The structure of our Clan where we live the Route is that practiced by the Route branch of the Scouts of France before it suffered, after the war, the excesses that we know… and ended up disappearing!
All Road training remains focused on progression towards the “Road Departure”, a ceremony which marks the end of Road training and in a way puts a label “good finished product from the scout brand” on the R.S. Le Routier which has “taken his road departure” is thus called “Routier-Scout”, and is only distinguished externally by the initials RS (“Routier-Scout”) which he wears on his uniform, as well as the yellow, green, red waves.
From the age of 17, the Route is therefore the natural extension of the Scout branch, and completes the training acquired in the troop. It’s a bit like the 3rd stage of a rocket, without which the “satellite” risks never being placed in its “adult scout” orbit. If this step is missed, the adolescent’s scouting is likely to resemble fond memories, like those yellowed photos of camps or big games that we leaf through with nostalgia!
Whether he comes from the troop or joins the clan directly, the novice driver will initially become an “apprentice driver”. Grouped into homogeneous teams, these classes of Apprentices generally receive their Rover shirt after a camp (survival, etc.).
After generally 2 or 3 years (time necessary for his training, and to fully understand the commitments of the Road, and what it prepares him for), when the Apprentice freely decides to resolutely commit to this path, he can request (letter of companionship) to be a “Travel Companion”. To mark this new threshold, after his Companion Raid he will carry the brown waves until his RS Departure.
He will then receive a Service and choose an elder, Rover Scout, who will sponsor him in his training. This role of Sponsor is essential, until the Companion has acquired a certain level (see the Required Criteria). On a regular basis, the Chapter, where the clan chief, the chaplain, the driver, and his sponsor are present, must meet to help the driver take stock of himself.
It is at this stage of companionship that he continues his Service (not necessarily in Unit) whose activities become priorities in his training. With us, the current Chefs are still part of the Clan, with which they always like to share some activities, depending on their availability. And there can be teams of Companions.
Reminder: this page only gives a quick overview of the traditional Route method in France; but more complete explanations are available here
Many works have been written on the Road. We can read with interest:
“The Spirituality of the Road” by Joseph Folliet (CLD editions, “Living Scouting” collection) where the author addresses more specifically the mysticism of walking.
Requirements for Rover's departure
to Be Prepared a completed man
Rover Scout Departure
text of the ceremonial
How to talk about the Scout Order?
Explanation of this analogical term
Nota Bene : vous ne trouverez sur cette page qu’un aperçu succinct de ce qui se vit à l’âge de “la Route” ; mais des explications plus complètes en français sont aussi disponibles : Structures et activité d’un Clan
