Rover Scout Handbook

THE

ROVER SCOUT

HANDBOOK

The Baden-Powell Rover Scout Association/Arizona

INTRODUCTION

The Baden-Powell Rover Scouts / Arizona was established in 2000 as an affiliated Scouting program of the Baden-Powell Scouts’-UK and thus members of the World Federation of Independent Scouts.

This is an adult fraternal Scouting organization whose motto is simply, " Service ". As an organization, we are dedicated to support community projects and Troop 30's programs and equipment. Yet as a fraternal group of Scouters, we enjoy the activity of the " Open Air" and the fun of camping. Our Crew believes that we can model the Patrol Method and Leadership Skills we expect our Boy Scout Group and Senior Scout Group to learn.

Rover Scouting is a branch of traditional scouting found mostly in other parts of the world. It has not existed in the United States for many years. As such, our crew has affiliated with the Baden-Powell Scouts based in England. This International association follows the original Scout Oath and Law as well as the original uniform and advancement program as developed by the founder of Scouting Lord Baden-Powell. We in no way seek to replace the BSA program but rather choose to support it and Troop 30. To this end, we maintain dual registration with both associations for the singular goal of the betterment of the Program. Our association is affiliated with the World Federation of Independent Scouts.

We are also active Rover Scouts seeking further training and follow the Rover advancement program. Our activities include both supportive Scouting participation in the Troop 30 Scout Group program as well as Rover outings and Social events. Our Rover group holds monthly Crew meetings.

Aims and Objectives

Traditional Rover Scouting is a, "brotherhood of the open air and of service", with the following purposes:

To continue the scoutcraft training, citizenship and values initially presented in the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Senior Scout program. Training activities are conducted appropriate to the age of Rover Scouts.

To encourage Rovers to explore and seek useful career and a-vocational activities for themselves.

To provide an organized program to render service to their community.

A clearly stated aim of this association is to focus on the development of values and citizenship among young adults, training them in the skills of traditional scoutcraft, woodcraft, observation, and self-reliance.

To provide ongoing support in terms of leadership training and equipment to the Troop 30 Scout Group.

While in initial traditional scouting, Rover training was designed to cover the period of 18-25 years of age, a time when a young person has the opportunity of organizing his life and putting into mature practice the principles of the Scout Law and Promise, experience has shown that this is a life-long quest. Therefore, Rover training activities are open to all adult Scouters who have reached the age of majority.

Organization of the Rover Crew

The traditional organizational unit of Rover Scouts is a Crew. The Rover Crew makes up but one unit of a traditional Scout Group. A traditional Scout Group is also comprised of a Cub Pack, Boy Scout Unit, and Senior Scout Unit.

The Rover Crew should have its own Rover Scout Leader, and dependent upon its size, may require assistant Rover Scout Leaders. The Rover Scout Leader should report to the Group Scoutmaster and the Group Scoutmaster may act in the capacity of the Rover Scout Leader should the need arise.

The Rover Scout Crew may, as size requires, divide into patrols, at that point, each patrol would be managed by an Assistant Rover Scout Leader, referred to as a "Rover Mate."

Throughout the development and history of traditional scouting, Rover Crews have been formed as an integral part of a Scout Group. A Rover Crew or patrol from our association may meet with other Rover Units and work together as a Service Crew or share outings, and at such time, may develop and wear distinctive neckers unique to that particular purpose. It is clearly not the purpose of this association to develop Rover Crews as separate from or nonaffiliated with a family Scout Group.

The Rover Committee (Council)

The Rover Committee is a body formed from members of the Crew including the Rover Scout Leader, Assistant Rover Scout Leaders, Rover Mates, and other Rovers as may be elected. This body is formed to meet and deal with matters of program development, administration, expenditure of crew funds, and resolution of internal disputes. The Rover Committee shall elect a Committee Chair who shall serve in the capacity of the Arizona Association Chair. This Chair along with the Rover Committee shall consult with the Arizona Commissioner BPSA, a position appointed by the Chief Commissioner BPSA.

The Rover Committee shall serve as a standing committee of the Troop 30 Scout Group, yet may provide support and expend funds in support of the Troop 30 Scout Group independent of the Scout Group Committee. While programmatically linked, The Rover Crew is recognized as belonging to a separate association and as such, will maintain an arms length relationship in terms of financial dealings.

Membership

As in all traditional Scout Groups, membership is available to any person who is willing to learn, practice and live by the Scout Law and Promise. In this association, Rovers must also be willing to learn the basic scouting requirements, as would be expected of a traditional First Class Scout. They must also be willing to pursue the enjoyment of an open-air life, and be willing to share their knowledge and experience with those younger members of the Troop 30 Scout Group.

