Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic did not stop outside of Kandersteg, leading to KISC taking a big financial hit in 2020 and 2021. Many guests were obliged to cancel during Summer of 2020, depriving KISC of its essential operating income. The situation also forced the Centre to reduce the number of volunteer staff (“the Pinkies”) during this summer and beyond. Doing this impacted the individuals involved dramatically, just like it limited the Centre’s operations and affected the essence of KISC as a Scout Centre run by a team of young volunteers.
With all of this in mind, and while following the Swiss authorities’ advice carefully, we continued to do everything possible to keep the Permanent Mini Jamboree open and safe during 2020. However, with the pandemic ongoing, KISC had to take the drastic decision in early 2021 to reduce its operations to an absolute minimum to lessen the financial risks involved. The World Scout Centre will now have to absorb the entire financial impact of the reduced operations. Calculations to date estimate the loss to be around CHF 750’000 in 2020 and 2021.
Such a significant loss represents a severe negative impact on the Centre’s financial viability. It is also our anticipation that travel restrictions and other regulations around gatherings and the economic downturn will heavily affect the Centre’s finances in the coming years. Therefore, the KISC Association Committee is working closely with the KISC Foundation Board to mitigate the situation as much as possible. We do however firmly believe that the success of KISC in the past defines our steps for a successful future. KISC needs to find coverage for this enormous loss to continue its operations responsibly. Your support is needed to overcome this situation.
What is KISC?
Kandersteg International Scout Centre’s story began at the World Scout Jamboree in London in 1920. Here, Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, spoke of his dream of a place where Scouts from all over the world could meet, learn from each other and live in peace all year round.
Every year, KISC is host to 12’000 guests from all around the globe, totalling to around 70’000 overnights, meaning the Centre is one of the largest tourist facilities in the Bernese Oberland.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Any donation is tax deductible in Switzerland. For tax deductibility in other countries, please consider donating through the World Scout Foundation.
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