Rover Scouting Program Guide Book

Rover Scouting is the fifth and final phase of the youth development program of the Boy
Scouts of the Philippines. It is, according to Baden Powell, a “jolly Brotherhood of the
open-air and service.”
Rover Scouting and, therefore, this Guidebook is for young men and women between
the ages of 16 and 25, or those who are at least tertiary level students.
Foreword
This Program Guidebook in Rover Scouting is the result of the painstaking review and
research made by members of the Rover Program Review Task Group. Efforts were
made to adopt Filipino culture and tradition in the activities and ceremonies while
keeping with internationally accepted practices of Rovering. Changes in members of the
Task Group, however, lengthened the period of the review.
But the untiring support and dedication of the Task Group has resulted in this Revised
Edition of the Program Guidebook in Rover Scouting. For their tremendous time and
effort, and patience in the lengthy review and research work, we salute the following
members of the Task Group: VICTOR C. CAHAPAY, Chairman; ROGELIO R. VICENClO,
Vice Chairman; Members: FLORENCIO B. ANTONIO, JOHN D. DE GUZMAN, EUFRONIO G.
LEE, LAMBERTO B. LINABAN, ESTELITO A. LUALHATI, NICOMEDES C. PENALA, MANUEL S.
SALUMBIDES, RODOLFO B. TAMANI, and TRISTAN L. VARSOVIA.
Special contributions came from ROGELIO S. VILLA, JR., Director of ARDD; PRlMlTlVO M.
BUCOY, Field Services Director; JORGE J. GALANG, Director of Ways and Means; SAMUEL
C. CRIBE, Council Scout Executive; ROLANDO B. F REJAS, JR., Council Scout Executive;
IAN PRYOR; ROMEO M. APULI, SR.; MELLANY CLAIRE PALMONES; ROMMEL S. CRUZ; and
SAMUEL O.
We also gratefully acknowledge the numerous program materials, the inspiring stories
and historical accounts of ROGELIO R. VICENCIO, National Training Commissioner, with
which the history of Rovering in the Philippines has come to a clearer picture.
Likewise to ERNESTO C. BALUYOT, Assistant Secretary General-Administration and
Finance, for having taken time out from his hectic work to copyread, suggest, rephrase
and contribute to the final editing of this guidebook; SALVADOR Q. SAROMINES,
Assistant Secretary General- Operations, for his unfailing assistance and
encouragement to the Program staff.
Special recognition also goes to the following Staff of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines
for their research work, technical and secretarial support: FLORENCIO B. ATINYAO, OIC,
Program Division, Task Group Coordinator; CARMELO B. FRANCIA, Program Officer;
MICHAEL D. EDWARDS, Program Staff and Task Group Secretary; FREDERlCK
BONIFACIO, Illustrator/Artist; GERTRUDES DE VERA, Secretary and Support Staff.
Acknowledgment is also due to all volunteers and full time Scouters who have
contributed bright ideas to enrich the Rover Scouting Program.
Finally, the Rover Scouting Program is dedicated to the youth and their international
communities. May you find happiness not in your own but in another's gain. As Baden
Powell writes, “The Only True Success is Happiness.”
J. RIZAL C. PANGILINAN
Secretary General
Introduction
Rover Scouting is the fifth and final phase of the youth development program of the Boy
Scouts of the Philippines.
This program is for young men and women between the ages of 16 and 25, or those
who are at least tertiary level students. It is, according to Baden Powell, a “jolly
Brotherhood of the open-air and service.” In his book, Rovering to Success, he describes
the adoption of Rovering by Scouts of other nations as the nucleus of a world-
brotherhood of young men working under a common ideal of service, and under a
common bond of friendship and understanding.
Rover Scouting after its reintegration into the sectional program of the BSP has gained
immediate and nationwide acceptance to Scouts who were past the age of Senior
Scouting and among men and women who were former unit leaders and/or Rovers and
were not connected to any scout unit. It has also become popular among emergency
service groups, mountaineering groups, and to local and national executive board
members of the BSP. Records show that Rover Scout units were organized, registered
and became active in community service even as the New Visions Rover Program of
1992 has yet to be approved by the National Executive Board on 27 March 1992.
