IST Preparation timeline

The table below outlines the high-level schedule related to International Service Team (IST) experience.

(*) Detailed instruction regarding the job selection process will be published in Circular dedicated IST.

„What to expect as an IST“?

The IST is consisting of thousands of adult volunteers from around the world. They are responsible for managing the day-to-day Jamboree operations, ensuring the entire event runs smoothly and safely. The IST plays a vital role in ensuring the success of the Jamboree.

While the Jamboree promises to be a fun and rewarding experience for IST, their primary role is to contribute meaningfully to the event’s success. At the Jamboree, IST will take part in an inspiring program that emphasizes personal choice and individual growth. In addition, IST can look forward to training opportunities that extend beyond the Jamboree, including WOSM initiatives and life and career skills that will benefit them back home. Each IST member will shape their own journey by engaging in activities that challenge and inspire them, creating a unique and meaningful experience.

The framework embodies the theme "Bravely", encouraging IST members to step outside their comfort zones through four key dimensions:

• Bravely Explore: Engaging with new roles, perspectives, and cultural diversity
• Bravely Act: Taking initiative, making decisions, and contributing meaningfully
• Bravely Overcome: Facing difficulties with resilience and adaptability
• Bravely Lead: Inspiring others through commitment and action

IST Jobs

IST members serve in a wide range of roles, with specific assignments determined closer to the event. These positions are essential to the success of the Jamboree and span many different areas, including:

• Programme – Running a variety of on-site and off-site activities for youth participants.
• Safety, Security, and Medical Services – Ensuring the well-being of all participants through security patrols, first aid stations, and emergency response operations.
• Site Operations – Managing the movement of supplies, setting up infrastructure, and overseeing general site maintenance.
• Food Services and Retail – Supporting food distribution and retail operations for tens of thousands of participants.
• Subcamps and Hubs – Organizing daily life in the subcamps where Scout units will stay.
• Accreditation and Guest Services – Welcoming Jamboree attendees at the Check-in Centre and facilitating the experience of Day Visitors and other guests.
• Contingent Relations – Supporting Heads of Contingent meetings and managing the operation of Contingent tents on the Jamboree Plaza.
• Transport – Coordinating arrivals, departures, and all Jamboree transport operations.
• Ceremonies – Assisting in the planning and delivery of major arena events.
• Media and Communications – Managing media relations, public communications, and internal communication systems.

IST Programme

The IST programme is built around five main areas, giving volunteers a wide range of activities to choose from. Everyone can pick what fits their interests and energy. Each person’s choices will shape their Jamboree path—alone, with friends or with new friends, and bring new experiences to take home. 

Adventure is all about action. Enjoy swimming and water games at the beach, go hiking, or stay in the campsite for camp walks, scavenger-hunt games, and morning or evening runs. 

Chill Out is the place to rest. In the Chill-out Plaza you can relax in hammocks, read a book, try meditation or yoga, and use a small sauna or salt-water foot baths. It’s designed for quiet time and recovery.  

Culture lets you discover music, food, and local life. Join beach hangouts, campfires, music quizzes, playing instruments, or group singing and dancing. Off-site options include self-guided city tours and visits to museums in the beautiful city of Gdańsk. 

Fun keeps the camp lively. You’ll find board games, karaoke, a LEGO corner, quizzes, and speed-friending. Classic IST activities such as badge swapping and relaxing at the café are joined by team sports like football, frisbee, and volleyball. Bigger events include IST Got Talent and the Opening and Closing ceremonies. 

Innovation is where learning and sharing happen. Take part in Scout-talks, open-space discussions, workshops, and group sessions in the Training & Exploring Tent. This area is  a space for learning new skills and gaining practical knowledge that go beyond everyday service work, making time at the Jamboree a real chance to grow. 

Training and Development

Being an IST is not just about work and fun, we hope that every IST takes the opportunity to develop themselves. The IST Training and Development programme operates through three progressive phases: 

Delivered through e-learning platform, “Base Camp” equips all IST members with essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for their mission: basic Jamboree operations; Scouting values and intercultural competence; emergency procedures and protocols, etc. 

On-site training delivered at the start of the Jamboree – “Explorer tracks” help IST discover how to play their roles within their departments. Focusing on technical skills - logistics, emergency management, and programme coordination. department-specific procedures and protocols and role-specific safety requirements.  

"Horizon Exploration" invites IST to reflect on their experience, connect with their new networks, and stay engaged after the Jamboree through legacy actions and continued community involvement. Recognizing IST’ contribution is a key part of valuing their engagement and supporting their future development within and beyond Scouting. A digital certificate will confirm the participation and contribution of the individual IST.