It is required, however that members of this association be also registered members of the Troop 30 Scout Group, as affiliated with the primary United States Scouting Association.

A Senior Scout may be admitted to membership in a Rover Crew as a "Rover Squire." Such an individual must be at least 17 years of age, have the recommendation of his section Scoutmaster, and approval of the Group Scoutmaster, as well as the Rover Scout leader and the Rover Crew. Such an individual may then be presented as a Rover Squire using the ceremonies described in this handbook.

The preliminary training period for a Rover Squire is designed to prepare them for investiture, ensure that they are proficient in traditional scouting skills, and allow for them to reach the age of majority.

Prior to investiture as a Rover Scout, the Rover Squire must undergo a Vigil, or period of self examination at which time he is to consider the implications of becoming a Rover Scout, excepting the expectation of service, the pursuit of the open-air life, as well as their future aspirations in life.

ROVER SQUIRES

A Rover Squire must be sponsored by a member of the Rover Crew and should aspire to be invested as a Rover Scout or full member of the Crew by completing the preliminary stage of training which requires the following:

Requirements:

Read and studied " Scouting for Boys " and " Rovering to Success " as well as other Scout literature related to their interests in the Scout Movement.

Have studied and understood the Scout Promise and the Scout Law as they concern Rovers and be applying them in a spirit of unselfish service to life in general. This is to imply that at the age of a Rover Squire the meaning of the Scout Promise and Law should be a deeper if not more connected level with oneself than perhaps there was at a younger age.

Hold the First Class Scout Badge or have sufficient knowledge to instruct a Scout in the current requirements of the Second Class and First Class Scout Badges.

Be able to take part in an intelligent discussion on Scout including the issues of Scout Group organization and administration.

Have undergone such a period of Probation (Squire Membership) as the Rover Scout Leader and Crew may require but generally not exceeding 6 months. The above requirements may be accomplished in this period of probation.

Following this Preliminary training stage the Rover Squire must be sponsored by two members of the Crew for advancement to full membership as a Rover Scout ( Investiture). Completion of the above should assure that the Rover Squire is proficient in the basic scouting skills. Prior to investiture the Squire will be required to complete the Rover Vigil at which time they are to consider the implications of becoming a Rover Scout as well as their future aspirations in life.

ROVER SCOUTS

Lord Baden-Powell, our founder originally wrote much of the next few pages, when he first established the Rover Scout program in 1918. Here described is the Vigil or self-examination and the Rover Investiture. These two elements taken together constitute the presentation of a Rover Scout.

The Presentation of a Rover Scout

Some process of self-examination and an investiture are essential to emphasize the fact that a Rover Scout is undertaking specific responsibilities. The degree of ceremony used by the Rover Crew may be varied from the one described here according to the wishes and traditions of the Crew and the individual being invested. It is desirable that within these limits the same format is used for all.

The Vigil- The central idea is that a young person, before becoming a Rover Scout, shall, with the aid of questions drawn up by the founder and their own interpretation of the Scout Promise and the Scout Law as applicable to their age, quietly think out what they are doing with their life and whether they are prepared to accept being a Rover Scout guided by the Scout Promise and Law.

The Rover Scout Leader should make it quite clear to the Rover Squire that they should not make or renew the Promise until they feel that they can honestly accept it and do their best to live by its code. Scouting, in all its branches is voluntary and this cannot be stressed enough with the Rover Squire.

In the Self-examination (Vigil) the Rover Squire REVIEWS the past. THINKS of future possibilities and DEDICATES himself / herself to the service of God and fellow – man. Without this process the Rover Investiture cannot be what it is meant to be—an outward sign of an inward determination to pursue the right attitude to life in the world.

There need be no ceremony nor ritual about this for the Vigil can kept in the quiet of a room. In a more definite form, a place of worship can be used, or a place in the open air (preferred), or any place where quiet and freedom from distraction is assured.

It is the responsibility of the Rover Scout Leader to see that no Rover Squire joins the Crew without being fully determined to shape their life within Rover Scout ideals.

The Rover Scout Leader may accompany the Squire to the place of the Vigil and then leave them alone without interruption to contemplate the questions. Any explanations or points not fully understood should be dealt with prior to the Vigil in the form of preparation.

Whatever the plan adopted, SIMPLICITY and SINCERITY should be the keynotes and spiritual strengthening of the individual should be the purpose.

