It was exactly 8 years ago when Rover Scout Alen Paul M. Madriaga founded the Rover Circles United 08 (RCU08). He was 16 years old back then, yet he had a clear goal in mind—build camaraderie to all Rovers across institutions. But, it is not a typical goal, he envisioned this to be of service to God, country, and the community; as rooted in the Scout Oath. It would be a nucleus of brotherhood among youth with common ideals, and under a common bond of understanding.
RCU08 is the first Community-based Scouting Organization of BSP-Cabanatuan City Council. It started with nine (9) members whom Sir Madriaga met during a local jamboree in Cabanatuan, in 2014. At that time, they were serving as support staff. They are from Good Samaritan Colleges, Wesleyan University Philippines, and Nueva Ecija High School.
Rover Circle United 08 through the years
Aside from the visions of their founder, the Circle has the following objectives.
▪︎ First is for the implementation of the Rover Advancement Program. They empower their members to earn the Chief Scouts Nation Builder—the highest rank in Rover Scouting.
▪︎ Be of service to others and the community. In fact, as the years progressed, their members began to realize the real purpose of Rover Scouting. It is beyond the Advancement Program, instead of serving and helping those in need.
▪︎ Lead by the passion to help others, guided by the spirit of Scouting and brotherhood. Aside from the Circle being able to help a lot of communities throughout the years; they also served in the Church.
Actually, they became an official Church Ministry. They facilitate scouting events, camping in schools, environmental activities, jamborees, and various projects to help the less fortunate.
Through the years that their legacy continues, they are now in the limelight at their council. As of this writing, they have 340 members, across 21 different schools. Their hard work also pays off, as they were able to produce 152 Chief Scouts Nation Builder.
However, they did not stop there. They gradually expand their horizons. In fact, last December 2021, they coordinated and established networks in various organizations to help them in their upcoming projects. These include the following: The Knights of Columbus
- The Knights of Rizal
- JCI Philippines
- Nueva Ecija Youth Action Network
- Youthled PH
- Rotaract Club.
The Circle was also featured in various programs such as the Betterworld Program of the Messengers of Peace Initiative, Earth Tribe, Scouts of the World Award, BSP flagship programs, and many others. Not to mention that they were also able to produce awardees in those different world programs.
Despite the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, they continued and became stronger. Their Rover scouts’ bond and spirit remained strong and determined. They were all eager to continue serving those who needed them. Together, as one RCU08, they will face and surpass all the challenges, problems, and get to experience all the “scouthings“, life has yet to offer.
