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 has grown and been strengthened by a Management Team, to whom much of what it is today is owed as a Rover Scout Centre, with a strong environmental and spiritual focus. This centre is already a global reference and is part of the SCENES network (Scout Centres of Excellence for Nature and Environment) and the GOOSE network.
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.
“In the Church, we understand this Centre as a response to the challenge of the New Evangelization launched by Pope John Paul II. Since Jesus Christ—the New Man—and His Gospel are the fundamental references of the spiritual proposal we offer to all who, through the gateway of environmental education, wish to question the values and criteria of today’s society, embracing the adventure of rediscovering a new meaning for life.”.”
