Roverway
Roverway is a European event for Scouts and Guides aged 16-22, which takes place every 3-6 years.
The next Roverway will take place in Norway in summer 2024, and UK Scouts is organising a contingent of participants and International Service Team (IST). Scouts Scotland has been invited to send up to four patrols by the UK Contingent. Participants and IST applications have now closed for this event.
Coordinator Role
We're looking for a coordinator to support the Scottish Roverway Patrols attending Roverway 2024 as part of the UK Contingent. The role will include supporting the Scouts Scotland Commissioner (International) carry out the induction, training and development of the Roverway Patrol Leaders, Assistants and Patrol members; support the delivery of all-scotland training camps and assist in the admin and purchasing of Roverway merchandise and supplies.
To find out more, read the role description below. Notes of interest should be sent to Steven Maclennan by June 30th.
About the event
Roverway is the only European Scout and Guide event aimed at young people aged 16-22. The event is organised by the European Scout Region and WAGGGS, taking place every 3-6 years.
The aims of Roverway include promoting intercultural learning and exchange, and to enable meaningful youth leadership opportunities.
Roverway is unique in its patrol structure, empowering Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders to organise their patrols and their ‘path’: an exploration of the host country with patrols from other countries.
The most recent Roverway took place in the Netherlands in 2018, and Scouts sent a contingent of 232 participants.
Roverway has been held 6 times in the past:
“Opposites Attract”, Netherlands 2018
“On the road”, France 2016
“See, Feel, Follow”, Finland 2012
“Open Up”, Iceland 2009
“Dare to Share”, Italy 2006
“People in Motion”, Portugal 2003
The event is divided into three parts:
1. A semi-independent exploration in Southern Norway.
During the first five days, participants will explore a self-chosen ‘path’ in locations such as Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and Aalesund. Our UK patrols will join patrols from other countries to complete their chosen path, under the supervision of International Service Team (IST) and Norwegian Scout Groups.
One of the highlights of Roverway is the opportunity for young people to truly shape their experience – and the paths will cater for many different interests.
2. A jamboree-style main camp experience near Stavanger.
All the patrols join for a large camp near Stavanger. Stavanger is often called “the gateway to the fjords”, and its location on the west coast affords it access to some of Norway’s most iconic scenery.
The camp is a chance to share stories from their paths and to take part in a programme of activities with young people from across Europe and beyond.
3. A post-event experience for the UK Contingent.
Patrol leader information
The Patrol Leader (PL) will be responsible for leading their patrol on their path, with the support of the Assistant Patrol Leader (APL), IST and CMT, to help ensure that the patrol has an enjoyable and safe event. We are looking for PLs and APLs that:
Are aged 18 or over by 1 January 2024.
Hold an adult appointment in Scouts.
Can take charge of a situation, but understand their limitations and know when to ask for help.
Are friendly, and able to form good relationships with their patrol, IST and CMT.
Are willing to undertake training to give them additional skills to help safely lead a patrol.
Understand the responsibility of leading a patrol.
Previous experience of leading a group abroad is not required. We expect our PLs will show core leadership skills and embody our Scouting values. When selecting PLs, we should look for young people that can unite their patrol into a close-knit team.
PLs and APLs will receive training and meet others at our PL Academy in April 2024. The PL and APL responsibilities will be:
To manage the patrol, ensuring deadlines are met and all members of the patrol are aware of decisions.
To be the main contact for communications with the CMT, and distribute information to relevant parties (e.g. patrol members, parents/guardians, local Scouts teams).
To attend UK Contingent preparation and training events.
To nurture a strong patrol identity and facilitate the building of strong connections within the patrol, so that every member feels valued and respected.
To encourage patrol fundraising.
To support their patrol on event, making sure they are fit, fed and well supported, escalating any problems or concerns as they arise.
To share your Roverway experience with others to encourage participation in future international experiences.
To contribute to the Roverway review and feedback process.
The role of PL does not include in loco parentis responsibility for patrol members, which lies with the CMT during the event.
PLs will be required to hold a valid Nights Away Permit by the time of the event, with support provided to achieve this during Roverway preparations. We are currently unable to advise the level of permit required until we have more information from the event organisers about the facilities provided on paths.
APLs are not required to hold a NA Permit, but may choose to achieve it to support their PL.
Participant Costs:
The UK Contingent fee for UK-based participants is £1,999.
The fee includes travel from the UK, meals, travel in-country, the event cost, a post-event experience, return travel, and the kit package. It also funds our regional training events in Autumn 2023 and a training event for Patrol Leaders in 2024.