Republic Act No. 9163 also known as the NSTP Act of 2001 established the National
Service Training Program (NSTP) for tertiary level students. Section 2 of this act
recognizes the youth's vital role in nation-building and declares that the State shall
promote civic consciousness among the youth and shall develop their physical, moral,
spiritual and intellectual well being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism,
nationalism, and advance their involvement in public and civic affairs. In pursuit of
these goals, the youth, the most valuable resource of the nation, shall be motivated,
trained, organized, and mobilized in military training, literacy, civic welfare, and other
similar endeavors in the service of the nation.
Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS), according to section 3 of Republic Act 9163,
refers to programs or activities contributory to the general welfare and betterment of
life for the members of the community or the enhancement of its facilities, especially
those developed to improving health, education, environment, entrepreneurship, safety,
recreation and morals of the citizenry.
Consequently, Rover Scouting can be the channel for the continuing training and
involvement of the individual in civic service if he opts to enroll in CWTS through
Scouting in his college education as defined in the Civic Welfare Training Service
program. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education
Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) recognized this through their accreditation of
BSP as a service provider of CWTS.
Some Colleges and Universities in Metro Manila, in the Visayas, and in Mindanao are
already using CWTS programs with a Scouting bias. The clamor to replicate it in all the
Scouting regions of the country has inspired the leadership of the BSP to prepare
instructional materials that conforms with the implementing rules and regulations of
CWTS.
In its program review, the Task Group followed the worldwide trend of confining the
Scouting program to the Youth as prescribed in the WOSM Constitution. The present
program revision therefore, has given this due consideration but has, likewise, come up
with some alternative plans for those who will feel left out when the Revised Rovering
Program comes into effect. The proposal was accepted in principle during the Rover
Peers Conference held during the National Rover Moot held in Palo, Leyte in 2003.
B. decided to adapt the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table as his
theme not only to inspire the crew to quest, like the knights on a questing mission, but
also to imbue upon them the values of Knighthood such as honor, charity, and chivalry.
B. also thought of a term to call the gathering of Rover Scouts after the Anglo-Saxon
word “Moot” which means deliberative assembly.
The first National Rover Moot was held in Birmingham in October 1923, at Yorks Wood
Park with P. B. Nevill acting as Chief Rover.
Concept of Rover Scouting (Asia-Pacific Region)
During the Seminar Workshop for the Promotion of Rover Scouting in the Asia-Pacific
Region, hosted by the Philippines in 2003, the representatives of 11 countries came up
with the following concept:
Rovering is: the progressive journey from adolescence to adulthood, encompassing
one's duty to God, others and self through the use of the Scout Method.
It also reiterated that the motto is:
“Rovering is a Brotherhood of the Open-Air and Service.”
Rover Scouting in the Philippines
The Rover Program was first introduced in the Philippines in 1934.
In 1939, the first National Rover Moot was held in Fort San Antonio Abad, Manila.
However, the Second World War from 1941-1944 disrupted Rover Scouting in the
Philippines. Boy Scout Emergency Service Corps were formed and activated.
Scouters and Scouts rendered services in various capacities throughout the country.
Among them was Godofredo P. Neric who later joined the professional Scouter ranks
and became the National Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines until his
retirement in 1974.
Scouts without uniforms also served as messengers of prisoners of war and the
underground. Blas Ople, who was Labor Secretary in 1960 to the early 1980's, Senator,
and Foreign Affairs Secretary was among those who registered after the war as Rover
Scout of Circle 3, in Hagonoy, Bulacan. He also worked in the BSP from 1947-1950 as
Editorial Assistant of the Press Relations Office.
The following important events show how Rover Scouting came to the Philippines, its
development, character and the support given to the Program.
 The first National Rover Moot after the liberation was held in Baguio City on May
7-11, 1948 with 269 Rover Scouts and Scout Observers in attendance.
 In 1957, seven Scouts and fourteen Scouters represented the Philippines in the
Golden Jubilee World Jamboree, Leaders’ lndaba, and Rover Moot (J.l.) held on
August 1-12 at Sutton Park, Warwickshire, England.
