The Ten Quests of Rovering

BPs challenges for Rovers

Adapted by Liam Morland, 1996 Rovering is the carrying out of Scouting into every department of a persons life. It aims at creating nobler citizenship by introducing the Scout Promise and Law into daily life. The Scout Law, viewed by a Rover, expands into Quests of Scouting. When looking at the quests, it soon becomes obvious that such Questing carries the spirit and practice of Scouting into daily life. Rovering and Rover Questing are not spare time activities, but ways of approaching at life. "Have fun and enjoy your lives, but also look widely, beyond your surroundings. Look high and above them." Here then, are the ten Quests that Rovers can be encouraged to pursue to fulfil their commitment to Scouting. Each Quest has a description which the Rover has to interpret then design a challenge for themself around. A Rover should announce that they is leaving on a Quest then later provide a log of the activities undertaken; Service rendered; and attitudes, skills, and knowledge gained during the Quest. This log is reviewed by the Crew and accepted or sent back for revision. Completed Quests are indicated on the uniform by one diamond knot each tied in a leather Progress Thong worn around the left shoulder. The version below is adapted from Baden Powell's work to be gender-inclusive.

The Quest Of Truth

Out in the world, the Rover, as they grows up, finds too often that Honour is held to be of less account than material gain. They sometimes hears dishonourable methods approved if they bring material gain, and they is tempted strongly to forget their ideals, since they do not appear to pay in the struggle to get on. Rovers need not only to be reminded of their ideals, but to be given expert advice and

definite assistance in their trouble. Here is the opening for the Rover who dares to accept the challenge of the Quest of Truth. They sets out to make life honourable in their corner of the world, in the Scout sense, by fighting in the right way to win greater respect for truth, conscientiousness in business dealing, the keeping of promises, and straight conduct of all kinds. A very high sense of personal honour has to be cultivated and required from others.

The Quest Of World Scouting

No Rover can serve their country better than by helping to spread the highest Scout Ideals through it. The Rover's loyalty to their country takes the form of working to extend and improve the organization of the Scout Movement so that the number of Questing Rovers may be increased to form a leaven in the citizenship of the country and training themself in public citizenship so that they may later carry the ideals of Scouting into municipal councils, philanthropic societies, and other public bodies.

The Quest Of Rover Errantry

The Rover, as the modern equivalent of the ancient knights, goes out on Quests to help people out of their difficulties. A very wide field for adventure lies open before them.

The Quest Of The Younger Sibling

The Rover, working in the Scout Group helps to train the character of their younger sibling for citizenship. From the Rover's friendship, example, and instruction, Scouts learn the Spirit of Scouting.

The Quest For Beauty

Starting with the grace of courtesy which confers beauty on human relationships, the Rover seeks beauty in other ways of Life. Acknowledging gratefully their debt to the rather limited chivalry of the

ancient knights, they passes on to a wider and truer chivalry which honours all that is honourable, wherever found.

The Quest Of Kindness To Animals

The Rover undertakes Quests of kindness to animals, realizing that we and they are mutually comrades in the Service of God in carrying out the evolution and order of Nature.

The Quest Of Conscience

The Rover obeys orders of their conscience without question. The older Scout passing out of the narrower circle of home and school life, has to Learn to recognize and submit unquestionably to the orders of a new authority - their Conscience. Recognizing that conflicting orders and duties are common in life, they strives to make their Conscience so sensitive that in any clash they will recognize and obey the order which comes nearest to the mind of God. Conscience must be rather the voice of God than the call of fear or sentiment. Thus there may be a clash between the claims of their home and those of their outside Life, between their own getting on in the world and their Duty to Others; or again there may be a conflict between their obligations to an employer and to a trade union. They cannot escape the distress and uncertainty thus caused, and they has to learn that they are an important part of their training for Higher Service. They must strive to reason with increasing wisdom, then there will come into their life an authority which they can obey without question, and they will respect the conscientious scruples of others, even when they cannot agree with them.

The Quest Of Happiness

The Rover goes on Quests to make new opportunities for other people to smile and whistle. They takes a spirit of personal cheerfulness with them into all their occupations, and brightens thus the lives of others. They sows the seeds of future happiness for them, and thus lays part of the foundation of a happier world. What they

gives out of happiness to others repays itself with a return of greater happiness to themself.

