During World War 1, some troops in Queensland formed a Senior section for older members. Baden-Powell thought that Senior Scouts was not a good name for the new section and that it wasn’t imaginative enough. After various suggestions, Rover Scouts was adopted. Age of entry to Rovers was fifteen.

Despite the presence of individual Rovers, Baden Powell’s book Rovering to Success was published. The book was enthusiastically received and eventually became one of the cornerstones of Australian Rovering.

At least 4 Rover patrols were registered in 1923 – Milton in March West End in April, Kangaroo Point in May, and the Alexander Rover Patrol of the 1st Queensland Mounted Troop in September – The Rover age range initially 16 – 21 years, however there was not definite restriction on upper age limit.

An identifiable element of the uniform consisted of Green Epaulettes, along with a shoulder knot. Additionally, there were tabs in yellow, green, and red, symbolizing the cub, scout, and rover sections.

The need for a training program for the older section had been discussed  for over 10 years however the war contributed to a thinning of membership. This scarcity of numbers delayed implementation of the Rover Section- however its eventual implementation emphasised an open-air program focussing on community which exemplified the Rover motto  “ FOR SERVICE.”

Sandgate Rover Crew carved and eagle totem and erected at the training Grounds at Eprapah. It was later relocated to BP Park in 1953. In 1988 they replaced the original eagle.

Females were officially permitted to join Rovers subject to approval of the Rover crew.

Canberra Conference BC rovers – an award system was produced that was basically similar to the one that had existed since 1957 – Ramblers Badge, Scoutcraft Star, project badge, Service Training Star, and Baden Powell Award reference sheet.

NRC (National Rover Council) was formed, QNRC was formed, and National Rover Handbook was published.
Entry age moved to 17 with retirement at 26. Crews selected their Scouters who became known at Rover Advisers and the election of Crew Leaders formally known as Rover Mates.

Rover Scouts continue to play an important role as the final section in the delivery of the Youth Program!