 The 6th National Rover Moot was held in Pasonanca Park, Zamboanga City on
April 24-
30, 1960 while the 2nd National Jamboree was held from May 2-8 in the same park in
1961. This record shows that more Rover Moots were held than Boy Scout Jamborees.
The same year saw the launching of the Revitalized Rover Scouting Program on St.
George's Day on April 23rd.
  The BSP was also represented in the 7th World Rover Moot held at Clifford Park,
Victoria, Australia from December 27, 1961 to January 7, 1962.
 In 1962, an Award for Outstanding Heroism of the Year was conferred upon Rover
Scout Eleuterio Reynoso of Cotabato.
 With the assistance of then Far East Office, World Scout Bureau Field
Commissioner Abdul Kader b. t. Kechik, the first Rover Wood Badge Course was
conducted at Makiling in 1964 from June 9-15 with 27 volunteer and professional
Scouters attending. The attendance of National Scout Executive Godofredo Neric
and other prominent professional Scouters made the Rover Scouting Program
more attractive and appealing to the youth and other adult leaders.
 With the declaration of 1965 as Rover Moot Year in World Scouting, the BSP held
its 7th National Rover Moot from December 18-23 at Makiling. It was attended by
some 250 Rover Scouts from all over the country.
 On February 1972, the National Executive Board approved the Auxiliary Program
for Rover Scouting, otherwise known as the Roverette Program, which aims to
develop fellowship and offer service programs for women who are at least 17
years of age.
 The popularity and development of Rover Scouting, however, took a standstill
with Presidential Decree 460, which changed the democratic character of the Boy
Scouts of the Philippines and finally dropping the Rover Program in 1975 because
it was attracting more adults than youths.
 Dramatic political changes in the national leadership in 1986 saw the informal
return of Rover Scouting. It was during the National Scout Executives Conference
of November 16- 17, 1989 that a resolution was passed calling for the revival of
Rover Scouting in the country. By 1990, sixty-one Rover Circles were registered
with 1,255 Rovers and 166 Rover Leaders. A draft program guide was presented
in November 1991 by members of the Program and Training Development
Committee during the 34th Annual National Scout Executives Conference held in
Mt. Makiling.
 Finally, a Rover Scouting Program Guidebook was published in 1992 formally
signaling the implementation of a program, which is essentially co-educational;
to provide opportunity to Scouts who have reached the age of 17 ½ to continue
in Scouting. The program also allows young men aged 17 to 23 to become
Rovers and young women aged 18 to 24 to become Roverettes with the option
for both to join the Rover Peers Division upon reaching the age of twenty three.
 The National Rover Moot of 1997, which was held in Catarman, Northern Samar,
revealed the need to revitalize the program to meet the aspirations of today's
youth and prompted the Program & Adult Resources Development Division to
form a Rover Review Task Group.
 A study of the membership of Rover Scouts shows the acceptance of the Rover
Scouting Program. In 1994, at least 206 Rover Circles were registered with 5,927
Rover Scouts. It increased to 710 Circles and 20,310 Rovers in 1998. By 2003,
the number of Rover Circles decreased to 620 with 19,439 Rover Scouts, 1,341
Circle Executive Committee members and 1,538 Rover Peers.
Principles and Policies of Scouting and of Rover Scouting
1. All Scouts must know and subscribe to the Scout Oath and Law, as follows:
THE SCOUT OATH
On my honor; I will do my best, to do my duty to God and my country, the Republic of
the Philippines, and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep
myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
THE SCOUT LAW
A Scout is...
Trustworthy Loyal Helpful Friendly Courteous Kind Obedient Cheerful Thrifty Brave
Clean Reverent
2. The BSP recognizes the existence of God. It, therefore, maintains that no
individual can grow to his fullest potentials without recognizing his obligations to
God. But, having a non-sectarian approach to training and to programs, it
reserves the religious development of its members to the religious organization
or institution with which they are affiliated.
3. Membership in the BSP is open to all boys, young people, and adults who meet
the membership requirements.
4. No person shall be approved as a leader unless, in the judgment of the governing
body of the BSP, he possesses the moral and educational qualities and emotional
maturity deemed necessary for leadership, and satisfies such other leadership
qualifications it may from time to time require.
5. The BSP shall not, through its governing body or any of its members, involve the
Scout Movement in any activity of a partisan political character.
