The KISC turns 100

2023 will be a very special year for the International Scout Centre KISC in the Bernese Oberland. Exactly 100 years ago, this meeting place for Scouts from all over the world was founded, and this will soon be celebrated in a big way! It all began in 1920 at the first World Scout Jamboree in London. Scout founder Robert Baden-Powell,BiPi, was so moved by the successful experiment after the camp that he gave an emotional speech on the last day. BiPi spoke about the international Scout community and about the instructive exchange during the camp. One of the listeners was particularly enthusiastic about BiPi's idea of a jamboree that is accessible all year round - it was the Swiss Walther von Bonstetten.

He took it upon himself to implement the idea of a permanent jamboree. Walther von Bonstetten found what he was looking for in the Bernese Oberland: He was taken with an empty chalet in the wild countryside. When he finally told Robert Baden-Powell about this discovery, the founder of the Scouts was blown away.

In 1923, the two of them founded the International Home Association and welcomed the first international guests in the same year. Since then, the Kandersteg International Scout Centre has made a name for itself all over the world. So far, more than a million Scouts have visited the KISC. An international camp as the highlight The KISC will celebrate exactly this foundation in 2023. You can already register for the numerous "Kander100" celebrations from this November. Under the motto "100 years of inspiring young people creating a better world", various special events will then take place throughout the anniversary year. Already on New Year's Eve 2022 / 23, the anniversary year will be heralded with a parade from KISC to Kandersteg. In February 2023, numerous virtual events will take place. The highlight of the celebrations is a camp. From 28 July to 7 August 2023, an exciting and action-packed programme will be put together for young people from all over the world. Finally, more events will follow in December of the anniversary year. By the way, in 2023, many more guests than usual are expected at the KISC, and from almost 100 countries!

What is the KISC?

Somewhat hidden in the Bernese Oberland near Kandersteg is the "permanent mini-jamboree", as the camp at the Kandersteg International Scout Centre, the KISC, is also called. Every year, more than 10,000 guests from over 50 countries come together to experience an adventurous time together. Be it for a fortnight or just for one day - the offers are diverse. Whether it's mountain climbing, sailing or canoeing in the summer or skiing, sledging or snowboarding in the winter - there's something for everyone at KISC.

For 365 days, volunteers welcome scouts of all ages to the campsite in the Swiss mountains. There are just as many young people as adults on the campsite. You will meet active scouts or leaders as well as former scouts. The evenings are often spent enjoying a cosy campfire with a guitar and good conversation. Up to 1500 scouts can camp in the breathtaking scenery at the same time. In the winter months, the scouts can also sleep in the warm.