The Quest For Personal Efficiency

Thrift means wise spending; this includes wise saving. Moreover, the rule of the Knights about thrift had a twofold object: to avert poverty from themselves, and to help others in need. The Rover, taking stock of their worldly equipment, considers the acquiring and due use of money, but also the acquiring and due use of muscle and mind power, so as to become personally efficient, and to be able to help others better. They increases their stock of Muscle, Mind, and Money by wise spending of these as well as by wise storing. Some will look wider still, and determine to add new knowledge to the world, and new sources of health and wealth.

The Quest Of The Spiritual

A Rover on this Quest looks with slowly but steadily clearing vision through the mystery of the Cosmos on the Majesty and Love of the Divine, steadying themself by self-control.

The Rover Advisers Vigil

Questions to help the Rover Adviser Squire prepare for their responsibilities

Author unknown, 2000 Before knighthood, the Rover Squire will undertake the Vigil. This is a time for them to quietly think out what is going on in their lives. Likewise, the Adviser Squire must prepare themself for the responsibilities they are about to undertake. Note: The Vigil should only be read by Knighted Rovers and Advisers, and those Adviser Squires who have completed all other requirements for Knighthood. The Vigil is more effective and special if it is kept mostly secret. The Vigil comes at the end of the period of Squireship. Potential Rover Advisers should not be invested until they are quite sure that they are honestly ready. They should think carefully before taking this important step and should not commit themselves to serious responsibilities until they are resolved to do their best to keep them. The Rover Adviser is in a position of great potential influence. Advisers must be a role model for the Scout Law, a coach and a mentor for their Rover Scouts. Adviser Squires should ask themselves these questions:

An effective leader is one who helps he group achieve its goal. Am I clear about my goals as a leader and the goals of those I lead? As a leader, do I like to "run the show" or do I seek to act as a guide for others? Do I have a personal desperate need to be a leader and to have a position of prestige and authority? Do I struggle to keep the leadership of a group or am I willing to share it to the point of "losing" it? Do I really "listen" to other people when they are speaking, or am I waiting for the opportunity to get my words in?

Do I willingly accept the advice of others? Do I feel my leadership threatened by experts or specialists? In my leadership, do I have the best answer to many problems and thus attempt to lead others to see my answers? When I am criticized or found to be wrong, do I honestly admit to others and to myself my failings or do I attempt to save face by covering up and explaining away? Can I accept all others just as they are or do I judge people according to a set of standards that suits me? Do I have real trust and confidence in the group I lead? Am I convinced that the Scout Law and Promise (understood from an adult point of view) teach a way of life that I am prepared to follow, and in which I am prepared to lead others? Are my ideas old fashioned and do I live in a romantic past or do I appreciate and understand the thinking of today's young people? Am I dogmatic about "great Scouting truths" which I have learned from the past or am I flexible enough to new ideas about Scouting? Am I looking for a "canned" Rover program that I can make young people fit, or do I look at all young people as individuals so that I can help them develop their own program, one that best suits their own needs? Am I really sensitive to the needs and thoughts of the group with whom I work? Am I willing to study and take further leadership training to help me best understand myself as a leader and those whom I lead? Where I am weak in some of these things, so I resolve here and now, with God's help, to do my best to correct them?

Scout Investiture Ceremony

Making a meaningful start to Scouting

By Scouter Liam Morland, 1998 The investiture ceremony is the time when a Scout, by means of the words of the Scout Promise, publicly announces their commitment to the Scout Law. At the ceremony, the Scout makes the Promise to the Scouts and Scouters of their troop and to all the Scouts of the world. It is once the candidate has made the promise that they is a Scout. The investiture is the beginning of a special time in a young person's life. Scout-aged children are entering the stage of life when they desire to break away from their parents, find out about the world, and try to shape their own identity in it. It is Scouting's desire that a major part of the identity that these young people form is that of being a Scout. For most Scouts, making the Scout Promise means making a commitment that their parents have not. Because of this, the point of making the Promise is an act of breaking away from their parents; of asserting a separate identity. If young people have the opportunity to safely break away from their parents, they will not feel the need to break away in other, less-safe ways, such as by joining teen gangs or by the use of drugs. In support of this, parents should not be present at the investiture ceremony. The setting of an investiture ceremony should reflect the importance of the commitment, yet be familiar so that it feels safe. The ideal setting is at a nighttime campfire out-of-doors at camp. The campfire could also be held at the end of a day event. Suitable indoor locations include in a local Scout museum, in a church (for religiously closed groups), or other places that are special. The place were regular Scout meetings take place is the last choice, due to it not being at all a special place. Wherever the ceremony is held, efforts can be made through the use of things such as candles to make the setting special. A campfire at camp is the best.

