The structure we use for our own Rover Scout training is the same which was used by all the Rover groups belonging to the French scout organization ("Scouts de France") - until, after the war, they introduced various modern amendments and adaptations - and, in the end, just disappeared !

The whole Rover Scout training programme aims towards a specifix climax : the "Rover's Departure" ceremony (cf. our translation ). This event marks the end of the Rover Scout training and provides, as it were, a mark of approval for the Rover Scout concerned, giving him an official warrant as a worthy example of the "Scout Brand Product". A Rover who has done his "Rover's Departure" is called a "Rover Scout", plain and simple, and is awarded the right to wear the initials RS (for "Rover Scout") on his uniform, together with the yellow, green and red bands or "scalps". 

From the age of 17 onwards, Rover-scouting is thus the natural extension of scouting, and completes the training previously acquired in the scout troop. It is a bit like the third stage of a rocket, without which the "satellite" can never actually be placed in orbit as an "adult scout". If this step is not completed, there is a high risk that a youngster's earlier scouting activities might just become sweet and pleasant memories, like the yellowed photos of camps or other memorable events, leafed through with some nostalgia every now and then !

Whether coming up from the scout troup or joining the Rover crew directly, new candidates start as" Rover Apprentices ".  These are organized in teams of their own and are usually given their Rover shirts (green) after taking part in a ("survival") camp ...

Unusally after two to three years (needed to complete the necessary training and thoroughly understand the Rover commitment and all that it involves), the Rover Apprentice may decide that he feels ready to apply for promotion to "Rover Journeyman". To mark this new milestone, which also includes completing his "Journeyman's Hike" he is awarded the Journeyman's brown scalps, which he wears until he is ready to do his "Rover's Departure".

He will now be assigned a specific "Quest" or "Service Task" (voluntary work of various kinds like, perhaps, helping with the running of a cub pack or scout troup, but which may also perhaps involve social work useful to the community at large), and also choose an older and more experienced Rover Scout to be his "Godfather" (helper and supervisor) during his further training. The role of a "Godfather" is of paramount importance until the Journeyman has reached a certain level of experience and skills (see "Requirements" ). The Chapter, which consists of the Crew Leader, the Chaplain, the Rover Journeyman himself, and his Godfather, should meet on a regular basis to help the Journeyman to take stock of his development and progress.

At this stage, the demands of his "Quest" or "Service Task" (which may be, but do not have to be connected with Scouting), become the first priority in his training. As we run things, our appointed Leaders, even though they may be older, are still always an integral part of the Crew, and they always take part in as many activities as they can, other commitments permitting. As we mentioned above, the newly admitted Rover Apprentices are usually trained in groups of their own. Similarly, there may also be teams which consist exclusively of Journeymen.