The Scout Method: Its Elements
The Scout Method is a system of progressive self-education. It is intended to help each
young person to use and develop his or her capacities and interests, building on what
has already been gained; to find constructive ways of meeting needs at different stages
of development; and to open doors to further stages of personal development at the
young person's own pace.
(a) The Scout Law and Promise – It is a code of living based on Scouting's principles; and
a pledge that every young person makes before a group of peers when he or she
chooses to join the Movement; where he or she acknowledges familiarity with the Scout
Law and makes a personal commitment to do his/her best to live according to this code
of living.
(b) Learning by Doing – It means developing as a result of first hand experience – which
after all is a very effective teacher – reflecting Scouting's active approach to education.
It applies to the way in which young people gain knowledge, skills and attitude in each
of the areas of development.
(c) Team (Patrol) System – Capitalizing on young people's natural tendency to form
groups of roughly the same age, the team system makes use of this tendency in order
to provide an environment in which young people enjoy being and in order to channel
the substantial influence that peers have on each other in a constructive direction.
(d) Symbolic Framework – In Scouting, a symbolic framework is a set of elements which
represent concepts which Scouting seeks to promote. A symbol could be described as
something familiar, which represents something more vast and abstract. (e. an idea or
concept). The design of the Scout badge for example, represents the significance of the
three colors of our national flag, the three duties which a Scout pledges to do his best to
perform and the good turn he promises to do daily.
(e) Nature – As an element of the Scout Method, refers to the immense possibilities that
the natural world offers for the development of the young person.
(f) Personal Progression – The progressive scheme or advancement is based on a set of
educational objectives prepared by the BSP for the Rover age section and they were
established according to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that a young person could
reasonably be expected to have gained in the various areas of development.
(g) Adult Support – It is intended to stimulate the young person's development through
bringing adults and young people together in a rich learning partnership, where each is
personally committed, dedicates time and energy, and participates in the sharing of
responsibilities, based on mutual respect, trust, and acceptance of each other as a
person.
CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUTH ABOVE 15
1. Creative, open to new ideas
2. Reasonably fit physically
3. Well-trained
4. Available, approachable
5. Shares leadership with members and other adults
6. Listens, fair, friendly, optimistic, innovative, dedicated, outgoing
7. Well-developed personal values
8. Accepts diversity and encourages acceptance
9. Emotionally mature, genuine interest in members, adventurous
10. Motivator, guides others to solve their problems
11. Interpersonal and leadership skills are more important than technical skills
12. Good grasp of aims, methods, and educational objectives.
NEEDS OF THE YOUNG ADULT
1. Acceptance by the peer group
2. Kindly guidance so as not to threaten his feeling of freedom
3. Independence
4. Wholesome activities
5. Vocational direction
6. Understanding of wholesome relationships and attitudes
7. Assurance of security
8. Provision for constructive recreation
9. Strong family solidarity in a world of widened opportunities and confusion
10. Wholesome activities for boundless energy
 11. Encouragement in experiences, which develop his abiding religious faith
12. Opportunities for creative activities
13. Opportunity to increase in knowledge
From the foregoing characteristics we can see that all young people pass through
development stages. They all go through the same stages, but not at the same age nor
at the same rate. A boy or girl of seventeen may still be struggling with a development
factor that another boy or girl of fifteen has already accomplished.
Ideals of Scouting and Rover Scouting
THE SCOUT OATH
“ON MY HONOR I WILL DO MY BEST TO DO MY DUTY
TO GOD AND MY COUNTRY, THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES,
AND TO OBEY THE SCOUT LAW;
TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE AT ALL TIMES.
TO KEEP MYSELF PHYSICALLY STRONG,
MENTALLY AWAKE
AND MORALLY STRAIGHT”
We are all familiar with these 45 important words. We have said them often on different
occasions and in many places. Even when we have not realized it, the spirit behind
these simple words has influenced our thoughts and actions in numerous ways.
ON MY HONOR – Your honor must be a sacred thing to you, a thing that will rule your
conduct as a man. A person's honor is a reflection of what he really is – deep inside his
heart, mind and soul. It influences his life and the way he lives it. It shows in his beliefs,
words, and deeds.