In preparation the meaning of the Scout Promise and Law should be reviewed:

Scout Promise

On my honor I promise

That I will do my best-

To do my duty to God, and my country,

To help other people at all times,

And to obey the Scout Law.

Scout Promise (what it means)

On my honor- As a Rover Scout and an adult, your honor should rule your conduct. This means that you can be trusted implicitly to do what you know is right and what you agree to undertake.

I promise- This particular promise is a solemn oath or undertaking that is not to be taken lightly by anyone, least of all a Rover Scout. Thus the purpose of the pre-investiture Vigil.

That I will do my best- Though circumstances may often hinder you from doing something as completely as you wish, you will in any case try to fulfill your commitment and put forth your utmost effort.

To do my duty to God,- You agree to develop the various talents of mind and intelligence with which you have been endowed and cultivate by continual practice, the spirit of love and good will to others. To do your duty to God you must first realize and define for yourself, the nature of God and then with that realization develop and use yourself for those purposes.

and to my country,- That is to your country under the leadership constituted by the will of the majority.

To help other people at all times- By putting into practice the divine law of loving others as yourself.

And to obey the Scout Law- You should aim to improve your own character under its guiding principles and actively reflect it in your daily life and in your daily interactions with others. You should aim to improve your own character under its guiding principles.

The Scout Law

In traditional scouting, the term "Rover Scout" stands for a true man or woman who is a good citizen acting in the service of their community. The law for Rover Scouts is the same law in wording and in principle as is used for younger scouts. As a Rover Scout, you are expected to view the law from an adult standpoint, suggesting that self-centeredness is replaced with good will and helpfulness to others. Below is the traditional ten (10) points of the Scout Law with some reflective statements.

A Scouts honor is to be trusted

As a Rover Scout, no temptation however great or small will persuade you to do a dishonest deed or shady action. You can be trusted not to go back on a promise once made.

A Scout is loyal to his country, his family, his employers, an those who work for him as well as his fellow Scouters

As a good citizen, you are one of a team, pursuing all activities honestly and for the good of everyone involved. You can be relied upon by your country, you community, the Scout Movement, you friends and fellow workers, you employers and employees; to do your best for them even when they do not meet your expectations. Moreover, you are loyal to yourself and will not allow your self-respect to be lowered by meanness, cheating, nor letting another person down.

A Scout’s duty is to be useful and help others

A Rover Scout’s highest aim is service, you may be relied upon at all times to be prepared and ready to sacrifice time, trouble, or if need be life itself for others. "Sacrifice is the salt of service."

A Scout is a friend to all and a brother to every other Scout, no matter what country, class, creed, or association the other may belong

All people are equal in the sight of God, and you should disregard any differences of opinion, culture, creed, cast, country, or association that you find. Shun prejudice of any kind, for if you uphold a respect for persons of other cultures and countries, you will encourage peace and good will.

A Scout is courteous

Rover Scouts should be polite and considerate to others, especially those who may be an opposition to them.

A Scout is a friend to animals

You will recognize you interdependence with nature’s other creatures, placed like yourself, in this world for a purpose and to perform some function no matter how menial in support of the whole world ecosystem for the well being of all life on Earth, we should respect them for not to do so would be a disservice.

A Scout obeys the orders of his parents, his patrol leader, or scoutmaster without question

Be disciplined to put yourself readily and willingly at the service of constituted authority for the benefit of the community good. This discipline should come within and not be imposed, hence the importance of the example you set for others.

A Scout smiles and whistles under all difficulties

Keep you head ant stick to your objectives in a crisis with cheery determination and optimism. This is the spirit that others expect of scouts.

A Scout is thrifty

Look ahead and do not fritter away time or money on trivial pleasures. Make the best of you opportunities with a view towards ultimate success and avoid being a burden to others.

10.A Scout is clean in thought, word, and deed

Rover Scouts are expected to be clean minded, clean willed, and able to control intemperance and lead morally upright lives. Don’t forget to watch the language.

SELF EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

The older one gets, the more quickly time apparently passes for life lasts only a short time (comparatively speaking) and is soon away. Rover Scouts will obviously want to make the best use of their time and opportunities and perhaps consideration of the questions below will help shape up their life more positively.

Am I making the best use of my life?

Am I frittering life away- doing nothing that counts and just wasting time?

Am I working at things that are not doing good to anyone?

Am I too self-centered and failing to try to help others?

Whom have I hurt or injured in life and what can I do to make amends?

Am I joining Rover Scouts only for the fun that I can get out of it?

Do I really think of others rather than myself in all my undertakings?

What kind of service am I best fitted to do at home, work or in my spare time?

Am I determined to try to give up bad habits acquired in my past?

