5,500 Scouts and Guides Unite Around the Campfire to Bid Farewell to Roverway 2024

As the sun began to set over the Roverway 2024 campsite, a serene and reflective mood took hold. Participants and volunteers coming from 38 countries would be in front of the stage of the main campsite of Roverway 2024 for the last time.

The closing ceremony commenced with presenters Hannah and Torgeir seated around a vibrant campfire as a real one would light up behind the stage. The band took the stage, and the opening notes of the Roverway 2024 anthem filled the air. The melody resonated through the crowd, creating an atmosphere of celebration while they followed the choreography.

Engaging the audience, Hannah and Torgeir led a series of games that had everyone laughing and enjoying the evening. The fire's flickering light danced in harmony with the music, notably when the band played a stirring rendition of "Let It Be," adding a touch of nostalgia and reflection to the evening.

The ceremony then shifted to a more formal tone as guests took the stage. Martin Seeman, Member of the European Scout Committee, was the first to speak. “The thousands of spontaneous meetings that have happened in Roverway. The atmosphere at the campsite has been fantastic thanks to everyone here!” he emphasised, capturing the spirit of the event. Signe Gertz Jensen, Member of the Europe Committee of WAGGGS, followed with heartfelt words. “Even though we feel ordinary, we’re all creating extraordinary things!” she shared, inspiring the crowd to recognise the impact of their actions.

Thor Andreas Moe Slinning, Deputy Chief Commissioner of Guides and Scouts of Norway, concluded the remarks by expressing gratitude. He asked the audience to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the volunteers, the planning team, and the International Service Team (IST) members. The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause, showing deep appreciation for those who made Roverway 2024 possible.

The ceremony continued with a lively contest featuring Floki, the presenter of Roverpodden, Signe representing WAGGGS, Chiara representing WOSM, and Jens, Deputy Director of Roverway 2024. The games included inflating a balloon, sausage versus finger, guessing when a toast would pop from the toaster, and a general knowledge quiz, which Floki won, much to the delight of the team he was representing.

As the night deepened, a reflective silence fell over the crowd. Hannah started a poignant speech that echoed through the campfire's glow. “I love the camp bubble. We are all at the same campsite, eating the same food, making friends from unknown places. We forget all the stress and worries back at home. At camp, we can be ourselves, we can make a difference for each other, build each other up, and lean on each other. Even when doing the hardest tasks at camp, there are always people to help and support us.”

Torgeir continued, “And soon this bubble will burst, and we will have to go home. Maybe NORTH of the ordinary is something you can bring home. Sometimes, when a bubble bursts, it can reveal beautiful things from the inside. So when we burst this Roverway bubble, I believe something NORTH of the ordinary will reveal itself!”

The message resonated deeply, urging participants to carry the spirit of Roverway back into their daily lives. “When we go back home, let’s bring something with us from this camp. Let’s take a stand for something or someone we believe in because we know that being just a little bit different can make a huge difference!”

Hannah and Torgeir then engaged our participants in a symbolic act. They asked if the participants were ready to burst a balloon they had brought to the stage, to which the participants replied with a resounding “No.” Our presenters asked if they were ready to go home, and once again, the participants answered “No,” showing their reluctance to end the extraordinary experience.

In a final, unifying act, everyone sang the Roverway anthem for the last time. Soap bubbles floated into the sky, flags waved, and the IST choir joined the stage to sing and dance with the band. It was a joyous and emotional farewell.

As the ceremony concluded, the participants knew that early Friday morning would mark the beginning of their departures. Each would carry the memories and lessons of Roverway 2024 back home, ready to continue making a difference. The anticipation for the next Roverway in 2028 lingered, with the host to be decided at the European Guide and Scout Conference in Vienna, in the summer of 2025.

The closing ceremony of Roverway 2024 was not just an end but a new beginning, a moment to celebrate, reflect, and look forward to the future.