Cultural awareness and awareness of others at Roverway THINKING OF OTHERS Cultural awareness and awareness of others at Roverway This session will be split into two parts: 1. CULTURE – things to bear in mind in France in terms of the beliefs and attitudes of the various cultures that Roverway will bring together, as well as a code of best practise that all Contingent members should think of at all times. 2. OTHERS – Working with others in ‘strange’ situations for 11 days plus keeping happy by planning ahead.

“The ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular group of people or society” Values, a way of life and customs What is culture? There are many things that are common and acceptable in the UK which not be common nor acceptable within another country. Though it’s not just this – it’s the culture of an international Scout and Guide event, and therefore what is acceptable at these events. The social behaviour, and what people find acceptable will vary greatly across countries as well as within different groups of people within a society. It’s important as Scouts and Guides to respect this at Roverway. Participants – this may become even more relevant whilst on your Road – you will be engaging with local French communities, potentially in quite rural and traditional areas. A real opportunity, but it’s important to respect this way of life also (calm, quiet, friendly) IST & Participants – you’ll be getting to know people from other countries and working closely with them. Roads – up to 5 other Patrols, each from other countries. You’re going to be getting to know each other over those 6 days. IST – You’ll be working in teams depending on your role allocation. These teams carrying out jobs around Jambville, and are unlikely to be all UKC. Tip here: Cultural references and slang may confuse others, try and avoid this – e.g. ‘taking the Mick’ ‘driving me round the bend’, and slang terms may slow down communication – and might unintentionally offend someone.

DUTCH CULTURE A strong theme of Roverway is to break down stereotypes Cuisine – will vary regionally Be polite Attempt some Dutch (see your handbook!) ‘Business’ cards – translate into Dutch, also. Cuisine – will vary regionally, the Netherlands is not renowned for its food but they do have chocolate sprinkles for breakfast! – embrace this aspect of the culture and try something new where you can. Even try to cook a traditional dish from your Road region Generally, if you’re meeting someone who is older or in a position to be respected, it’s polite to use these titles. Attempt some Dutch! You’ll get a lot more respect from the locals if you give it a go. Your handbook will contain some useful basic phrases. If you intend on taking some ‘business’ cards to keep in touch with new friends/ pen pals for your home unit, out of courtesy to the host nation of the event, get the information translated into Dutch as well.

Your language, tone of voice Clothing Your swaps Knives Faith, belief, religious practices The campsites of other Contingents IST only areas at Zeewolde You may have to speak slower for those who aren’t first language speakers, avoid slang. Clothing: if something could potentially cause offence – e.g. political imagery or perhaps too revealing, best to avoid. You are on camp, so dress appropriately Swaps – stick to neckers and badges Knives – please do not carry these around unless you have a specific use for them. By all means bring knives to Roverway. They should be stored in your main luggage, not taken out until at Roverway, and kept safe when not in use. Best practise not to carry around Zewolde. Faith, belief, religious practises – members of your Tribe may feel the need for some quiet reflection and prayer. Please allow them the space to do this. At Zewolde there is likely to be a Faith Zone – avoid making excessive noise here as people will be looking for a quite space here. Campsites – it’s good etiquette not to walk through spaces that others are using for camping, don’t enter dining shelters or tents unless you are first invited in by members of that Contingent. IST – will be working and need time to relax. Certain areas are for IST only, and this should be respected by Participants, please.

Our chance to show off the United Kingdom in all it’s glory! Put the kettle on, Classic British brands, GBBO, Flags, face-paint, celebrate what’s great about UK Scouting and Guiding, set up a game of cricket, highland games etc.\ We’ve got UKC members from all 4 home nations, so this is a great chance to show how diverse the UK is! Other Contingent’s will be showing off as well, so come prepared to try loads of new foods, games and learn loads about those at Roverway.

The internationally recognised way of wearing a necker – make sure you know how to tie one before we leave!

Any Questions? Any questions?