Text: Sophie Spickenbom and Sophia Auer
Photography: Enrique Leon, Kuo-Chiang Lo
If you are new to international Guiding and Scouting, you might not be familiar with what WAGGGS and WOSM are – and even if you are, it might be nice to refresh your memory, as you will come across the two a lot during Roverway. After all, WAGGGS and WOSM are the reason that Roverway takes place at all!
Guide and Scout Organisations?
Many of us, who first learn about the Guide and Scout organisations might wonder why these exist and what they do. Isn’t Guiding and Scouting mainly about being outdoors, experiencing community and going on adventures?
That is indeed true, but Scouting and Guiding goes beyond that. Thanks to these two organisations we are able to attend Roverway, for instance! Each of them also defines topics that are important to young Guides and Scouts and works hard towards achieving them, whether it is youth involvement, the empowerment of girls or sustainability.
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What does WAGGGS stand for?
The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) is the powerhouse behind Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting globally. Think of it as the ultimate network for girls and young women who are passionate about making the world a better place. WAGGGS connects us with Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from every corner of the globe, empowering us to take on leadership roles, tackle community projects, and develop skills that will last a lifetime. From international camps like Roverway to leadership training and capacity building programmes, WAGGGS inspires girls and women to reach for the stars while staying grounded in the values of friendship, service and adventure and advocating for an equal world.
Jojo Veit was a Global Advocacy Champion for WAGGGS last year and represented Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from all over the world at the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York. She shared her passion for WAGGGS with us:
WAGGGS is so magical because of two very different reasons. One, because of its fantastic programmes. The six leadership mindsets, for example, including a reflective, worldly and critical thinking mindset next to others. But also, WAGGGS is so special because it literally does what its mission and vision is: WAGGGS empowers so many girls and young women around the globe to be the very best version of themselves.
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What is WOSM?
The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) is like the big, awesome family that connects Scouts all over the world. Imagine being part of a global team where you learn cool survival skills, make lifelong friends, and embark on epic adventures. WOSM brings together millions of Scouts from different countries, helping us share ideas, learn from each other, and make a real difference in our communities. Whether it’s organising international jamborees or providing resources to improve our local troops, WOSM makes Scouting a truly worldwide experience. Just like WAGGGS, WOSM is committed to advocate for youth, be it concerning sustainability, youth engagement in decision-making, and many more!
According to Kristýna Jelinková, WOSM is “unique.” She is the Czech Head of Contingent (HoC) for Roverway, but has also represented WOSM, and thereby millions of Scouts, as a WOSM Youth Representative in the field of Human Rights for nearly two years now. She really experienced how WOSM works and has shared this with us:
As one of the biggest youth educational organisations, WOSM is unique in many things. One of the key ones is actively empowering young people to take their meaningful places in society. The global movement teaches and showcases the differences. Still, there are also similarities between our realities, in which WOSM is the key player in giving young people space to learn, accept responsibility and develop new skills that will prepare them for life.
WAGGGS and WOSM at Roverway
Roverway is a joint event that has been brought to life by WAGGGS and WOSM in Europe. This is unique to the European region and we are so lucky to be part of this!
Therefore, you will certainly encounter WAGGGS and WOSM during camp. Some paths are even following a WAGGGS or WOSM programme. We will share more about them in the first week of Roverway!
Here is a sneak peak into some events the organisations are planning for camp:
The WAGGGS and WOSM programmes are guided by the theme of sustainability and impact on the world. Both will host a large set of bigger and smaller activities and workshops within the overall theme. These aim to educate and shine a light on some of the current challenges in the world, with a focus on climate change especially, but at the same time it will also dive into how you as participants can impact the world as Guides and Scouts.
We hope that you will not only enjoy your experience at Roverway to the fullest, but at the same time also learn new skills and learn something new! WAGGGS and WOSM will hopefully contribute to your experience and give you something to take back home with you after camp: a feeling of being part of a large movement of young people with similar values and a passion for Guiding and Scouting.