Catherine Batty, a psychologist from Bishop Auckland has just returned from representing the UK in Norway at the European Scout event, Roverway 2024.
Set on the beautiful fjord coastline of Lundsneset, Stavanger, the event was an opportunity of a lifetime where she immersed herself in adventure and Scandinavian culture.
Roverway is a gathering of 5,000 scouts, aged 16 to 22 years, from across Europe and beyond.
The event was divided into three parts, beginning with an expedition across southern Norway for five days, followed by an international camp at Stavanger where scouts engaged in a programme of scouting activities and skill development, before culminating in a ferry trip to visit Copenhagen in Denmark.
21-year-old Catherine said: “The scenery in Norway is breathtaking. We hiked through forests and mountains and the views were amazing.
“When we arrived at the main Roverway site in Stavanger we met scouts from France, Iceland and Australia and it was great to come together as an international team.”
Catherine joined 5,000 other scouts from almost every European nation to embark on 15 days of adventure, fun, and learning skills for life. The theme of the event was North of the Ordinary.
Roverway helped its young participants develop independence and resilience by starting with a youth-led five day expedition across the country.
Chief Scout, Bear Grylls wished Catherine well by saying: “A massive congratulations to Catherine Batty, who represented the UK at Roverway 2024.
“Roverway is an amazing opportunity to discover yourself and make new friends, whilst participating in a programme that demonstrates true scouting spirit by developing skills for life.
“Everyone involved had the trip of a lifetime in Stavanger.
“The diversity of people they met reminds us all about what the world has to offer: new cultures and new friends, becoming ever more tolerant and caring about others.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