Am I determined to honor the Scout Promise and live by the Scout Law?

Service is not just a spare time activity – it should be an attitude to life which will find outlets for its practical expression at all times. We neither expect nor get reward for doing service for we are not working for an employer but for fellow beings and our own conscience. We become better people by doing it.

As the success of our service will depend to a great extent on our personal character, we must discipline ourselves in order that we can be a good influence to others and the Scout Law provides the guide to positive character building that symbolizes what a Scout should be. Re-read the Scout Law and consider it carefully and may God give you the strength to go forward as a true citizen and a credit to your country.

THE INVESTITURE

The Investiture as outlined by the Founder is printed in full, but in order to assist those who prefer to leave out some of the ceremonial, these parts are printed within brackets. The Investiture should be performed by the Rover Scout Leader but if this is not possible, then a Scouter who has previously been invested as a Rover Scout may take his place.

It may add to the impressiveness of the ceremony if the Rover Scout Leader has a suitably bound copy of the ceremony which he should certainly know by heart.

The ceremony can be held like the Vigil in a place of worship or in the open air. If it is held as part of a Crew meeting, it is better positioned at the end of the evening.

The investiture should never be held in public for it is a solemn exercise of the Crew’s corporate life. The sponsors of the candidate should be present and they should stand on either side of the candidate throughout the ceremony.

THE ROVER INVESTITURE CEREMONY

(suppressed to preserve the dignity if the ceremony)

Training After Investiture

Rover Scout Training following investiture is managed by the Crew under the general leadership of the Rover Scout Leader and the members of the Crew Committee.

Rover Scout Training is divided into three areas;

Practical- including scoutcraft skills, training for service, and projects.

Collective- training in cultural, community, and world affairs.

Duty to God- through growth in their own spiritual understanding of the open air and practice of ones own religion or spiritual lifestyle through service to others.

In all areas there is an expectation of the commitment to service

to others especially those in the Troop 30 Scout Group and its sponsoring organization.

Rover Scouts are expected to adopt the following training ideals and principles:

To promise to obey the Scout Law by adopting it as an ideal to be expressed in their actions and in good will, fellowship, and lifestyle.

The promise of duty to neighbors through service to their community. The Rover Scout is expected to bear in mind that their first service is to home and to themselves and their family.

The promise of duty to their country through an earnest endeavor to have a current knowledge of the government of their community and their country and the expectation of performing their duties as a citizen.

The promise of duty to God through a conscious effort to develop their own spiritual life and through the practice of their own religious beliefs, whatever those may be.

Formal Training and Advancement (Post Investiture)

The Baden-Powell Rover Scouts Association/ Arizona, recognizes the traditional Rover Scout awards, which follow.

All awards any be granted upon the recommendation of the Rover Scout Leader with the approval of the Rover Committee. Obtaining the B-P Award requires additional approval and application to the Chief Commissioner or Arizona Commissioner of the Baden-Powell Scouts’ Association.

The "Training stage for Rovers should be completed by the age of 25 at which time the Rover Scout is expected to pass on to the "Service" stage, however, the Arizona Association has determined in accord with the BPSA P.O.& R. Rule 272, that the Training stage is available to all members.

The following awards are recognized and available:

The Rover Scoutcraft Star

The Rover Service Training Star

The Rover Rambler’s Badge

The Rover Project Badge

The Rover Instructor Badge

The Baden-Powell Award

ROVER SCOUT AWARDS

SCOUTCRAFT STAR

This is a cloth or metal (six point ) star worn on the shoulder board of the left epaulette, as shown below. (note: the squared end is to the shoulder seam)

Requirements:

1. Camp on at least 10 separate occasions of not less than 15 nights (with the Scout Group), Submit a log of your involvement to the Rover Scout Leader and Crew Secretary.

2. Be competent to instruct and examine a Senior Scout in any two of the following Scoutcraft skills: (at the Merit Badge Level) Cooking, Back Packing, Life Saving, Camping, Astronomy, Forestry, Nature, Environmental Science, or Canoeing.

SERVICE TRAINING STAR

This is a cloth or metal (six point ) star worn on the shoulder board of the right epaulette, as shown below. (note: the squared end is to the shoulder seam)

Requirements:

1. A Rover Scout must provide at least six (6) months service in support of the Scout Group, to the satisfaction of the Group Scoutmaster and Rover Scout Leader.

2. Participate in at least five (5) Scout Group or Crew service projects, Submit a log of your involvement to the Rover Scout Leader and Crew secretary.

