SCOUTING may be filled with camping, hiking and other adventures but one dedicated member from Stroud is preparing for a trip with a difference.

Rhys Herschell-Burns, 21, is to represent the UK in Norway at a European scouting event called Roverway next year.

Set on the beautiful fjord coastline of Lundsneset in Stavanger, the event will be the opportunity of a lifetime where he will be able to immerse himself in adventure and Scandinavian culture.

Rhys will be one of the many adult volunteers assisting in the running of the event with the International Service Team.

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

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, before culminating in a ferry trip to visit Copenhagen in Denmark.

Rhys, who holds various awards including Chief Scout Platinum Award, Bronze Duke of Edinburgh, as well as Commissioner's Commendation Awards for duties to scouting, said: "I wanted to attend Roverway to learn more about it and to experience an international event while supporting the UK contingent and the young people, ensuring the participants had a great experience like the IST did when I attended the 24th World Scout Jamboree in 2019 as a participant. "I am most looking forward to meeting all the participants and fellow ISTs, learning about other countries and cultures, and having a memorable experience."

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

Chief scout Bear Grylls wished Rhys well by saying: "A massive congratulations to Rhys 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."