As a man of honor, it means that you can be trusted implicitly to do what is right or
what you agree to undertake. This particular promise is a solemn undertaking, not to be
made lightly even by a boy, still less so by a man. Therefore, think it over carefully
before embarking on it.
I WILL DO MY BEST – One's best is limited only by what a person is able to do with the
talents God has given him. We know that everyone cannot hope to be an “all-star”. But
anyone can become a champion unto himself – if he tries hard in his work, his play, and
his religious life. This means that though circumstances may hinder him from doing it as
completely as he would wish, he would at any rate, try his utmost.
TO DO MY DUTY TO GOD – What is your duty to God? To put it briefly, it would seem to
be to try, in the first place, to realize the nature of God, and secondly, to develop and
use, for good purposes only, the body which He entrusted to you, to develop the talents
of mind and intelligence with which He has endowed you and, especially, to cultivate by
continual practice the spirit of love and goodwill to others, the part of Him which is
within you, that is, your soul. It is a serious, life- long obligation. We are bound by our
faith to obey the laws of God and His church.
AND MY COUNTRY, THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES – We are bound by our duties
and obligations as citizens to obey the laws of the land and to support our nation under
the leadership constituted by the will of the majority.
AND TO OBEY THE SCOUT LAW – Your faithful observance of the Scout Law is a step
towards your development as a law-abiding citizen of our land. To obey the Scout Law
does not mean to sit down passively in a state of goodness, but to improve your own
character and actively to practice Love (which underlies the law) in all your daily
activities. It is an agreement required of us as members of this famous youth
organization.
TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE AT ALL TIMES – It can be more than a pledge to do good deeds
daily. It can be a promise to put into constant and active practice the divine law of
loving your neighbor as yourself out of our love of God. This means that we expect no
reward or recognition for what we do, and that we offer up our good works for the right
intention.
TO KEEP MYSELF PHYSICALLY STRONG – Being physically strong will make you a more
useful citizen prepared for service to humanity.
A Scout Is LOYAL (Matapat)
As a good citizen you are one of a team “playing the game” honestly for the good of the
group. You can be relied upon by our government, by the Scout Movement, by your
friends and fellow- workers, by your employers or employees, to do your best for them –
even though they may not always quite come up to what you would expect of them.
You are also loyal to yourself; you won't lower your self-respect by playing the game
meanly; nor will you let another, neither man nor woman, down.
Loyalty grows out of faith and love. It shows itself through a deep belief in ideals,
dedication to duty, and service to others. Thus, a Rover is devoted to the aims of the
Scout Movement; a loyal Filipino citizen that pays allegiance to his beloved Philippines;
and a loyal believer that loves God, honors His Church, and respects her lawful
authorities.
It is never too late to become godly. A Rover can always change for the better. If we will
accept God's grace, we can possess loyalty and all other virtues as well. We should,
therefore, strive to grow stronger in our faith and in our love for God.
A Scout Is HELPFUL (Matulungin)
To Rovers, helpfulness should be taken as a duty. Being helpful should be the doing of
good turns for others out of our love of God. If we practice this virtue, we put our faith
into action. As a Rover, your highest aim is SERVICE. You may be relied upon all times
to be ready to sacrifice time, trouble, or, if need be, risk life for others.
A Scout Is FRIENDLY (Mapagkaibigan)
Friendly persons are happy persons. They like people, and people like them. Friendly
persons are also kind and considerate, humble and unselfish. They think in terms of
what others need and act accordingly. In many ways, friendliness results from the true
love and respect for all of God's children. And like charity, friendliness begins at home.
As a Rover you must be a friend to all, and a brother to every other Scout, no matter to
what country, class, or creed the other may belong. You must recognize other fellows as
being, with yourself, sons of the same Father, and you disregard whatever may be their
differences of opinion, or culture, creed, or country. You suppress your prejudices and
find out their good points – any fool can criticize their bad ones. If you exercise this love
for men of other countries you help to bring about international peace and goodwill,
that is, God's Kingdom on Earth.
A Scout Is COURTEOUS (Magalang)
Courtesy is polite behavior plus. It is more than just saying or doing what is socially
correct at the right time. Courtesy is an expression of thoughtfulness for others, of true
love for our neighbor. Our good manners must be the result of our constant striving to
treat God's entire creation with respect. Such courtesy is something any Rover can
learn and practice. Gentlemen are made, not born.