ROVER RAMBLER’S BADGE

This award is represented by a cloth patch (shown below), which is worn on the shoulder board of the left epaulette centered between the Scoutcraft Star and Association emblem.

Requirements:

1. The Rover must be capable to instruct and examine a Senior Scout in one of the following Scoutcraft areas: ( at the Merit Badge Level) Orienteering, Hiking, Wilderness Survival, or Pioneering.

2. The Rover Scout must be qualified in First Aid and be CPR certified.

3. The Rover must have completed (as a member of the Crew) two planned and organized outings (approved by the Rover Scout Leader) of at least two nights camping, each involving hiking or canoeing (travel by land or water) or a Scouting trip abroad. The outings must be designed to bring out the qualities of self-reliance, initiative, determination and leadership. Submit a log of the outings to the Rover Scout Leader and Crew secretary.

ROVER PROJECT BADGE

This award is represented by a cloth patch ( shown below) which is worn on the shoulder board of the right epaulette centered between the Service Training Star and Association emblem.

Requirements:

1. The Rover must choose , plan and devote at least six (6) months of service to a "Project" and keep a record of activities related. On a regular bases a report of progress is to be shared with the Rover Scout Leader or Rover Committee. The Rover may seek the advice and assistance of the Crew as needed.

2. The Project may be defined as a self-imposed task demanding skill application and care. The Rover picks the subject of the "Project" and there is no restriction on the choice of subject except that it should bear no direct relationship to their means of earning a living. ALTERNATIVELY, the Rover may select a subject in which they are well versed with the intention of reaching a considerably higher standard of achievement in it.

The Subject chosen should be approved by the Rover Scout Leader and Crew as being suitable and worthwhile.

ROVER INSTRUCTOR BADGE

This award is represented by a cloth patch (shown below), which is worn on the right breast above the line of the pocket and Association name strip.

Requirements:

1. Hold the Service Training Star.

2. Hold the Rover Rambler’s Badge

3. Have the knowledge and ability to instruct in the scoutcraft and scout skill subjects required for the First Class Badge.

4. Demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Rover Scout Leader that you are currently active as an instructor in a Scout or Senior Scout Troop, or Cub Pack. ALTERNATIVELY that you are active as an instructor in any Scout Association at the District or Council level of Adult Scout Leader Training.

5. Have a reasonable understanding of the text " Scouting for Boys".

THE B-P AWARD

This award is represented by a cloth patch ( shown below) which is worn on the shoulder board of the left epaulette centered between the button and Association emblem. Once earned it replaces all other epaulette badges.

This is the highest award, which a Rover Scout can achieve. It is presented for the demonstration of a personal lifestyle in which a Scouter carries out the Rover motto of " Service".

Requirements:

1. Hold the Rover Rambler’s Badge

2. Hold the Scoutcraft Star

3. Hold the Rover Project Badge

4. Hold the Service Training Star

5. In the opinion of the Rover Crew, Rover Scout Leader and the Group Scoutmaster be active in setting a personal example of the "Scout way of Life" and be carrying out the Rover motto of " Service" in your daily life.

6. Have an interview with the Arizona Commissioner or Chief Commissioner of the Baden-Powell Scouts’ Association.

Scout Promise

On my honor I promise

That I will do my best-

To do my duty to God, and my country,

To help other people at all times,

And to obey the Scout Law.

The Rover Uniform

Headgear: A green beret or khaki Scout hat with four dents, flat brim, leather band.

Necker: Traditional necker to be determined by the crew, earned Wood Beads or Wood Badge necker and woggle may be worn.

Shirt: Of approved pattern in khaki. Standard patches are fixed as follows:

The Baden-Powell Scouts Association Strip on the top right pocket seam.

The Baden-Powell Association Patch (First Class-Red) centered on the left pocket. (Membership badge)

The World Federation of Independent Scouts Patch (First Class- Gold) centered on the right pocket.

The 1^st Arizona B-P Scouts Group Patch is worn on the right sleeve 2 inches below the shoulder seam, The Crew /Patrol patch 2 inches below the Group patch. (Northstar)

Group Patch

The Rover Shoulder knot is worn on the left shoulder seam. The knot is of Red, Green and Yellow. Red on the outside.

The American Flag (country patch) is on the right breast half way between the epaulette and Association strip.

The shirt has epaulettes, which hold the Rover Shoulder Boards.

Shorts: Olive "surplus" BDU ‘s

Socks: Olive "Official" hiking socks

Belt: Brown leather with scout buckle.

Other Badges: Scouting Awards earned in other Scout Associations may be worn above the left pocket seam: Knots in rows of three: OR medals along the top seam, limited to five.