Cover Photo: Jasmijn Commeren
Research: Anže Krebs Šetina, Sophia Auer and Francisca Dias
Text: Markus Fagerholt
Edit: Mike Dent, Sophie Spickenbom
In its first half, Roverway had 91 distinct paths across 62 locations, and offered Rovers from around the world an opportunity to explore, learn and connect in profound ways. This article will highlight some of the memorable experiences by participating in these paths.
Marko from Slovenia: A water adventure on Path VE13
Marko’s highlight was the canoeing adventure on Path VE13. As this Path was island-based, it involved numerous water activities and the exploration of different islands. Marko particularly enjoyed island hopping, a novel experience compared to his home in Slovenia, where fjords are absent. He described the feeling of pretending to discover new lands as exhilarating and a stark contrast to his usual environment.
Emily from Norway: Embracing independence on Path VE13
Emily found joy in meeting new people and observing their unique Guiding and Scouting experiences. In Norway, Guides and Scouts are known for their independence and self-sufficiency, often undertaking tasks without waiting for instructions. Emily noticed that Guides and Scouts from other countries on her path were more accustomed to following leaders’ directions. This difference highlighted the varied approaches to Scouting across different cultures.
Clémentine from France: Sustainable development on Path SØ09
Clémentine, from France, was part of Path SØ09, focused on sustainable development. She shared insights into their activities, which included studying the United Nations’ seventeen sustainable development goals and understanding their importance in different countries. Clémentine also engaged in practical activities like using the iNaturalist app to document local flora and fauna. One memorable experience was a midnight fire alarm incident caused by some Spanish participants frying chorizo, which led to a humorous yet chaotic situation involving the local fire brigade.
Gonçalo from Portugal: connection and camaraderie
Gonçalo, along with his fellow Portuguese Guides and Scouts, experienced the unique dynamics of the camp early on by assisting with logistical tasks like setting up showers. Despite initial challenges, including rain, their spirits remained high as they engaged in canoeing and island exploration. Gonçalo emphasised the joy of meeting people from different cultures, even learning a few new curse words along the way. His most cherished moments were the casual interactions and shared laughter with Guides and Scouts from around the world, underscoring the importance of camaraderie.
Conclusion
Roverway’s diverse Paths provided Participants with rich experiences that transcended geographical and cultural boundaries across south Norway. Whether through adventurous activities, sustainable development education, or simple moments of connection, the event fostered a sense of global unity and shared purpose among the Guides and Scouts. As these stories illustrate, Roverway was not just a journey through different Paths, but a celebration of the diverse ways Guides and Scouts can learn, grow, and build lasting friendships.