MANUAL

CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 16
The Canadian Path and the
Rover Scout Program
1. NON-FORMAL APPROACH TO LEARNING
Non-formal learning in Rover Scouts is the development of skills as the young
adults participate in adventures as a Crew and plan, complete and review their
Personal Development Plans with mentors. Rover Scout goals involve learning by
doing, learning from mistakes, and trying new things within the safety and support
offered by the Crew and the personal mentor.
2. SEVEN COMPONENTS OF THE SCOUT METHOD FOR ROVER SCOUTS
At the heart of any Scouting program is the implementation of the Scout Method.
All seven components of The Scout Method are present in the Rover Scout program:
1. The Scout Promise and Law
The Scout Promise and Law form the basis for the Scouting movement and the
non-formal education that is the core of Scouting. The Rover Scout Promise,
Law and Motto form the code that a Rover Scout lives by.
2. Learning by Doing
Rover Scouts are well on their way to becoming strong, competent leaders. They
continue to grow by pushing themselves to try new things. Rover Scouts are able
to push their own limits in adventurous but well-planned ways within the safe
and supportive environment created by the Rover Crew.
3. Patrol (Team) System
In the final Section of Scouting, a Rover’s personal goals are driven by the
individual with the support of mentors and Scouters. In addition, the Crew may
divide itself up into teams for specific activities and projects.
4. A Symbolic Framework—Paddle Your Own Canoe
A symbolic framework is all about story. Through metaphors and symbols, the
Rover Scout symbolic framework sets a context for Rover Scouts that inspires
them to work through the challenges they have set for themselves.
5. Nature
The outdoors is where adventure happens. Nature presents a world of
uncertainty, risk and uncharted territory. It is through exploring nature and
taking on challenges in the outdoors that Rover Scouts learn about the world
around them and about themselves.
1
Check out “Questions to ask the Youth
as the Activities are Reviewed” Scouters'
Tip at Canadianpath.ca.
6. Personal Progression
(tracked through completion of Personal Development Plans)
When a Rover wraps up his or her time in Rover Scouts, he or she will be well
on the way to independent adulthood. The Rover Scout personal progression
employs a system that relies on setting goals, trying new things and going
on unforgettable adventures. The adventure is the exciting part; personal
development is what happens along the way.
7. Volunteer Support from Crew Scouters and Mentors
When we say “Volunteer support,” we really mean “driven by the youth with the
support of the Scouters.” The program belongs to the Rover Scouts; they need to
own it, drive it and experience it every step of the way themselves. By this stage,
Rover Scouts rely on themselves and on their peers, but they also need to look
for support, input and advice from experienced Volunteers. Scouters have an
important advisory and mentoring role to play with Rover Scouts.
3. THE FOUR ELEMENTS (YOUTH-LED, PLAN-DO-REVIEW, ADVENTURE
AND SPICES)
The following four Scouting elements are essential to the Rover Scout Crew:
Adventure: Rover Scouts are in charge of deciding the adventures with which they
want to challenge themselves, as well as the goals for their Personal Development
Plans. In all cases, it is about trying things for the first time in a safe and supportive
environment. It is taking old ideas in new directions.
Youth-led: Rover Scouts decide upon their own Personal Development Plans as
well as the Scouting adventures they will do as a Crew. They take full leadership in
the preparation for and planning of all activities.
Plan-Do-Review: A three-step process guides all activities in the Rover Scout
program. All three steps are necessary to maximize the learning and benefits that
come from the effort and energy offered by the individual Rover Scouts or
the Crew.
SPICES 1 : Social, Physical, Intellectual, Character, Emotional and Spiritual are the
six dimensions of personal development that Rover Scouts explore and develop
through their Personal Development Plans, as well as through any adventures they
undertake with the Crew. The development in one or more of these dimensions is
revealed and strengthened through the review process.
228 SCOUTER MANUAL—A SCOUTER’S GUIDE TO THE CANADIAN PATH SCOUTER MANUAL—A SCOUTER’S GUIDE TO THE CANADIAN PATH 229