I’m Will Stickland, a Cub Leader from 14th St James’s, Southport, Sefton North. I’m currently volunteering at Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland, as the Reception Assistant. As a volunteer, my job is to help manage all of the bookings that Scouts and non-Scouts make when they want to visit the home of International Scouting in the beautiful Alpine village of Kandersteg. This includes welcoming them to the centre, checking them in and out at the reception, adding rooms and meals to their bookings and being a friendly face at the heart of the World Scout Centre to help with any questions they may have.
Since 1923, Kandersteg International Scout Centre has welcomed thousands of international Scouts every year to spread international friendship, cooperation and adventure in the heart of the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. When Lord Robert Baden Powell and Walter von Bonstetten (the Chief Scout of Switzerland in 1922) discovered the Chalet building and surrounding land, they decided it would be the perfect place for a “Permanent Mini Jamboree”. Since then, KISC has worked to keep BP’s dream alive all year round, through our mission to “bring Scouts and Guides of the World together in an alpine environment and to inspire and empower young people in the creation of a better world”.
Every year volunteers travel from around the world to invest their time, energy and commitment to world Scouting. Some join us for 3 months, while others stay for 3 years, fulfilling all sorts of jobs in different areas like catering, hospitality, outdoor education, communications and senior management. In addition to this, there are a handful of full-time permanent Staff, including the Director.
At the heart of KISC, we aim to bring Scouts together, empower young people to be active promoters of peace and equality, and make more sustainable choices to tackle the climate crisis. These goals are achieved by running guided and self-led activities based on the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Where we use learning by doing to teach Scouts how to “Leave this World a little better than you found it”. KISC also offers High Adventure Activities, guided by our trained Programme Team, including, hikes and overnight stays in a mountain hut, climbing courses, snow & ice workshops on a glacier with a professional mountain guide, or on one of our campsite challenges activities like crate stacking or zip wire.
KISC welcomes over 15,000 guests a year from more than 50 countries, with 4 buildings across 17 hectares of land, with over 350 beds in the indoor accommodation and room for more than 1,200 people on the campsite. In the summer and busy periods of winter, we offer Jamboree activities like international campfires for up to 600 guests, BBQs in the summer for up to 1,500 guests, thought-provoking light trails or the international sports afternoon to get Scouts active with fun team games.
The high Alpine environment, at 1,200m above sea level, and stunning mountains to explore add to the magic of the only official, WOSM-accredited World Scout Centre. To find out more information on planning a trip there or the volunteering opportunities on offer go to their website or socials:
