International Guests
Welcome to Atlas, our international portal.
Atlas was the mythical character who supported the globe and as it is the International Team’s role is to support the International aspect & International guests at WSIJ25 it is the perfect name!
Atlas will be the go-to point for help, information on World Scouting & WAGGGS, various displays about information on return trips and international opportunities. It will also house the badge swap shop.
WSIJ is an international camp.
How can you be involved with the international aspect?
Why come from abroad to WSIJ2025?
West Sussex Scouts & Guides have been organising joint camps since 1980 and there are some leaders who have been involved in each one, so there is a wealth of experience !
Scouts & guides from around the world have been welcomed to every one of the ten camps (usually 3/5 years between each one ) and many groups have been regular attendees. Over the years there have been representatives from 50+countries!
There can be no better way to learn & understand about another country than to meet someone from that country and so every effort is made to link our international guests to a West Sussex group and from these links, lasting friendships are often made.
By spending a week, camping, eating, sharing challenges, experiences & generally having fun we hope that everyone will feel the world has ‘shrunk’ just a little ! How can you not laugh if are slipping in the mud with a friend from abroad! Maybe you are communicating through sign language?
We hope that the links will guide their guests through the practical advance arrangements, such as what to bring & catering but of course one of the International Team will be available to support participants with any questions & difficulties both in advance of the camp & during the week.
At previous camps, in order to learn more about our visiting countries, each group has been asked to bring a display (details to follow). There has also been an opportunity to show off cultural performances & even a taste of their country with a food fayre!
West Sussex is a beautiful county- both sea, countryside & history, and with good international transport close by, it is also a short train journey to London, so some groups may decide to extend their visit to the UK.
Some of the comments from international leaders who came to WS2017 are as follows
• We have nothing but praise for the leadership of our subcamp leader
• Brilliant idea to link all internationals (staff included) with local groups
• The camp was wonderful and the train (Hogwarts Express – to fit the camp theme of Harry Potter) was amazing!
• Well done to everybody who spent so much time, planning and effort to make a wonderful experience for the Guides.
• They enjoyed all the activities and got to do things / experience things they never could have at home.
We are really looking forward to meeting you in August
Janet, Andrew, Jo, Linda, Louise, Rachel & Vicky
Your International Team
I am attending with a group of young people.
Link with an international group.
(our international team are on hand to support you with this)
I am over 18 years & want to volunteer.
Volunteer in The Hub
Join the rota to engage with both UK & international young people during the camp – you don’t have to be there every day.
Volunteer in the World Zone
Support the activities which will be planned for all young people.
I have international contacts within or outside Scouting & Girlguiding
Spread the word!
Send / email invitations & details to your contacts, let them know about the website & social media.
International Brief
The International Team are very excited to be part of the WSIJ2025 Team. We are an enthusiastic core team of six from all three counties, several of whom have had experience of either previous WS camps, International events, or both, in addition to a variety of County roles.
Our role divides into two parts: finding international participants & supporting them with their plans to join the camp, & in turn supporting West Sussex Leaders with their International links.
We will be looking for volunteers to help during the camp (this can be on a part-time basis) within the International Hub which will be based in the Camp Centre and known as Atlas.
Whilst at camp we will be working with sub camp leaders to ensure that all participants enjoy a memorable & enjoyable international experience. We will be supporting the international aspect of the programme throughout the week.
International Leaders, Volunteers and their links will receive various documents and updates from us as appropriate in the lead up to the camp.
international guests
The International Team have been actively seeking international participants and have already made contact with over 40 countries who have World Scouting and WAGGGS members & also various town twinning associations & language schools, but if anyone has any other contacts or attended WS17 and are still in personal contact, please reach out to them, and ask them to make contact or register.
Meeting with other Scouts and Guides from around the world is one of the highlights of an international camp, and some of these contacts can last a lifetime.
Payment Schedule
Payment Schedule for International Groups
Deposit
£125 per participant
£25 per adult by 1 January 2025
Balance
£125 per participant
£45 per adult by 1 April 2025
We are able to accept just two payments to secure your place at WSIJ2025.
We would encourage you to ensure you have registered as soon as possible with estimates of numbers if you are bringing a group (these numbers can be adjusted before the final payment).
We are happy to accept payments before those dates if you are able.
International FAQs
Do International Groups need to be from recognised WAGGGS/World Scouting organisations?
Yes, all groups (International and UK) must be registered members or affiliated members of WAGGGS or World Scouts. International participants should make their plans known to their own National HQs and their registrations can only be confirmed once the International Team Coordinator has verified with their National HQs that membership & appropriate qualifications, including safeguarding are correct.
Can I register an International Group without having links to a UK group?
Yes, you can, we will work with you to arrange this.
What are the regulations to enter the UK? (Visa / ETA)
Entry to the UK varies from country to country. Visa requirements will depend of the individual country, go to https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/before-you-leave-for-the-UK for further information.
Most countries who are exempt from visas will however, need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), go to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta for further information.
Can you provide me with a letter of invitation to support my visa application?
Yes, once you have registered, paid camp fees & National HQs have confirmed membership / qualifications you can request a Visa Support letter from the International Coordinator. Once this has been completed a letter of support will be issued.
How can International Groups pay their camp fees?
This is via instructions on the online registration.
Can International Groups hire equipment for WSIJ 2025?
The camp does not have equipment for hire but will work with you to find some.
Are there any pre or post WSIJ 2025 tours available for International Groups to book?
There are no tours specifically arranged by the camp, however link groups may be able to help with this depending on areas which are to be visited.
Do adults from International Groups need to provide evidence of safeguarding or first aid training?
All adult volunteers attending should be able to confirm that they have completed their own organisation’s recruitment vetting procedures and training necessary to be with young people.
Do International volunteers who attend without a group, to work as camp staff have to pay?
Yes, all international camp staff, will be required to pay an advance registration camp fee and for catering.
Will I be transported from my point of arrival and or departure to the camp?
No, it is every groups/individual responsibility to arrange transport, although some linked groups may organise this.
How old do I need to be to join as a volunteer for camp staff?
We can only accept volunteers who are 18+ years at the time of the camp to join the camp staff, under 18’s are welcome to attend as part of an International Group for the main camp but must be accompanied by an adult leader.
Get in Touch
If you would like to know more about the international aspect of WSIJ25, please feel free to contact Janet (International Team Coordinator) via [email protected]
WSIJ Intl. Facebook
To keep up to date with all our international news, please join us at our WSIJ International Facebook page by clicking here.