7th Roverway 2024

Roverway 2024 a truly North of the Ordinary experience!

In July 2024, close to 100 Australian Rover Scouts and leaders headed to the breathtaking landscapes of Norway for the 7th Roverway, 2024 – an international Scouting event like no other. This year’s Roverway brought together over 7000 young people from across Europe and beyond, creating an incredible melting pot of cultures, ideas, and friendships.

The Australian contingent arrived in Norway, filled with excitement and anticipation for the adventure ahead. Roverway is not just a camp – it’s an opportunity for participants to challenge themselves through a range of activities, meet other Rovers from around the world, and immerse themselves in the rich cultures of their host country and peers.

In this article, we will follow along and explore what these leaders and Rovers experienced in Norway!

The Contingent Launch: Gearing Up for the Adventure

The Australian contingent officially launched their Roverway adventure at a send-off event in Oslo, Norway’s capital. After months of preparation and anticipation, the contingent finally came together in person for the first time. This launch was more than just a gathering; it was a chance for the participants to meet each other, receive their final briefings, and gear up for the challenges ahead.

The Australian contingent then spent a day self-exploring the vibrant city of Oslo, visiting famous landmarks like the Royal Palace and the Akershus Fortress. This exploration gave everyone a taste of the rich Norwegian history and culture they would soon experience on a much deeper level. The energy was electric as participants received their patrol allocations, contingent gear, and first aid kits. In the evening the Australian Participants meet up for the Contingent Launch, pride and excitement were palpable, and the event set the tone for the adventure that was about to unfold.

The Paths: Small Group Adventures Across Norway

One of the most unique aspects of Roverway is the “paths.” Before gathering at the main event site, participants embarked on small group expeditions across Norway, exploring its diverse environments, from coastal towns to mountainous regions. Australian Rovers were assigned to various international patrols, giving them the opportunity to work closely with peers from across Europe and beyond.

These paths were more than just hikes; they were journeys of personal growth and service. The Rovers tackled environmental challenges, helped local communities, and learned about sustainable living in one of the most pristine natural environments on Earth. Whether they were cleaning up a fjord, building new trails, or learning traditional Scandinavian skills, every Rover returned to Stavanger with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper appreciation for both their surroundings and the global community.

Stavanger: The Heart of Roverway

Once all paths converged at the main event site in Stavanger, the true heart of Roverway began to beat. The picturesque coastal city was the perfect backdrop for the next phase of the event, where the full contingent of participants gathered for workshops, discussions, games, and cultural exchanges.

The Australian contingent embraced the global Scouting atmosphere by joining activities focused on leadership, environmental sustainability, and international cooperation. Workshops covered topics as diverse as mental health in Scouting, tackling climate change, and developing leadership skills to bring back to local communities. Many Rovers cited these workshops as a highlight, providing new insights and tools they could use back in Australia to enhance their Rover experience.

One of the key elements of Roverway is its focus on cultural exchange. Every day, Rovers gathered for cultural experiences, where countries showcased their traditions, music, food, and dance. The opportunity to share and learn about other cultures was a powerful reminder of Scouting’s ability to break down borders and create lasting friendships.

Personal Growth and Lasting Memories

For many of the Australian Rovers, Roverway 2024 was their first international Scouting event, and the experience was life-changing. From the challenges they faced during their paths to the lifelong friendships they formed with their international peers, Roverway pushed everyone to grow in ways they never expected. Whether they were learning about leadership, sustainability, or the global Scout movement, every Rover left Norway with a renewed sense of purpose and adventure.

In the words of the Ironbark Rover Unit “The Ironbark Rover Scout Unit sent 8 of our Rovers to Roverway 2024 in Norway! This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we had an absolute blast exploring Norway on our paths and taking part in all the activities on offer, like hiking, canoeing, exploring fjords and sightseeing! We were able to forge many lifelong bonds with both Australian and international Scouts alike, and enjoyed learning about each other’s cultures and Scouting experiences! It was quite eye-opening to see the sheer scale of the Scout movement and be linked with thousands of other like-minded young adults through it. We are all very lucky to be part of a movement that affords us so many opportunities!”

Looking Ahead

As Roverway 2024 drew to a close, it was clear that the impact of the event would continue long after the participants returned home. Many Rovers expressed excitement about applying what they had learned to their local Rover Units and communities. From environmental sustainability projects to new approaches to leadership, the skills and experiences gained at Roverway will undoubtedly shape the future of Scouting all around Australia.

On behalf of the Australian contingent, a huge thank you goes out to the Scouts Australia International team, the International Commissioner, and everyone who supported us along the way. Roverway 2024 was an extraordinary adventure, and we are proud to have represented Australia on the global Scouting stage.

Yours in Scouting,
Max Manson
Australian Contingent Leader, Roverway 2024

Australian Participants, one last photo before departing.

Patrol 3 out and about on their path!

Australian Contingent at the opening campfire (ceremony).

Patrol 6 with their Troop a group of international patrols working together.

Ironbark Rover Unit in Norway!

Australian Contingent CMT. (Left to right, Lachlan McDonald ACL – Operations, Shaylah McClymont Deputy Contingent Leader, Max Manson Contingent Leader, Kathryn Crisp ACL – Health and Wellbeing, Liam Brown ACL – Experience.)