Roverway Testimonials: What Guides & Scouts Learned and Took Home

Amy, an 18-year-old Scout from Malta, was a Participant in Roverway 2024, where she embarked on Path TR03 in the historic town of Røros. From a young age, Amy was inspired by older Guides and Scouts in her group who shared their exciting Roverway experiences. Eager to create her own memories, she anticipated this event with great enthusiasm.

The highlight of Amy’s Roverway adventure was the deep sense of integration with the diverse group of Participants. Through shared activities like dancing and playing games, she formed meaningful connections and gained insights into various cultures. This camaraderie significantly enhanced her Roverway experience.

Reflecting on her journey, Amy realised the profound impact Scouting had on her personal development. It bolstered her leadership skills and self-confidence, providing a strong sense of community and belonging. She believes that Guiding and Scouting imparts essential values and skills to youths, equipping them for adult life and fostering a supportive community environment.

In Amy’s view, what sets Guiding and Scouting apart from other associations is its unique ability to cultivate lifelong values and a sense of belonging. Through her experiences at Roverway 2024, Amy has seen firsthand how Guiding and Scouting can transform individuals and communities, making it a vital force for positive change.

Paula was assigned to her tasks, but she knew that she would end up doing this kind of work, as when she was asked to fill in a form with what she would like to do, she said she was very willing to take responsibilities. 

She shared that the most important thing she’s worked on every single day is communication. Most of her days are spent talking to many, many people as in order to be aware of everything that’s going on, “we always need to be in a very good flow of communication”.

Paula shared that she discovered that there are a lot of very different working traditions in the different Guide and Scout associations and in different nations. She’s seen that when all of those are brought together, usually a great solution is found. She’s really happy about working together with many people and for this opportunity to learn from each other.

For Paula, the calm moment she shared with all the ISTs and Path Leaders one evening while on Path, where they had the time to sit down, rewind a bit and really enjoy themselves on the Path is a memory she holds close to her heart. 

“Guiding and Scouting is what brings people from very different cultures and very different backgrounds together and with their very different opinions and faiths and beliefs, but in the end we’re sharing a very similar spirit, so you always get along with the vast majority of people you meet even though you don’t know each other. There’s one common sense or one common feeling in the Guiding and Scouting family”. 

She read about volunteering for Roverway in an advertisement from “Scoutisme Français”. Afterwards, Laura started looking into ways to be part of the team. The Marketing and Communication Department needed more translators which fitted her profile as she speaks both English and French fluently. That’s how she made it to Roverway! 

After some time, Laura got asked to lead because of her expertise and this is how she became the Team Lead for the Press and Web Team, and part of an amazing family. Together with another Planning Team member, she was also the host for the Roverway Podcast. The “Roverpodden”, which is the official podcast of Roverway 2024, was raising awareness on several topics that are important for the growth of Guides and Scouts all over the world. That is the foundation to make this community a better place.

Working with people can be challenging sometimes, but with time, a great team will form. The Planning Team has worked together for over two years, growing constantly. They met twice physically and virtually every week, which has built a strong base to their work. With communication and determination, the team was able to plan and organise something magical that the Guides and Scouts participating at the event will always remember.

When thinking of the Roverway experience, a lot of memories come to mind, but what stands out the most for Laura, is the people who she met along the way.

Guiding and Scouting not only teaches young leaders to stand up for themselves and that working together can go a long way. They also learn to push through ups and downs and that teamwork makes the dream work. 

Laura truly believes that being a Guide or a Scout connects the world and encourages international friendship. Connecting through this worldwide organisation comes with a better understanding of cultures, people and traditions.