The campfire can be in the centre of the horseshoe so that it lights the face of the Scoutmaster. All are wearing the Scout uniform and perhaps their campfire blankets. The ceremony should be dignified, but not solemn. The Scoutmaster's expression should be welcoming and friendly, yet filled with a sense of importance and excitement. There are many possibilities for the use of candles to enhance a ceremony. A yellow candle, representing Wolf Cubs, can be used by the new Scout to light a green candle, representing Scouts. This represents the transition for one section to the next. (People new to Scouting can use a white candle instead.) Candles can also be lit as parts of the Promise are recited. When elaborating ceremonies in this way, it is important to keep them simple enough that they have real significant for the Scouts. There is much debate about whether multiple candidates should be invested one at a time, or all at once. If the are invested one at a time, all the attention is focused on the candidate's individual commitment, however, the ceremony will not feel as special if each Scouts sees others going through it before they do. To solve this problem, the candidates should gather at a place away from sight and hearing of the ceremony until they are called, one at a time, to be invested.

The Ceremony
The troop is assembled in a horseshoe. There is a Flag Bearer holding the troop flag standing to the left of the Scoutmaster. The candidates for investiture are at a place away from sight and hearing of the horseshoe. The Scoutmaster briefly reminds the troop of what will happen in the ceremony then sends the Patrol Leader to bring the first candidate. Scoutmaster Patrol Leader, bring the [first|next] candidate for investiture. The candidate's Patrol Leader fetches the candidate and leads them to the front of the horseshoe. As the candidate approaches the horseshoe, the Scoutmaster calls the troop to alert. The candidate stands centred at the front of the

horseshoe, facing the Scoutmaster. The PL stands behind and to the right of the candidate. In 1907, Lord Baden Powell of Gilwell led the first Scout Camp on Brownsea Island, starting a movement that has spread to the entire world. Since that time, hundreds of millions of people around the world have committed themselves to becoming better people by making the Scout Promise. Candidate's name, do you wish to join them? Candidate Yes. Scoutmaster Please recite the Scout Promise and Law after me. Troop, Scout Sign. The Flag Bearer lowers the troop flag to horizontal between the Scoutmaster and the candidate. The Scoutmaster and the candidate place their left hands on the flag. All make the Scout Sign. The Scoutmaster leads the Promise and Law line by line; the candidate repeats after them. Scoutmaster and candidate On my Honour, I promise, That I will do my best, To do my Duty to God and the Queen, To help other people at all times, And to carry out the spirit of the Scout Law: A Scout is Helpful and Trustworthy, Kind and Cheerful, Considerate and Clean, And wise in the use of all resources. Scoutmaster Troop, steady. Everyone returns to alert, the flag is returned. The Scoutmaster puts on the Scout's shoulder knots one at a time.

I give you one shoulder knot to represent your duties to other people; to help them, to get along with them, to be part of building a better world. I give you a second shoulder knot to represent your duties to yourself; to develop yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually so that you will be a better person. Both of these duties are bound together by the Scouting Spirit and the Scout Law both of which guide your life. Shaking Scout's hand: Welcome, Pioneer Scout. Troop at ease. Shake hands with your Patrol Leader then go clockwise around the circle shaking everyone's hand. If there is another candidate to be invested, the Scoutmaster directs their Patrol Leader to bring them. The ceremony repeats for all the candidates. The ceremony is followed by a celebration, such as a campfire with skits and songs. The Scouter's Five at the end of the campfire can be tied to the investiture in some way.

A Sample Rover Round Table Terms of Reference

Most Rover Round Tables formalize their organization in writing

Adapted by Liam Morland, 1996 Here is a sample Terms of Reference for a Rover Round Table. These are based on the Terms of Reference of the National Capital Region Rover Round Table from when I was a member. These could be adapted for use by a Venturer Square Table as well as Rover Round Tables. The term "Terms of Reference" was chosen because it suggests a less restrictive nature than Bylaw or Constitution.

NCR Rover Round Table Terms of Reference Preamble

The National Capital Region Rover Round Table (NCRRRT) performs an important function for the Rovers of the National Capital Region (NCR). It acts as a medium for NCR Rovers to keep informed of upcoming events and Service opportunities. It also acts as an umbrella organization, a social form, and a marketplace for the exchange of critical Rovering concepts and ideas. These terms of reference will aid the Round Table in fulfilling its purpose.

1. Title
1. The title of this body will be the National Capital Region Rover Round Table (NCRRRT).

2. Purpose
1. To provide a forum for all Crews in the Region to communicate with each other and other sections. 2. To provide an interface between the Regional Council and the Rovers of the National Capital Region. 3. To provide sponsorship for Regional Rover activities. 4. To provide representation to the Ontario Rover Council (ORC). 5. To promote Rovering in the National Capital Region, within Scouting and in the community.

