, and secure communication channels. Scouts must contact the SCOUTS SA International Committee for assistance to be linked with a Scout from another country. Email the International Committee at [email protected]

Safe From Harm: Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances. All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults. Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

Badge Requirements in printable PDF format

World Friendship Scout Interest Badge (PDF)

Additional links

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