The current World Scout Emblem design was introduced at the 8th World Scout Jamboree in 1955 and is worn on the uniforms of Scouts around the world. It includes the fleur-de-lis as its main element, representing the outdoors and wilderness. The three petals or leaves represent the threefold Scout Promise (Duty to God and Country, Duty to Self, Duty to Others).
Lord Robert Baden-Powell, explained that the Scouts adopted the fleur-de-lis symbol from its use in the compass rose because it “points in the right direction (and upwards) turning neither to the right nor left, since these lead backward again.”
The two small five-point stars stand for truth and knowledge. Together their ten points represent the ten original Scout laws. The square knot represents the strength of World Scouting. The rope is for the unity of Scouts throughout the world. The ring holding the petals together represents the bond of brotherhood.
The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) is the largest international Scouting organization with 171 members These members are recognized national Scout organizations, which collectively have over 50 million participants. Established in 1922 it has its operational headquarters at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and its legal seat in Geneva, Switzerland. It is the counterpart of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).
The WOSM’s current stated mission is “to contribute to the education of young people, through a value system based on the Scout Promise and Scout Law, to help build a better world where people are self-fulfilled as individuals and play a constructive role in society. WOSM is organized into regions and operates with a conference, committee, and bureau.
The WOSM is associated with three World Scout Centers, including Kandersteg in Switzerland. The World Scout Jamboree is held roughly every four years under the auspices of the WOSM, with members of WAGGGS also invited. WOSM also organizes the World Scout Moot, a Jamboree for 17- to 26-year-olds, and has organized the World Scout Indaba, a gathering for Scout leaders. The World Scout Foundation is a perpetual fund governed by a separate Board of Governors and supported by donations for the development of WOSM associated Scouting programs throughout the world.
The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) is a confederation of more than 170 National Scout Organizations with over 50 million members worldwide. It was formed to encourage the expansion and development of Lord Baden-Powell’s dream throughout the world by promoting unity and the understanding of Scouting’s purpose and principles.
Three main bodies make up WOSM: the World Scout Conference, the World Scout Committee, and the World Scout Bureau. In addition to the three main divisions, six regional conferences and committees of the WOSM meet regularly to implement decisions and policies locally. These regions include Africa, Arab, Asia-Pacific, Eurasia, Europe, and Interamerica.
World Scout Jamborees and World Scout Moots are official international Scout events of WOSM. These events help develop greater understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among Scouts from around the world. As Baden-Powell said, it allows Scouts “to assume new responsibility for promoting peace and goodwill.” The BSA organizes National Contingent Trips to attend these large international encampments.
The Boy Scouts of America is represented in world contacts and developments by the International Commissioner and supported by the International Committee as well as the staff of the International Department at the national office.
WOSM is a non-governmental organization with General Consultative Status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
