Newbury woman representing UK at European Scout event Roverway in Norway

A Newbury woman is representing the UK at a European Scout Event in Norway next year.

The Roverway event is a gathering of 5,000 Scouts aged 16 to 22 from across Europe.

Of them, 500 are UK Scouts who will be supported by more than 100 volunteers from every European nation for 15 days of adventure.

Materials scheduler Emma Pullinger will be volunteering with the International Service Team on the fjord coastline of Lundsneset, Stavanger.

She said: ‘I wanted to go to Roverway because I want to give Scouts a chance to have the similar experiences that I did when I was their age.

“I also would love to see more of the world and Roverway gives me a chance to do that.”

The 22-year-old, who was Explorer Scout of the Year in 2016, added: “I am looking forward to the entire experience, but one of the main things is seeing all of the scenery and having a great international Scouting experience.

“I want to meet other people and gain new friends; what a great way to do this by getting to help Scouts have international experiences that are amazing.”

The last Roverway was held in the Netherlands in 2018.

The event is divided into three parts beginning with an expedition across Southern Norway for five days followed by an international camp at Stavanger where Scouts will engage in a programme of Scouting activities and skill development.

They will then embark on a ferry trip to visit Copenhagen in Denmark.

Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: “A massive congratulations to Emma who has been selected to represent 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.

“I’d just like to say good luck to our brilliant UK contingent in their preparation for the event.

“They will be heading off on the trip of a lifetime to a beautiful destination in Stavanger.”

He added: “The diversity of people they will meet will remind us all about what the world has to offer.

“They will experience new cultures and make many new friends, becoming ever more tolerant and caring about others through this experience.”