Like the Knights of old, as a Rover you are, of course, polite and considerate to women,
old people, and children. But more than this, you are polite also even to those in
opposition to you.
A Scout ls KIND (Mabait)
To be kind is to be good and gentle towards others, to be thoughtful and considerate of
their needs, and to be unselfish and generous in helping them. Kindness is a spirit of
goodwill that, for all Rovers, should spring from deep love of God.
If we wish to be kind towards others, we should regard everyone as a child of God. For
this reason, you must believe that your neighbor should be loved, respected, and
trusted. You must understand that different persons, young and old alike, have their
individual problems and that people often
need both sympathetic understanding and practical help. Thus we should be ready to
offer at all times a warm word and a helping hand whenever possible.
As a Rover, you must be a friend to lower creatures. You will recognize your
comradeship with God's other creatures placed like yourself, in this world for a time, to
enjoy their existence. To ill- treat an animal is therefore a disservice to the Creator.
A Scout Is OBEDIENT (Masunurin)
Obedience is a virtue that helps us to develop strength of character and to get along
with others. Since rules are necessary to maintain order in life, everyone, leaders and
followers alike, must obey them. ROVERS SHOULD BE OBEDIENT because all lawful
authority within the home, school, city, province, nation, and church comes from God
and should, therefore, be respected. The best discipline leading to perfect obedience is
humility.
As a Rover, you discipline yourself and put yourself readily and willingly at the service of
duly constituted authority for the main good. The best disciplined community is the
happiest community where discipline comes from within, and not merely imposed from
without. There is greater value in the example you give to others in this direction.
We, too, can please God if we try to glorify Him as best as we can. By keeping humble,
we can take the first step towards imitating the lives of godly people. Then, through
self-discipline, determination, and prayer, the second step will be made easier. What is
this second step? Prompt and perfect obedience to all persons of lawful authority.
A Scout Is CHEERFUL (Masaya)
Cheerfulness reflects joy of soul. This virtue marks a person at peace with himself and
with God. It makes for a happy spirit and friendly manner, expressed through kind
words and warm smiles. All Rovers should remember that cheerfulness is not silliness,
for life holds both gladness and sadness. We should remember that in life there should
be many occasions for laughter as well as few for tears. We have a right to be happy, a
reason to smile, for God is good to us. He provides us with countless blessings, including
life itself; our parents, brothers and sisters, our homes, and our faith. God gives us
many treasures that money, power, or influence cannot buy.
A Rover smiles and whistles under all difficulties. As a Rover you will be looked up to as
a man who keeps his head, and sticks it out in a crisis with cheery pluck and optimism.
A Scout Is THRIFTY (Matipid)
True thrift is the wise use of God's many gift to men. Thriftiness applies to everything –
time, talent, wonders of nature, and material blessings received. A person who is thrifty
shares what God has given him with his neighbor.
As a Rover you will look ahead and will not waste away time or money on present
pleasures, but rather make use of present opportunities with a view to ulterior success.
You do this with the idea of not being a burden, but a help to others.
A Scout Is BRAVE (Matapang)
Bravery is related to a man's character, not his physical strength. A brave man is a
person who believes in certain ideals and lives according to them, regardless of what
others may think or do. To defend what is right, a courageous person will fight against
what he believes is wrong.
As a Rover you should have the courage that is asked of so many yet has been
demonstrated only by a few. Worthy of admiration is the young man who is willing to
tackle anything, who doesn't fear hard work, and who will welcome more after finishing
some. Best of all, his fellow man looks up to a person who has the courage to admit
mistakes, and to apologize when he knows there is a need for
The Scout sign is used when reciting the Scout Oath and Law and the Panunumpa ng
Katapatan sa Watawat. It is also used as a greeting or a recognition sign among Scouts
and Scouters all over the world. A raised arm in the Scout sign is a call to attention.
THE SCOUT SALUTE
The Scout salute is made with the right hand in the Scout Sign. The hand is brought up
smartly (taking the shortest distance), palm facing down, and with forefinger touching
the edge of the right eyebrow. If the Scout is wearing a hat, his forefinger must touch
the brim of his cap or hat as with the eyebrow but slightly to his right side.
