In 2003, the CNE—Corpo Nacional de Escutas—opened in Drave its Base Nacional da IV (BNIV), a scout center for Rovers. The path to this point included important moments such as “Rumos da Consciência” (1992), “Rumos do Homem Novo” (1993), and “Rover 2001.” This last activity marks the beginning of the village’s reconstruction.
The BNIV began as a dream of some scouts from the Porto Region who, after holding the activity for Rovers “Rumos do Homem Novo” (1 and 2) and the activity for Leaders “Novos Rumos,” had the idea of creating a Scout Center in Drave dedicated to spirituality. From then on, after many journeys, paths, Rovers, trails, hikes, and each one’s footprints (now from all over the country), the idea arose to create the Base Nacional da IV.
Over the years, the project grew and was enriched by a dedicated Management Team, responsible for much of what is today the Drave Rover Scout Centre (DRSC)—a reference scout center with a strong environmental and spiritual component.
It is also recognized as a center of excellence by the CNE, a distinction granted to centers that meet certain requirements in terms of infrastructure and educational programs.
The Drave Rover Scout Centre (DRSC) is not the entirety of Drave, but rather a part of it. It consists of a set of houses and land of which the Corpo Nacional de Escutas (CNE) is the owner.
The Drave Rover Scout Centre (DRSC) is a privileged space for Rovers—scouts in the age group corresponding to the Caminheiros of the CNE. A scout center, obviously, different—not only in its objectives but also in its logistical conditions.
The isolation and the necessary coexistence with other property owners imply great individual responsibility on the part of all those who carry out activities there.
Thus arises an essential question: how to announce the Good News to a satisfied generation? Where to begin? How to overcome the shell built around each one by the society of abundance? Indeed, the spirit of this time—characterized as hedonistic, materialistic, individualistic, subjectivist, immediatist, consumerist—is so deeply rooted in the life philosophy of today’s youth. The great pastoral challenge is to discover a starting point to which they are sensitive and a path that is meaningful to them.
That starting point may well be Drave: the harshness of its conditions, the precariousness of the ecological balance, the beauty of nature, the isolation, the relationship with populations with different cultural values.
Drave, as a Scout Centre oriented towards this stage of scouting, should represent a place for Rovers to meet, prepare activities, enhance personal growth, exchange ideas and opinions, and engage in training and reflection.
“Em Igreja, entendemos este Centro como uma resposta ao desafio da nova evangelização lançada pelo Papa João Paulo II. Sendo que Jesus Cristo – o Homem Novo – e o Seu Evangelho constituem as referências fundamentais da proposta espiritual a fazer a quantos, pela porta da educação ambiental, pretendam pôr em causa os valores e os critérios da sociedade dos nossos dias, alinhando na aventura de redescobrir um sentido novo para a vida.”
