Rover Moot: 2012 Report
Lexden, Kwa-Zulu Natal: National Rover Moot
Sigma Rover Crew Report
The SIGMA Crew hosted a Rover Moot at Lexden from the 11 – 13 October 2012. The Moot was attended by 13 crews from all over South Africa, a total of 48 Rovers attended the Moot. Lexden has not held a Rover Activity since 1955, which made it an exceptional historic event for this campsite.
By 8pm on Friday everyone had arrived and it was time for the campfire to begin. The campfire leader was Cameron who got the crews together to produce either a song or a skit. We all learnt some new songs. The rain and travelling had taken its toll on the participants and most had an early night.
Saturday was off to a good start with a ray of sunshine spotted. The official opening was conducted in uniform on the parade ground. Our two guest speakers filled up the morning with Pat McKrill sharing life lessons using his snakes and Dudley Forde sharing his leadership knowledge, both very well received from the participants. After some lunch it was off to war in the paintball arena. With bullets shed some quiet time was needed, this was in the form of a vigil a type of self reflection, and creativity flared thanks to Amy Topper who organised some art supplies to add to it. An open discussion was held on programmes, encouraging the new badge system and ways to incorporate it. The day ended with a scavenger hunt, organised by Chad Smith, which lead to running around, picture taking, inventive word plays and some sceptical caricatures of me, Carmen. Prizes were won by all so the delicious sweet treats definitely increased sugar levels.
Sunday was a late start but the Scouts Own continued and sustained the theme of service with Baden Powel based readings. The last two sessions lead by Gerard Evans focused on the service to the movement with the Rover trail subcommittee being envisioned and the action plan being formed. The closing ceremony was a short one to thank everyone for attending and their efforts in participating, to thank the team Grant Vernon, Cameron Belling, Chad Smith, Joseph Brickhill, Adam Botas and Mathew Thysse for all their hard work, to the grounds keepers Monti and his wife for helping set up camp and to Lynton Cloete, Gravin Phyfer and Gerard Evans for their help with the "nitty gritty" paper work.
It was great to see how a movement can join people from all over the country and to see their interest renewed in it. The challenge has been set for the 2014 Rover Moot – let's wait and see who will take up the challenge to host it.
Carmen Jearey – Moot Chief 2012
Western Cape Rover Crew Report
Quite excited to have reached our destination safely, we registered ourselves and got settled in our already pitched tents. We received Moot T-Shirts at registration along with our Moot Passport and Program. We then settled in the 'mess hall' for supper and just spent time getting know our fellow rovers from other provinces. Was there a food fight about which SA City is the best? I'll never tell. But this was just one of the common differences that make us proud to be South Africans.
It was a short while that we waited to allow the grub to settle before we had to lose our inhibitions and come together for the Moot Campfire. Even though we met with rain almost from the time we got to the Moot, we did not allow this to dampen our sprits as we sat on wet chairs around the Campfire. Rover Crews teamed up to do skits and songs that were fun and exciting. It was great to learn new items that kept us all guessing on what to expect next. And after a long day of travelling and an active start to the Moot, we were all set for an early night, excited still for the prospects of an exciting day of fun, adventure and learning when the day breaks.
As the sun rose on the new day, we we're pleasantly greeted by sunlight and we knew that the rain was no more. Then it was off to breakfast for those who do grub in the morning. We all looked spiffy as we dressed up in uniform to stand on parade for the official opening. There after we clustered up for our picture-perfect moment that would capture us in time right under the Historic Vic Eddy bell-arch.
There after the day started swiftly with Pat McKrill, the snake wranglers sharing life lessons with us during his motivational session. It was not your everyday snake show and I feel that he and his snakes were well received by most of the Rovers. Some were more eager than others to pet the snakes, whilst Mandles decided to keep good distance between her and the slithering creatures.
We then went into a leadership session with Dudley Forde. Known for his contributions in starting PLTU, we knew that we were in for a treat. Much was learnt in this session as we had an exercise with cards and video clips played along with his PowerPoint presentation.
After lunch, we were split into 2 groups. We played some cricket with 'Rover Rules' and a few of us had to learn things such as ball control, hand-eye co-ordination, how to bat, bowl and catch. And the fact that none of us were professionals made it so enjoyable. Then we moved on to the Paintball Arena to 'Capture the Flag'. As always the plan is simple, but achieving your objective would prove difficult, tiresome and even painful if you ventured into the path of flying bullets.
Then to a more civil Rover activity, we went on to do Visual Vigils. By just taking the time to answer some questions personally and reflecting on one's path, we were able to learn much about ourselves. We used this insight to allow the artist inside to guide our creations as we brought our Visual Vigils to live.
We then had another session as we discussed the current Rover Advancement Programme and how it is working in the crews since its implementation. With questions and feedback flowing, we had a fruitful discussion and lots of food for thought.
After supper, the program led us to a mystery activity and we were all guessing what it could possibly be. Many of us were pleasantly surprised to hear that we would be doing a scavenger hunt in small groups of 6/7, with a variety of requirements it was fun to go hunting in the dark and exploring the unknown whilst having to think on our feet with a time limit hanging over our heads. All teams received sweet treats as prizes which was not the best idea just before bed time. Thus many of us stayed up late, having loads of crazy fun and even some serious side bar discussions. It was certainly a good period for getting to know each other.
The following morning, after breakfast, we had a Scouts Own service based on Rover Service Principles and doing our duty.
Following that, we shared our ideas about the Rover Trail and gave input as to what we felt the book needed to have in it. A sort of sub-committee was formed to assist with the proof-reading and editing of the book. We then had an evaluation session and spoke about the way forward for Rovers SA. Exciting things are on the horizon.
We then fell in for the Closing Ceremony on the parade ground and received our Rover Moot KZN 2012 badges along with the Campfire ashes. We packed up the last of our goods and said our farewells to our new friends as Toni began the wheels moving on our long journey back home.