Rovering…
Hi there,
I wish to create a new Post for The Rovers Unit. I believe this unit is a rather important unit in Scouting. Rovers is best defined here:-
Rovers began when older Scouts wanted a section that was more defined to their age and ability. They wanted to continue getting the benefits of Scouts but at a more advanced level. In 1916, experiments were held with older Boy Scouts and, in 1917, pamphlets were distributed explain what Rovers were. Rover Scouts became the third official section of Boy Scouts that same year.
One of the goals in Rovers was to create happy, healthy, useful citizens. Rovers is about developing yourself as a person, through providing opportunities of leadership and a wide range of experiences which you probably would not be able to get otherwise. The main focus of the second is service to Scouting and the community in general. Rovers should be good examples for younger members of the community and Scouting.
The Rover program was based on a Knighthood theme. The symbol of St. George, patron saint of Scouts, was important. St. George is typical of what a Scout should be. He epitomized the qualities of selflessness and both moral and physical courage which Baden-Powell saw as being among the aims of Scouting.
The Rover program was basically an extension of the Scout program. Rovers, however, tend to work in small, independent groups called Crews. Crews run themselves and plan their own activities. Often, this is misunderstood by members of the community and Scouting organization.
With the introduction of Venturers in 1968, Rovers lost it’s direct tie with the Scout section and a lot of the program became outdated.
A National Rover Subcommittee was approved by the National Council in 1968. They were charged with reviewing and improving the Rover program. Their first recommendation declared that there was a place for Rovers in Scouting. This recommendation, fortunately, was approved. Several years later the subcommittee also recommended co-ed Rovering. This took effect in 1973.
"Rover training is a continuation of that given to Cubs and Scouts with the same objects are laid down in RULE I, but with a wider outlook, and with the added object of helping Rovers to make useful careers for themselves. Rover Scouting covers the period during which the young man/woman in ‘finding himself’, i.e. developing his/her character and his/her powers by training them and endeavoring to put into practice in a wider world the principles of the scout law"
- Gilcraft (Francis ‘Skipper’ Gidney)
Beside what Francis stated, Rovers are the key unit to lead a youth to adulthood. This unit delivers good moral values, bring a team together, create a valuable friendship amongst the members and many more. To know more about rovering you can visit my team at : http://www.hawkrovers.tk
Happy Rovering
Regards
Ekbert Yong
H Rover Crew Scout Master
Abstracted from PJ Scout Online.
