The Story of KISC

Living Baden-Powell's Dream since 1923

Lord Baden Powell
01
1906 - 1922
The construction of the Lötschberg Tunnel not only brings the most important connection to Kandersteg but also to the Scout Movement.
After the 1st World Scout Jamboree the Scouts lookout for a place where they could live Jamboree feeling 365 days per year and find it in Kandersteg.
1906 - 1922 0 1906 - 1922 1
1906
Lötschberg tunnel
Construction begins on the Lötschberg tunnel in Kandersteg. The 14 kilometres long tunnel will extend direct rail service between the Bernese Oberland, Wallis and Italy. More than 3’000 workers live in Kandersteg at the northern entrance to the tunnel.
1907
1st scout camp
Lord Robert Baden-Powell organises a first experimental scout camp at Brownsea Island, England, bringing together 20 boys from different parts of society. A year later, the bestseller “Scouting for Boys” is published, and the World Scouting starts to grow at a tremendous pace.
1908
A chalet is built
To enable the children of the tunnel workers to gain an education, the alcohol-free society “La Temperanza” provide school classes, as well as simple accommodation for the families. A chalet is built near the banks of the river Kander.
1913
Opening of the tunnel
The workers depart, and the buildings are left abandoned. What is known nowadays as the Old Chalet, is one of the few buildings that remained after this period.
1920
1st World Scout Jamboree
1st World Jamboree, Olympia, England with 8’000 scouts from 27 countries and with 33 National Scout Organizations represented. Lord Baden-Powell announces his dream of one place in the world, where this “Jamboree” feeling - feeling of world brotherhood, peace and international friendship - could happen all year long.
1922
The Chalet is discovered
During a visit to Kandersteg, already a well known holiday destination, the Chief Scout of Switzerland, Walther von Bonstetten, discovers a derelict Chalet. He proposes the creation of an International Home for Scouts in Kandersteg. Lord Baden-Powell follows von Bonsetten’s invitation and is enthused about the place!
1923 - 1948 0 1923 - 1948 1
02
1923 - 1948
Scouts from all around travel to Kandersteg to visit the Permanent Mini Jamboree and the Chalet soon becomes the home of the 1st Rover Moot creating peace and friendships.
During the II World War, the Centre serves as a refuge until it can accommodate Scouts from all around the world again.
1923
The Chalet is open for Scouts!
The Home Association purchases a chalet and land along the banks of the river Kander. The Centre was inaugurated on the 21st of May 1923. In a letter to all Scout Associations, the International Bureau wrote: ,,We have great pleasure in announcing to the Scouts of all countries that the scheme proposed by the Chief Scout has now been realised.”
1927
Tradition of decorating rooms
Dutch Scouts decorate a room in the Chalet, thus fashioning the first of the Scout Organisations rooms. In the following months, a Hungarian room is created as well as two rooms decorated by the Swiss Scout groups.
1930
World Scout Committee meets at the Centre
The International World Scout Committee meets in Kandersteg in July. Baden-Powell attends the meeting, visits the Chalet and inspects the new campground. While inspecting the camping area, B.P. uses a hill on the campsite to have a good view of both the campsite and the Centre. This hill becomes to be known as ‘B.P.’s Hill’, and it is called like that also nowadays.
1931
1st World Rover Moot
Lord Baden-Powell invites all Rover Scouts to join him in Kandersteg for the first Rover Moot, meeting of all young leaders in scouting. 2’500 Rovers from 23 countries answer the call from the Chief.
1940
War years
International life comes to a halt due to the outbreak of the Second World War. Only a few guests from outside Switzerland visit the Centre because of the severe travel restrictions. The Chalet, Tower and Campsite are used as accommodation for troop guarding the valley and for the storage of medical and military supplies. Some 200 French soldiers are interned at the Chalet. During the days the soldiers move earth to cover stones and form new campsites on the campground.
1948
Getting busy again
By summer 1947, 1’358 Scouts visited the Centre, including guests from Argentina, New Zealand, Cuba, Finland, Lebanon and Mexico. Established again as a World Centre, Kandersteg hosted the 1st International Commissioners’ gathering in July 1948 a huge step to rebuilding the World Brotherhood.
03
1949 - 1992
The world meets at KISC during several big events such as Rover Moots or the Kristall ‘79.
This increase in guests numbers also means development in Staff. Not only was the Staff Structure developed but the iconic colour pink was introduced.
1949 - 1992 0 1949 - 1992 1
1953
5th World Rover Moot
4’168 Rovers from 22 countries attend the 5th World Rover Moot. The motto of the event is “Ad Fontes” (To the sources), and its camp symbol is the white snowflake created from 6 fleurs-de-lis, nowadays still used as KISC symbol.
1973
First Camp Director
Kurt Metz, Bern, is chosen as the first full-time professional Camp Director of Scout Centre Kandersteg. The appointment of a Camp Director is possible now by a substantial donation of Colonel Kenneth Macintosh (via the United States Foundation for International Scouting - USFIS).
1979
Camp Kristall ‘79
More than 1’700 Scouts, Scouters and Staff from 42 countries attend Kristall ‘79 – a special international camp to replace the cancelled World Jamboree in Iran, organised by the European Scout Region.
1989
Getting Pink!
KISC Staff was used to wear a different colour of staff uniform every year. In 1989, for the first time, pink uniforms are used and never changed the colour again. Since then, the KISC Staff is known as the Pinkies!
1990
First time going digital
The Centre receives a donation in the form of two WANG computers and starts working for the first time with computers!
