International Pen-Pal Program

Scouts Australia is pleased to announce that the Chief Commissioner of Scouts Australia, Reg Williams RF, has appointed Mehru Roshan, as National Pen-Pal Coordinator. Mehru's three year appointment will take effect from 1 February 2013, following the expiration of term of Kelly Johnson. For more information click here. 

 

The International Pen-Pal Program offers a means of communicating with other Scouts abroad and provides an "international experience" without necessarily having to leave town. The traditional concept of writing a letter has now given way to members all over the world from Hong Kong to Peru to UK to Zimbabwe requesting links with Australian Scouts online!

As well as exchanging emails, international Pen-Pals can now talk to each other on Skype, share photos and videos using any number of online social networking tools (including Group websites, Facebook, Flickr and YouTube), and link up with each other during JOTA-JOTI, the world's largest international Scouting event! There's still room for snail mail too... badge swaps, anyone?

Who can have a Pen-Pal?

To be part of the Pen-Pal Program you must be a registered Scouts Australia Member, youth or adult. This will be verified with your relevant state before we link you with an overseas Pen Pal. Groups can also link with an equivalent Group or Section overseas.

Registrations are now open for individual Australian youth members and Leaders, as well as Group links between a Mob, Pack, Troop or Unit and an equivalent Group overseas. Expressions of interest are also welcome from international Scouts.

**Click here for a list of Groups and individuals currently looking for a pen-pal!**

If you are an Aussie Scout or Leader and wish to organise a link, please contact Kelly Johnson, National Pen-Pal Coordinator, on int.penpals@scouts.com.au or 0410 041 222.

If you are a Scout living in another country (NOT Australia) and would like to organise an individual link with an Australian Pen-Pal, please send Kelly an email on int.penpals@scouts.com.au. There are lots of Aussie Scouts looking for an overseas Pen-Pal and just waiting to hear from you!

What are the benefits of having an international pen-pal?

  • You will have the opportunity to make a new friend from within our international family.
  • The Pen-Pal Program may help you complete part of your Award Scheme and allow you to learn about the life of another Scout in their part of the world.
  • You can build a relationship with your Pen-Pal that can last a lifetime.
  • Your whole Mob, Pack, Troop or Unit can get involved with your Section equivalent somewhere in the world and swap photos, program ideas and camp experiences.
  • Leaders can exchange ideas with and gain support from an international counterpart who, in most cases, will have similar interests and goals.

Scouting has always promoted international peace, understanding and cooperation through encouraging contact between young people from various countries and cultures. These international connections help young people develop a broader awareness of the global community, and assist them in recognising and respecting the differences that exist between the nations and races of the world… all whilst enjoying the common bond of Scouting!