An engineering apprentice from Abingdon is set to represent the UK in Norway at a European scout event.

Becca Preece, 20, will be heading out to the Scandinavian country’s Lundsneset coastline for Roverway – a gathering of 5,000 scouts – in 2024.

The event – split into three parts – will see the 5,000 scouts aged 16 to 22 years old, from across Europe, come together for an expedition across southern Norway for five days, followed by an international camp at Stavanger and a ferry trip to visit Copenhagen, Denmark.

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Ms Preece, who’s from the Thames Ridge Scout Network, said: “Being selected to attend Roverway means so much to me, it will be an opportunity to improve my confidence while traveling abroad and getting to know a new group of people with similar interests to me.

“I am looking forward to meeting people from different countries and cultures while enjoying the event.

“I can't wait to embrace the whole experience and push myself out of my comfort zone.

"Roverway will help me build upon my personal skills and behaviours, such as leadership confidence and resilience, while having an amazing time getting to know people both from the UK and further afield.”

The 550 UK scouts at the event will be supported by over 100 volunteers, and will join 5,000 other scouts from almost every European nation to embark on 15 days of adventure and learning skills for life.

The theme of the event is ‘North of the Ordinary’.

Roverway aims to help participants develop independence and resilience in its young participants by starting with a youth-led five-day expedition across Norway to encourage this.

Chief Scout, Bear Grylls, wished Ms Preece well by saying: “A massive congratulations to Becca 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.

“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.”

Scout Network is the fifth and final section of the scouting movement, and encompasses those scouts aged between 18 and 25.

Thames Ridge Network has regular meetings in Abingdon, Didcot and Oxford and usually meet on a Tuesday or a Thursday evening.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1