Have a very particular set of skills? The World Scout Jamboree needs you on staff

It’ll take a dedicated team of talented, motivated volunteers to welcome 45,000 Scouts and Scouters from 133 countries to the 2019 World Scout Jamboree.

That’s where you come in.

The 2019 World Scout Jamboree still needs a few Scouters with special skills to help make this once-in-a-generation event truly world class.

Most of the remaining openings on the International Service Team (or IST) are in highly specialized areas. All areas are still taking applications, but these are some key areas where I’ve been asked to highlight openings:

  • Mental health
  • Listening Ear
  • Stadium events
  • Scuba
  • Lifeguards
  • Logistics

I’ll go into each area in greater depth below. No matter the role, IST jobs let Scouters use their expertise to give back to Scouting on a global stage.

What is IST?

IST, or the International Service Team, is the term for “staff” at a World Scout Jamboree.

The first two words really say it all. As a member of the IST, you’ll join an international group of volunteers. And you’ll be performing a service to Scouts from around the world.

It’s not a vacation, and the pay is low (as in, you have to pay to attend). But the reward — ensuring a magical experience and lifelong memories for thousands of young people — is priceless.

IST job opening: Mental Health

Who is needed: Licensed psychiatrists, psychologists or mental health counselors to serve on the mental health staff. This will be the first World Scout Jamboree to have an organized staff dedicated specifically to the mental health needs of the participants.

Who is eligible:

  • Age 18 or older
  • Registered as a Scouter (or willing to register as one)
  • License to practice psychiatry, psychology or mental health counseling

How to apply: Visit the official site of your National Scout Organization’s contingent. (BSA volunteers, visit the 2019 World Scout Jamboree U.S. contingent site.) Select the position: “Medical/Mental Health/Listening Ear.”

Questions: Email jambomed@scouting.org

IST job opening: Listening Ear

Who is needed: Adults to serve on the Listening Ear staff. This will be the first World Scout Jamboree to have an organized staff dedicated specifically to the listening support needs of the participants.

Who is eligible:

  • Age 18 or older
  • Registered as a Scouter (or willing to register as one)
  • Study or work in a position that requires patience, maturity, compassion, tolerance and excellent listening skills

How to apply: Visit the official site of your National Scout Organization’s contingent. (BSA volunteers, visit the 2019 World Scout Jamboree U.S. contingent site.) Select the position: “Medical/Mental Health/Listening Ear.”

Questions: Email jambomed@scouting.org

IST job opening: Stadium Events

Who is needed: On-stage and off-stage talent, including actors, creative directors, writers, graphic artists, audio, light and staging techs/controllers, and musicians.

Who is eligible:

  • Age 18 or older
  • Registered as a Scouter (or willing to register as one)
  • Skills or experience in one of the areas listed above

How to apply: Visit the official site of your National Scout Organization’s contingent. (BSA volunteers, visit the 2019 World Scout Jamboree U.S. contingent site.) You can also submit a talent application. Select the position – “Stadium Shows”, “Stadium Broadcast”, “Shows and Daily Events”, or “Jamboree Band”

Questions: Contact your National Scout Organization.

IST job opening: Scuba

Who is needed: Professionals, instructors and open-water divers to assist with the introductory scuba experience and related support positions.

Who is eligible:

  • Age 18 or older
  • Registered as a Scouter (or willing to register as one)
  • Skills or experience in one of the areas listed above

How to apply: Visit the official site of your National Scout Organization’s contingent. (BSA volunteers, visit the 2019 World Scout Jamboree U.S. contingent site.) Select the position – “Aquatics SCUBA”

Questions: Contact your National Scout Organization.

IST job opening: Lifeguards

Who is needed: U.S.-certified lifeguards for IST swimming in Tickle Lake.

Who is eligible:

  • Age 18 or older
  • Registered as a Scouter (or willing to register as one)
  • U.S. lifeguard certification

How to apply: Visit the official site of your National Scout Organization’s contingent. (BSA volunteers, visit the 2019 World Scout Jamboree U.S. contingent site.) Select the position: “Operations – ISTSCP IST EXP-Lifeguard Tickle Lake.”

Questions: Contact your National Scout Organization.

IST job opening: Logistics

Who is needed: Retail support, food service, safety/security, transportation, rescue/EMS

Who is eligible:

  • Age 18 or older
  • Registered as a Scouter (or willing to register as one)
  • Skills or experience in one of the areas listed above

How to apply: Visit the official site of your National Scout Organization’s contingent. (BSA volunteers, visit the 2019 World Scout Jamboree U.S. contingent site.)

Questions: Contact your National Scout Organization.

IST job opening: Chaplains

Who is needed: Chaplains approved by faith groups

Who is eligible:

  • Age 18 or older
  • Registered as a Scouter (or willing to register as one)
  • Recognized and approved as clergy for your faith group

How to apply: Visit the official site of your National Scout Organization’s contingent. (BSA volunteers, visit the 2019 World Scout Jamboree U.S. contingent site.) Select the position “Faith and Beliefs Chaplains.”

Questions: Learn more here, and email Thomas Martin with questions (TMartin@fbcpineville.net).


About Bryan Wendell 3280 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.