In 2010, a new concept was tried out at Kandersteg, Switzerland: an International Rover Week. In that year SSA had one Rover attending. Subsequent to that, there have been more IRW’s , either in the summer or dead of winter.
Now, again the 5th IRW is being announced. This is a worthwhile opportunity for any Rover wishing to experience interacting with other Rovers from around the world! It should be noted that this would coincide with the International World Scout Jamboree in Japan.
Interested Rovers should please apply via the SSA National Office on info@scouts.org.za before the 31st of May 2015. It must be noted that all costs are at the expense of individual Rovers. Please see the communique below from the organisers:
“This year, the World Scout Centre in Switzerland will host the 5th Annual International Rover Week: The Alpine Link to the World Scout Jamboree. From the 28th of July to the 8th of August 2015, we will bring Rovers from around the world together to celebrate Scouting in a week of activities in the Swiss Alps. Rovers will live as an international crew, sharing their songs, traditions and best recipes, while we look after the food, tents and supplies, and activities.
The week will take them to our beautiful glacial lake, up to our Swiss Mountain Hut, down to the local pool to relax and will include our August 1st Celebrations! On this day, we celebrate Scouting Founders Day and Swiss National Day with a carnival with over 1,000 Scouts from around the world.
The cost of the week is CHF 400 Swiss Francs and is open to all Rovers aged 18-30 years old who is registered with a WOSM or WAGGGS registered association.
Please visit the event website here, and thank you again for supporting International Scouting.
Yours in Rovering
Gerard Evans
National Rover Programme Chairperson