3. Membership
1. All registered Members of Rover Crews in the NCR are members of the NCRRRT and are welcome and encouraged to attend its meeting.

4. Executive
1. The Executive of the NCRRRT will comprise the following officers: 1. Chair 1. Must act in the best interests of the NCRRRT. 2. Must work in close relationship with crews and the Adviser on all matters concerning the NCRRRT. 3. Co-ordinate the affairs of the NCRRRT. 4. Represent the Rovers of the Region to the Region by attending relevant Regional meetings with the Adviser. 5. Attend and chair NCRRRT meetings and Executive meetings. 6. Is an ex-officio member of all committees and sub-committees.

7. May appoint committee chairpersons subject to approval by the Executive and ratification by a motion at the next regular NCRRRT meeting. The appointment must be for a fixed period of time and must be ratified every year during the annual elections, until the end of the mandate. 8. With the aid of the Executive, draw up a business plan and budget. The plan should consist of proposed Round Table activities for the upcoming year and the proposed budget. The plan should be presented by the third month of the term of the Executive. 2. Vice-chair 1. To assist the Chair and to carry out all duties of the Chair in the event of their absence or resignation. 2. Maintain accurate and up to date records of the financial activities of the NCRRRT and report on said activities at each NCRRRT meeting. 3. Prepare and present the above records for an annual review. 4. Attend Executive meetings. 3. Secretary 1. Keep and issue all minutes of each NCRRRT meeting. All new minutes are to be distributed by mail to each Crew in the NCR before the next NCRRRT meeting. 2. Receive and keep copies of the minutes of all NCRRRT committees and sub-committees. 3. Keep a current copy of the Bylaw, Policies, and Procedures of Scouts Canada as a reference 4. Keep copies of the NCRRRT Terms of Reference. 5. Be responsible for keeping records of all NCRRRT correspondence. 6. Keep a current listing of addresses and telephone numbers of all Executive members, NCR Crew Mates (or equivalent), NCR Rovers, and NCR Advisers. 7. Attend Executive meetings.

4. Public Relations Officer 1. Actively promote Rovering in the NCR. 2. Organize a membership campaign each fall. 3. Attend Executive meetings. 4. Liaise with the Venturer Service Team, Venturer Council, Joint Council, and the Communications Committee so that each group is aware of the Round Table and its activities. 5. Advertise upcoming events. 5. Adviser 1. Advise and aid the Round Table and the Executive. 2. Represent the Rovers of the Region to the Region by attending relevant Regional meetings with the Chair. 3. Attend Executive meetings. 4. Approve Round Table events 5. Promote Rovering in the Region. 6. Participate in Regional/Area Forums 7. Provide a communication link with Provincial Council. 8. The Adviser is normally the Regional Rover Coordinator, appointed by the Regional Commissioner. 6. ORC Representatives 1. There are two (2) Representatives and two (2) Alternate Representatives, appointed by the NCRRRT and approved by the Regional Commissioner. These names must be submitted to the ORC. 2. They are non-voting members of the NCRRRT executive and should attend Executive meetings. 3. Act as the NCRRRT representatives at the ORC meetings. 4. Express the view of the NCRRRT to the ORC. 5. Report back to the NCRRRT what is expressed at the ORC. 2. Members of the Executive, except the Adviser, must be Rovers registered in the NCR. The Adviser shall meet the requirements

of a Rover Crew Adviser as specified in BP&P and be registered in the NCR. 3. No more than one (1) member from each crew will hold office on the Executive unless that office would otherwise remain vacant.

5. Committees
1. Any committee may be formed by the NCRRRT at any regular meeting. 2. Committees are to report to the NCRRRT at each meeting. 3. Committees may consist of: 1. Registered Rovers or Advisers. 2. Other resource persons. 4. Nominations Committee 1. The chair of this committee will be appointed by the NCRRRT Chair and ratified by a motion on the table. This person should be someone who will not influence the voters. 2. The committee should consist of a chair and at least two (2) other members. 3. The duties of this committee is to solicit nominations from the Rovers of the region. The committee must have at least one (1) nomination for each Executive position within fourteen (14) days of the election. 4. The members of the nominations committee are not eligible to run for office on the NCRRRT Executive. 5. The Chair of the Nominations Committee shall act as the returning officer during elections.

6. Disciplinary Action
1. Any Executive or Committee member may be disciplined or removed from office if they fail to carry out their duty.