1992
Hosting the 9th World Scout Moot
The 9th World Moot takes place in Kandersteg with nearly 2’000 participants from 52 countries.
1993 - 2014 0 1993 - 2014 1
04
1993 - 2014
The increase in guest numbers ask for KISC to grow
Extensions and acquisition of buildings make it possible to offer up to 355 beds. It was not only time for growth but also a time of celebrations of 100 years of the Scout Movement.
1996
Chalet extension
The Old Chalet extension is officially opened on June 1st. It is one of the biggest expansions since the start of the Centre in 1923. Nowadays, this expansion is known as the New Chalet.
2002
The flag tradition begins!
The Centre begins hanging the flags of every visiting country during the year. This tradition is supported by our guests who often donate their national flag to the Centre. Do you want the flag of your country to welcome you when you come to KISC? Bring one with you, and we will hang it on the Chalet.
2007
Kanderjam!
The KanderJam, “The Alpine link to the World Scout Jamboree”, takes place parallel to the Wolrd Scout Jamboree and welcomes 1’800 guests and 150 Staff from 40 different countries. To celebrate the 100th birthday of Scouting, all scouts gather at majestic Oeschinensee to see the sunrise that kicks off the next 100 years of Scouting!
2009
Kanderlodge & Sunneblick
Work is completed on the Kander-Lodge, and it is opened in Spring offering a wealth of new facilities, guest bedrooms and Staff accommodation. The same year, KISC acquires the Sunneblick, the neighbouring chalet on the banks of the Kander. 91 new beds are ready for guests to arrive!
2013
The Jubilee Year
The 90th birthday of KISC is celebrated during the whole of 2013! Among the highlights are the International Rover Weeks in winter and in summer, the Egg Tapping Challenge in cooperation with the local community, the campfire lunch and formal evening meal, which marks the actual birthday of the Centre on the 21st of April, and of course August 1st, the Swiss National Day.
2014
B.P. Fellowship event
In October 2014 the 68th BP Fellowship event takes place in Switzerland. The World Baden-Powell Fellowship recognizes individuals for their contributions to the World Scout Foundation to help support Scouting. The BP fellows, including His Majesty, The King of Sweden, who is the Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation travels with the Queen to Kandersteg to enjoy the atmosphere of the World Scout Centre.
05
2016 - 2020
It is all about making our guests feel welcome and like at home!
KISC is trying to constantly improve and use guests' feedback for further development.
2016 - 2020 0 2016 - 2020 1
2016
Welcome2KISC Project
After much planning and fundraising, the largest project of 2016 can be realised. The project called “Welcome2KISC” includes moving the road further away from the main Chalet in order to create a large pedestrian and meeting space in front of the main building. This area adds a well-defined event space and the extension of the green playground along the Kander river.
2017
2nd World Scout Education Congress
In May 2017, KISC host the 2nd World Scout Education Congress - four days of seminars and dialogues to help prepare National Scout Organisations for a changing world. With over 150 participants from all over 100 different countries at one time, this events marks as the most international event KISC has ever hosted.
2018
95th birthday
KISC is celebrating 95 years of existence, and as a present, the Centre got a new graphics look and a new website!
2019 - 2023 0 2019 - 2023 1
06
2019 - 2023
The centre fights to innovate through the Covid-19 pandemic and preparations are well underway for the centenary!
2019
Jack Higgins (UK) begins as the 11th Director.
2020
The covid-19 pandemic forces KISC to close for 3 months. It's the first time the centre has closed since the II world war. When the centre is able to reopen, everyone must wear masks, keep distance and many other special requirements are required. A special concept (that will ultimately be updated 26 times) is required to define how to safely operate. KISC uses 200L of disinfectant and hand gel! Despite Government initiatives and support from our insurance, the year is closed with a big financial loss as 75% of guests move their bookings into 2021 or cancel.
2021
The covid-19 pandemic continues. In January, the KISC Committee decided to reduce services and minimise operations for the year. The team was reduced to five people, and the Chalet was locked and closed. An office is set up in the Kanderldoge instead—the remaining Pinkies volunteer to support the vaccinations of the local village residents. The campsite was turned into a campervan site during summer, and over 1000 vans stayed. Additionally, the Berlin Opera Academy rented the buildings for two months. During Autumn, the planning for the "re-start of KISC" began, which was held off by 90% of the staff getting COVID-19 2 two days before opening. Fortunately, guests are welcomed back for New Year's Eve. The Winter 2022 volunteer staff team is in place, and 200 guests enjoy celebrating KISC entering its 99th year!
2022
Guest numbers return to normal. Many digital improvements have occurred during the pandemic, offering our guests a smoother, better service. Preparations were fully underway for the Centenary. The number of members of KISC breaks 600 for the first time, and the first-ever hybrid General Assembly is held, engaging over 130 members online and in person.
2023
The Centre celebrated its Centenary with a record number of overnights: 88’000. The 100th anniversary was observed through 7 organised events and two hosted by KISC. The number of Members has reached more than 750, with an exponential growth in Life Memberships. More than 110 nationalities have engaged with KISC and our programme. Learn more about the KISC Centenary

Almost a 100 years of history

Who we are today