Dear Senior Scouts,

Will you be 18 years old by 25 July 2025? Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Are you ready to “Engage with others” and make new friends from both in South Africa and from around the world? Are you ready to explore another country, share your culture with other young adults and learn about their cultures?

If your answer is ‘Yes!’, then we call upon you to apply to attend the 16th World Rover Moot in Portugal in July/August 2025!

What is a Moot?

The World Scout Moot is a gathering of older Scouts, mainly Rovers, ages 18–26, from all over the world. Moots are held every four years and are organized by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM).

Where & when will it be held?

The 16th World Scout Moot will be held in Portugal from 25 July to 3 August 2025. It is an official event of WOSM, hosted and organized by the Portuguese Scout Federation. Portugal is a truly unique country that is worth visiting. Not only is its nature unique, but the culture and atmosphere are something special too. Having the opportunity to combine attending a fantastic international event with people from around 80 countries and exploring Portugal’s nature and culture is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The Moot organizing team encourages you to use that opportunity to join the Moot and travel up north.

Moot theme?

The theme of the 16th World Scout Moot is ‘Engage with Others’. The theme signifies the effect that participation in a large international Scouting event has on the participants’ views and beliefs in regard to themselves and Scouting. It also signifies the impact that each individual can have on society and the Scouting Movement on the world.

Who will be attending?

The Moot is expecting 5000 participants and 1000 IST from 80 countries around the world to join the Moot in 2025. SCOUTS South Africa is planning to send a contingent to the 16th World Scout Moot. Each contingent will be lead by a volunteer Head of Contingent and a contingent team, dependent on the size of the continent. International Service Team participants will also be part of the SCOUTS South Africa Contingent.

Who may attend?

Eligible participants to the World Scout Moot are those aged between 18 and 25 – or those born on or between the dates of 26 July 1999 and 25 July 2007. The Moot is equally open to young men and women that are members of a National Scout Organization belonging to WOSM.

Members of a National Scout Organization that are 26 years of age, or born on or before 25 July 1999, can join the Moot´s International Service Team (IST). The IST is made up of volunteers that assist with the delivery of the Moot and is composed of local and international Scouts.

What will the cost be?

The current Rand (ZAR) exchange rate against world currencies has not been kind to us. We are currently finalising our budgets, consulting with a number of travel agents and various suppliers and anticipate that the Moot fee will be in the region of R60,000 to R65,000 per participant. Of course, we will endeavour to get the best value for money and a good package at a reasonable price. It is hoped that we will be able to bring this cost down as travel arrangements and deals with suppliers are finalised closer to the Moot date.

• This fee includes: for your flights and all transportation to and from the Moot; all accommodation; three meals a day; the Moot fee; all Moot on and off-site activities.
• Not included in the fee: medical care during the period of the World Scout Moot itself (Medication and any costs relating to hospitalization); passport and visa applications, several Moot badges and a Moot scarf.
• In addition to the Moot fee, you may also need to budget for the purchase of extra uniform parts and special Moot gear. We will be attending the Moot in the official SCOUTS South Africa uniform as prescribed in the SSA Uniform policy document.

We are also investigating the possibility of a brief post-Moot tour after the Moot. The itinerary will be dependent on the budget/cost. More information regarding this will be sent in the upcoming months.

Is a deposit needed?
The Moot Contingent application must be accompanied by a save-a-place deposit of R5,000 in order to secure a place as a member of the SCOUTS South Africa Contingent to the 16th World Scout Moot. The full deposit will be refunded in the event of the application not being accepted and R500 of the deposit is non-refundable should the applicant withdraw their application once accepted. This payment will serve as the first payment of the full Moot fee and is to be deposited into the SCOUTS South Africa bank account and a copy of the proof of payment attached to the application prior to submission thereof.

Deadline for full payment:
A payment schedule will be sent to all successful Moot applicants and you will be required to make payments in installments, with the full and final payment being made by the latest 31 May 2025.

How to apply as a SSA Contingent member?

To attend the 2025 World Scout Moot, you should first check to make sure that you meet the age requirements shown above. Once you see that you are eligible to apply, you will need to follow the process below:

• Print and complete the relevant application form. This is the first step in the application process for all Participants and IST Staff applications.
  – Participant application form can be found HERE
  – IST Staff application form can be found HERE
• It is important that you fill out the application completely, print clearly and ensure that the information is true and correct.
• For Rovers, it is especially important that you have your Crew Chairman or Rover Scouter complete the recommendation and sign your application, verifying that they support and approve of your application, prior to you forwarding it to the 16WSM Selection Panel for approval.
• Each Adult Leader application must be reviewed by the Rover Scouter, where applicable, and/or the District/Regional Commissioner who will complete the recommendation and sign your application verifying that they support and approve of your application prior to you forwarding it to the 16WSM Selection Panel for approval.
• Once you have completed and got the relevant parties to sign and endorse your 16WSM application, the 16WSM Application Form, together with a copy of the proof of payment of the Moot deposit, must be emailed to the 16WSM Contingent Management Team on email sarovermoot@gmail.com.
  Please note that is the only email address that will be used for all incoming Moot correspondence!
• After submitting you will receive confirmation of the receipt of your Moot application and notification of whether any additional information is needed from you.
• Your 16WSM Application does not guarantee a position as part of the SCOUTS South Africa Contingent, as your application still needs to be approved by the 16WSM Selection Panel.
• You may be asked to meet with the 16WSM Selection Panel and shortly thereafter will be notified of your approval/denial as a member of the SA Contingent to the 16th World Scout Moot. Once you are accepted as a member of the SA Contingent to the 16th World Scout Moot in Portugal – then the FUN begins!! You can start preparing yourself for an experience of a lifetime in July 2025!

Closing date for applications:

All applications must be submitted to The Contingent Management Team, SCOUTS South Africa Contingent, 16th World Scout Moot, by the very latest 31 December 2024.

SCOUTS South Africa is sending one Moot Crew to 16WSM, so be sure to get your application in soonest as spaces are limited. The first 30 applications received will be reviewed first.

Looking forward to engaging with you!

Yours in Rovering,
Jearóid Harris
Contingent Leader
16WSM Contingent Management Team