When in uniform, the salute is used to show respect to the flag. The salute is also
rendered when the national anthem is played or sang.
THE SCOUT HANDSHAKE
Scouters use their left hand in the Scout Handshake. Scouts everywhere greet each
other with a warm Scout Handshake. Using it makes one feel that he “belongs” and that
he is one among millions of Scouts in various parts of the world dedicated to the same
ideals of service.
Scouting's left handshake is famous around the world. But where did it come from? Who
first used it? Sometimes answers seem wrapped in myth and mystery. Lord Rowallan
offers his explanation:
During the summer of 1946, a young West African came to Gilwell Park to take his
Wood Badge training. He hoped to become Assistant Organizing Commissioner for his
country, Ghana, which was called “Gold Coast" at that time.
When the Camp Chief was talking about the left handshake, the young West African told
him the origin of our famous custom. It happened at the fall of Kumasi (an African City).
The Ashanti tribal chief approached Lord Baden-Powell and held out his left hand in
friendly greeting.
B. offered his right hand in return but the chief said, “No, in my country, the bravest of
the brave shake with the left hand. ” It was a sign of both trust and respect,(Before
warriors could shake with their left hand they had to put down their shield).
Years later when I was in West Africa in 1947, I met Premh II who succeeded his uncle
as chief. Premh II was a proud Scout himself as well as Honorary Commissioner.
I asked him to relate the origin of the left handshake among his people; I told him the
story as l heard it.
THE WORLD SCOUT EMBLEM
The trefoil, which designates north on compasses and maps, is one of the most widely
used symbols in the world. It is similar to the French fleur-de-lis (lily flower). Baden-
Powell chose the symbol of North as the Scout badge in consonance with the outdoor
life of Scouts and also as a reminder of finding the right direction in life.
The trefoil is featured on the emblems of most national Scout organizations. All
members of the Movement may wear the World Scout Badge according to their own
local protocol. Some national Scout organizations also use the World Scout Badge itself
as their national emblem. In addition to the trefoil, the World Scout Badge contains a
border of rope encircling the trefoil.
This symbolizes unity: “In the same way as pulling a reef knot will not loosen it, the
growth of the Movement tightens up its unity.”
THE MEDALLION
The Rover Medallion is rounded in shape. It represents the basic unit of Rover Scouting,
which is the Circle. It is in the form of a rope, which symbolizes service within and
around the community. The end part is a square knot, which stands for brotherhood.
The red color of the rope depicts Senior Scouting.
The trefoil, which is the symbol of Philippine Scouting, represents the ideals of Scouting.
Its yellow color stands for KAB Scouting.
The letters RS are the initials of Rover Scouting, formed with bamboo to symbolize the
great out- of-doors. It is colored green to portray the outdoor environment, as well as to
represent Boy Scouting.
The thumbstick, a wooden staff with a forked branch at the upper end, strong enough to
support the weight of the user, portrays our readiness to serve the needy at all times.
Its two uneven branches are a reminder of a Rover's decisions in life. The longer branch
signifies the straight path one is expected to traverse, while the short one cautions him
that it may not be the correct way.
The light blue color within the circle is the color of KID Scouting.
THE THUMBSTICK
The Thumbstick is a shoulder-height branch with a “Y” at the upper end, which is just
big enough to carry the weight of the user. This is a staff used by Rovers as a personal
support during expeditions especially on mountains or trails. It can also be used to
support heavy loads. At other times, it can serve to feel one's way in the dark or drive
away harmful animals. During emergencies, the thumbstick can also be used to save
the life of a victim.
One branch of the Y-shaped end is shorter than the other. It is an important reminder
that a Rover makes decisions in life that are symbolized by the two uneven branches.
The long branch signifies the straight path that he is expected to traverse, while the
short one cautions him that the short path may not necessarily be the correct way.
This symbol for service to God and fellowman also signifies the effort he exerts to
become self- reliant.
It is very likely that the thumbstick is a copy of the alpenstock used by mountain
climbers of the Alps. How it became part of Rovering may be as a result of this account
by the Founder, Lord Baden-Powell. From the International Scout Chalet during the first
World Rover Moot attended.