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| IST | Schedule | Travel | Logo | Fees | Gear | Arrival | Money | ISTour | Terminology | Preparation |
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ISTour
In one manner I did take a different approach than BSA. Whereas they needed to allocate resources to make it happen (and thus charge for it), I was just doing it as a way for IST to be able to do what visiting scouters were doing. So, since I was touring anyway, I just added the invitation to IST to join me and put together an itinerary that matched some of what the Scouter's tour offered. Then I pursued some of my own interests (like going to Westminster Abbey to the BP memorial and getting a photo with it, or visiting some of BP's boyhood places in London). I ended up with about 40 people who joined various parts of my tour, and some of them decided the name should be ISTour Roberts. We even made our own luggage tags that matched. Some even made matching business cards to hand out at Jamboree. Now, I don't profess to be an expert on the places we tour, and I depend on suggestions from those who join me, internet searches and, to some extent, my own travel experience. I had people from New York, Florida, Colorado, Utah, California, Japan, New Zealand, and several other states and countries joining the tour at various stages. Anyway, it was great fun, I met scouters from all over the country and made some lasting friendships. So, I've decided to do it again. Several people who were on the 2007 ISTour have already said they wanted to join the 2011 ISTour.
I am urging those joining me to get my USA IST badge (green border) and attach it to the right sleeve of their uniform. It is a sign of solidarity and makes it easier for each of us to recognize the kindred spirits when we see them in uniform. It also makes a great trading/give away item (particularly the pins). The most current ISTour itinerary can be found here. The badges can be seen here. As in 2007, BSA has provided an opportunity for Scouters to tour the area during the Jamboree. As in 2007, this is not something the IST can participate in as they will be working at the Jamboree during the time of the tour. Documents related to the "Scouter's Tour" can be downloaded here. The ISTour organized by Donald Roberts is your opportunity as IST to join other IST for our own bit of touring. Some sample luggage tags have been made available for those joining the ISTour. Put your address in these tags, print them, cut them out and use the laminated luggage tags you can get at any office supply or travel store. "***NOTE*** The following documents are for the Scouter's Tour offered by BSA. These are NOT RELATED to the ISTour and are provided for information only.
note: USA Scouter Tour revised 4/4/11 for a lower cost. |
The concept of putting together an IST tour came about during the run-up for the 2007 WSJ. BSA had offered a "Scouter's Tour" *DURING* the WSJ that visiting scouters could participate in between their visits to the WSJ site. As an IST, for which no such arrangements were offered, I was feeling a bit left out. I was going to do some touring before and after the jamboree anyway, so I figured I'd look at what is offered for the "Scouter's Tour", figure out what it would take to do those things, and put together my own itinerary.
The rules are simple. You are not required to join all (or any). You are not required to do the same things as on my itinerary. We had one group that wanted to do something different than some things I had on my itinerary in 2007 and did so. What I put together as an itinerary is what *I* want to do and will be doing. I put together the same information about prices and what needs to be pre-purchased as I find out about. It sometimes changes when I get a suggestion I like from the others touring with me. If you want to join me, I only ask that you let me know. The reason is that if I know certain people are coming, I can wait (a short time) for them to show up, and also will make sure I'm wherever we arranged to meet. So, there you have it. I invite all to join me, just let me know. The tour is not a uniformed event, but many will likely choose to wear their uniforms anyway. I would suggest you wear a necker, because that is the one universal for scouts to recognize each other.