2. The Executive and Committee members are trusted servants; they do not govern.

7. Voting
1. During voting on any issue or for elections, each Crew shall have one (1) vote. 2. There will be no proxy voting. 3. The Chair will cast a vote in the event of a tie. 4. In order to carry on business, at least six (6) Crews must be represented at the meeting.

8. Elections
1. Executive elections are to be held at the Annual Meeting each January. 2. Executive terms of office will be until the next Annual Meeting. 3. If an Executive position becomes vacant during the year, nominations will be taken and a by-election will be held. If only one nomination is received, that member shall be acclaimed. 4. Nominations will be accepted by the Nominations Committee and from the floor on the day of the elections. 5. A notice of election and a list of nominees shall be sent to the Mate or equivalent of each crew by the NCRRRT secretary not less than fourteen (14) days prior to the election meeting. 6. The elections will be held by secret ballot.

9. Meetings
1. The NCRRRT is to hold a minimum of five (5) meetings during the program year. 2. A program year will be January 1st to December 31st.

10. Dress Code

1. According to the Bylaw, Policies, and Procedures of Scouts Canada. 2. The Executive shall wear neutral neckerchiefs.

11. Finances
1. The NCRRRT will hold fund, whose use shall be restricted to NCRRRT business. 2. Any two of the Chair, Vice-chair, or Adviser must sign actions on the NCRRRT accounts. 3. A budget is to be submitted to the Regional Commissioner by the Executive no later than August 15th of that program year. 4. The expenditure of funds is subject to the approval of the NCRRRT. 5. The financial records of the NCRRRT will be subject to an annual review to be held during the July/August period. The review will be conducted by an independent person appointed by the NCR treasurer. This shall not be a person with signing authority.

12. Amendments to these Terms of Reference

1. NCR Crews shall be given twenty-eight (28) days written notice of any proposed amendments.

The Rover Vigil

The Rover Squire will quietly think out what is going on in their lives

Adapted by Liam Morland, 1996 The Rover Squire, with the aid of the Questions drawn up by Lord Baden Powell, will quietly think out what is going on in their lives. Note: The Vigil should only be read by Knighted Rovers and those Squires who have completed all other requirements for Knighthood. The Vigil is more effective and special if it is kept mostly secret. The Vigil comes at the end of the period of Squireship. Potential Rovers should not be invested until they are quite sure that they are honestly ready. They should think carefully before taking this important step and should not commit themselves to serious promises or principles until they are resolved to do their best to keep them. As one grows older, time passes more and more quickly. Comparatively speaking, human life only last for a short time and is soon gone. Squires should ask themselves these questions:

Am I making the best use of the life that God has given me? Am I frittering it away, in doing nothing that counts, that is, wasting it? Am I working at things that are not doing any good to anybody? Am I seeking too much for my own enjoyment, moneymaking, or promotion without trying to help other people? Whom have I injured or hurt in my life? Can I make amends? Whom have I helped in my life? Is there anyone else I can help?

We don't get paid or rewarded for doing Service. It is the fact that we receive no recompense for this Service that makes us free in doing it. We are not working for an employer, but for God and our own conscience. The Rover section of Scouting is described as a brotherhood of Service. If we join Rovering, we will get the opportunity of training for, and of doing Service in many ways that would not have been open to

is otherwise. Service is not only for spare time, We must be on the lookout for opportunities of serving constantly. Squires should ask themselves the following questions:

Am I joining Rovering only for the fun that I can get out of it? Am I determined to put real self-sacrificing Service into it? What do I mean by Service? Do I really think of others, rather than myself, in my plans or undertaking? What kind of Service am I best suited to do? At home? At work? In my spare time?

As the success of our Service will depend to a great extent on our personal character, we must discipline ourselves in order that we may be a good influence on others. Squires should ask themselves the following questions:

Am I determined to give up bad habits acquired in the past? What are the weak points in my character? Am I absolutely honourable and trustworthy? Am I loyal to God, the Queen, my country, my employers, those under me, the Scout Movement, my friends, and myself? Am I good tempered, cheery, and kind to others? Am I sober, clean living, and clean speaking? Have I courage and patience to stick it out when things are going against me? Have I a mind of my own, or do I allow myself to be carried away by the persuasion of others? Am I strong minded enough to ward off the temptations to drink, abuse drugs, or to harm other people? Am I weak in some of these things? Do I resolve here and now, with God's help, to do my best to correct them and give them up?

May God give me strength to go forward hence forth a complete person, a true citizen, and a credit to my country and to Scouting.

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