From paths to personal growth: How the Moot is uniting Scouts worldwide

Scouting is about much more than just pitching tents. Through its educational programmes and activities, the Movement equips young people with the knowledge and skills they need to meet challenges and be ready for life, now and in the future.

That spirit was on full display at the 16th World Scout Moot, where thousands of Rover Scouts aged 18 to 25 from around the world embarked on “paths” across Portugal. These journeys took mixed international groups - around 50 Scouts from different countries - out into communities to take part in exciting activities and explore local cultures and landscapes, all towards fostering dialogue, understanding, and lifelong friendships.

With roughly 120 pathways spread across mainland Portugal and the islands of Madeira and Azores, the participants not only had the chance to discover the country’s incredible diversity but also grow personally by experiencing adventure and challenges together. 

While some ventured into the past, roaming through ancient castles and Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods, others headed to the countryside to trek along coastal trails, kayak down rivers, and take time for personal reflection amid breathtaking natural scenery. Groups also took part in cooking workshops, made traditional masks, and visited farms and plant nurseries to learn about agricultural practices.

All of these memorable experiences fell under four themes - society and political; culture and arts; nature and adventure; and life and spirituality - celebrating both the best of Scouting and the host country. Designed and led by Scouts, the path activities were proposed by participants before of event, with others choosing to join the path that matched their interests and personal progression.

The international group structure added an extra dimension to the experience, helping foster leadership and organisational skills. Each group selected its leader and assigned responsibilities ranging from managing food and arranging campsites to organising daily group feedback discussions - all while staying safe and keeping spirits high. In keeping with the Scout Method, they worked in small teams to encourage collaborative learning, interpersonal skills, and a sense of responsibility and belonging.

Supporting the journeys was a network of more than 1,000 people from local Scout centres and groups, international volunteers, local governments, non-governmental organisations, and sports clubs, all working together to ensure that participants have an unforgettable experience. 

The paths marked just the first part of the Moot experience. After five days of journeying with their international groups, the Scouts then came together at the main campsite in Cortegaça on the northern coast for more shared experiences and exciting activities as a truly global community.