World Scout Moot 2017, an adventure event for older Scouts, seeks BSA participants

This summer, join fellow Scouts from around the world as you backpack, kayak and explore Iceland — a land of incredible natural beauty where the late July sun rises at 4 a.m. and sets just before 11 p.m.

It’s called the 15th World Scout Moot, and the Boy Scouts of America has space for about 125 participants at this official event of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, of which the BSA is a proud member.

This high-adventure international gathering, which has been held since 1931, is for those 18 and up.

If you’re a BSA member born on or between Aug. 2, 1991, and July 25, 1999, you are eligible to attend as a Scout participant. If you were born on or before Aug. 1, 1991, you are eligible to join the Moot’s International Service Team (IST), which is a fancy name for staff.

Some 6,000 participants and 1,000 IST members from 100 different countries are expected to converge in the Land of Fire and Ice from July 25 to Aug. 2, 2017.

Here’s everything to know:

When is the World Scout Moot?

July 25 to Aug. 2, 2017.

The program begins in Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, on the morning of July 25. The closing ceremony is held during the afternoon of Aug. 2.

What will participants do?

Go backpacking, kayaking, and exploring with men and women from around the world. Learn new cultures and make lasting friendships while participating in ancient Icelandic traditions.

After the opening ceremony July 25 in Reykjavik, participants will be transported to one of the camps where they will spend the next four days.

The camps are in different locations along the southern coast of Iceland, with each location offering different program elements.

For example, one camp is in a national park next to a glacier and will have a mountaineering focus. Another will be in a large town and have a focus on culture and community.

Participants select their expedition, which ranges from very strenuous to not very strenuous, and will be put in groups with Scouts from other countries for the four-day adventure.

On July 29, participants will head to the Úlfljótsvatn Scout Centre for the third part of the Moot, which is called Althingi. The program there includes outdoor activities, workshops, roundtable discussions, challenges, campfires, diverse cultural events and basically having a great time together.

The closing ceremony is Aug. 2.

How much does it cost?

$1,700 for participants (ages 18-25)
$1,525 for members of the International Service Team (26 and older)

The cost does not include airfare, and a $1,100 deposit is due when you register.

What are the requirements to attend?

In addition to the age requirements outlined above, you’ll need:

  • a current BSA Medical Form (Parts A, B and C)
  • a US. passport valid through January 2018
  • an active registration with the BSA
  • current BSA and Venturing Youth Protection training

Where can I learn more?

The official Moot website, run by the Icelandic Boy and Girl Scout Association, has the most current information. You can also connect with the BSA contingent on Facebook.

Where do I register?

Right here.

What if I have questions?

Direct them to Andy Chapman, BSA contingent leader: eachapman (at) gmail (dot) com.

What other big events are coming soon?

There’s the BSA’s 2017 National Jamboree this summer. And the next World Scout Jamboree — co-hosted by the BSA, Scouts Canada and Scouts de México at the Summit Bechtel Reserve — is set for 2019.

My take: It’s a great time to be a Scout, Venturer or Scouter.


Photos from the 14th World Scout Moot, held in 2013 in Canada. See more here.


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.