Where We Came From

In the early 1990's, several Rotarians who were also scouters met and discussed how to provide an outlet for both interests through a recreational fellowship within Rotary International.  It was felt that because of these dual interests, there should be many opportunities for PAST and PRESENT Scouters to further Scouting/Rotarian ideals and relationships at local, national, and international levels, depending on the interests of the individual.  A group of British Rotarians interested in Scouting formed the basis for this original impetus.   Among those original members were Sammy Samuels, the late Norman Cooper, Edward Robinson, John Kenny and David Judge. An organizing meeting was held at the RI Convention in Mexico City in 1991.  The necessary requirements of RI for formation of a new Rotary Fellowship were met and the International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians (IFSR) was approved and IFSR took its place among the 70 plus interest groups in RI.  The first formal meeting was held in France at Marselles.

The first group was formed within RIBI (Rotary International in Britain & Ireland) although IFSR quickly spread throughout the Rotary World, particularly North America.  Sammy Samuels of London, England was selected as the first World Chairman.

During his term, coordinators for the USA and other countries were selected and the membership began to grow.  To this day, the two largest groups are in the UK and the Interamerican region (US, Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean Central and South America). 

Past RIBI President, RI Director & current RI Trustee John Kenny from Scotland became the second World Chairman in 1996.  Under John's leadership IFSR doubled its membership and expanded to 18 countries.  Groups formed in Australia, New Zealand, Africa, South America, the Philippines, Thailand, Japan and the Mediterranean areas.  Special IFSR membership fees were adopted.  (The Fellowship does not receive monetary support from Rotary International.)  The present membership fee covers a quarterly newsletter, various mailings, phone calls, purchase of membership recognition items and other miscellaneous costs related to operation of the Fellowship.

PDG Harold Friend from Boca Raton Florida became World Chairman 1999 having previously held the position of IFSR Secretary for several years. Harold did much to formulate IFSR procedures, expand membership into 31 countries and was responsible for drafting the current IFSR Constitution.

On l^st of July 2002 PDG David A. Judge of Colchester England became World Chairman and almost immediately launched a number of initiatives to increase the support of Scouting by Rotarians throughout the world. David encouraged RIBI members as well as others to support the restoration and redevelopment of Brown Sea Island in time for the Centennial of Scouting in 2007.  In response to a call from World Scout Secretary General Jacques Moreillon as keynote speaker at the 2002 Rotary International Convention in Barcelona for Rotarians to support "Operation One World" he also established the IFSR Centennial Project designed to have each Rotary District sponsor two scouts, one from their own district and one from a developing country, at the Centennial World Scout Jamboree in England in 2007.  Through contributions by Rotary Clubs, individuals and other interested groups IFSR hopes to increase Rotary's direct support for and involvement with Scouting and increase the awareness of Rotarians throughout the world of the special relationship these organizations have had throughout the years.  In addition, we hope to develop special program items, a display for use at Rotary and Scouting events, plus other public relation tools to spread that message.

In July 2005, Ted Olson of Irving, Texas USA took over the reigns of the Fellowship and continued to recruit District Coordinators to aid and work at a local level. The Girl Scouts USA were advised to have a certificate program similar to our Eagle Scout recognition. Approval was granted and the first recognitions presented in Atlanta, Georgia at the National USA Meeting. Thanks to the efforts of several key IFSR members; especially, John Hain, PPG from Georgia, who remains as our liason with Girl Scouts USA and WAAGGS.

We, also, began the Cliff Dochterman Community Service Award. Thanks to the LAR Chair, Ben Semd and others, this award named for Rotary International Past President Cliff Dochterman, has created a great amount of interest both in Rotary and in the Scouting communities, as well.