The World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM) boasts a single World Centre, while the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) offers five incredible World Centres. With millions of Scouts and Guides across the globe, it makes perfect sense to have these vibrant hotspots for international exchange and connection. Visiting any one of these remarkable hubs can be a transformative experience – one that stays with you for a lifetime!
Curious about what makes a World Centre so unbelievably special? Read on for all the exciting elements…
But first, let's start with the basics! What is a World Centre?
Each World Centre is a home to the global community of Guides and Scouts. They are all places that see members experience tradition, adventure and international friendship in abundance!
Sounds great! Where are they again?
Both WOSM and WAGGGS have World Centres in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, there’s Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC) and Our Chalet in Adelboden.
Nuestra Cabaña is set in the heart of vibrant Cuernavaca, Mexico. Pax Lodge is based in larger-than life London. Sangam is amongst the colours and culture of Pune, India. And Guided can even attend an event at Kusafiri, the roaming World Centre in Africa!
What can you do there?
All of the World Centres are top-notch locations chock-full of Guides, Scouts, events and activities.
Here’s what they’re all about…
Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC)
Stand in the middle of KISC’s campsite and you’ll be amongst tents full of Scouts from all over the world.
At KISC, there are adrenaline-fuelled activities everywhere and a permanent ‘mini-jamboree’ feeling that will have your adventurer side feeling right at home.
You have easy access by bus from Kandersteg’s train station, with free transport available to anyone wearing their necker!
We love visiting and organising your trips to KISC – they are a group favourite for good reason!
Just take a look here…
Our Chalet, Adelboden
Our Chalet, the oldest World Centre, is a perfect combination of peace and adventure – good for the soul!
You can hike in the beautiful Bernese Highlands, take part in a special pinning ceremony, white-water raft your way through river rapids and so much more. Timeless traditions, a rich history and a passionate international community of staff and volunteers keep the magic alive.
These trips are super popular with Guide and Trefoil members – the energy and experiences are just incredible!
Nuestra Cabaña, Mexico
Nuestra Cabaña has programmed packed with captivating cultural experiences and heart-warming community projects.
You can learn to cook local food, play volleyball, tennis on the in-situ courts or take a day trip to some of Mexico’s incredible cities.
Nuestra Cabaña can hold 108 guests, making it the biggest World Centre – this place really reinforces the togetherness of Guides and Scouts.
Pax Lodge, UK
Pax Lodge has moved about but has now firmly landed in London – the Guides and Scouts community just keeps on growing!
You have the beautiful badge-pinning ceremonies, guided tours, the Pax Lodge Challenge and so much more here.
Sangam, India
Next, is Sangam in Pune, India! This place is beyond beautiful – you have the gardens, the pool and some seriously surreal sunsets! International friendship weaves through this wholesome haven. Did you know that the name of the centre in Sanskrit means ‘coming together’ – clever!
With the spirit of community built into its very foundations, you can learn to tie saris, blend spices, connect with community partners, or visit the cultural capital of Pune, to name a few.
Kusafiri, Africa
Then there’s the amazing travelling World Centre, Kusafiri!
The hub is a focal point for Guides to connect and learn about African culture. And because there are so many vibrant cultures to learn about, this World Centre travels across the continent. Kusfiri actually translates to ‘to journey’ in Swahili – it couldn’t be more fitting!
The Centre has been to Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, Nigeria, Benin, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa and Madagascar.
So, what makes World Centre experiences so special?
Where to start!
- Inspire Your Group
All Centres offer seminars, fantastic visitor experiences and volunteering opportunities.
These give you time and space to develop skills such as leadership and cross-cultural teamwork. Plus, visiting a World Centre means your members can realise their potential as individuals and as part of a global youth movement.
- International Friendship
World Centres attract visitors, volunteers and staff from all over the world.
And going to any one of them gives your group chance to learn about cultures different from back home and build lasting international friendships.
- Guiding and Scouting History
As well as providing the chance to meet members from across the world – stepping into a World Centre is like stepping into a piece of Guiding and Scouting history!
The Swiss World Centres are the oldest and were founded in 1923 (KISC) and 1932 (Our Chalet), so you can follow in the footsteps of Guides and Scouting founders the Baden-Powells.
- Add a Little Extra to Your Trip
Scout and Guide international trips can take young people and leaders all over the world! Visiting a World Centre brings the focus back to your movement.
It highlights the hard work of members across the world – they’re the perfect place for your Promise and Investiture too!
Your Next Trip?
Call us today or get in touch via the button below, so we can start tailor-making your next adventure.
