Cambridge based scout Tristan Wang spent the weekend serving others.
Dawei Wang, left, enjoys a caving trip at Waitomo with Chris Gardner. Photo: Chris Gardner
The 14-year-old Cambridge High School pupil and senior team leader at Kirikiriroa & St Peter’s Scout Group worked alongside adult scout kaiarahi, or leaders, to run the Scouts Aotearoa Waikato Zone Sandford Scout Leadership Course.
Around 40 scouts attended from across the Waipā district, Waikato region and beyond.
The course, named after scouting in New Zealand’s first national training commissioner Major Frederick Sandford, is run for new and upcoming team (or patrol) leaders and assistants every year at the Epworth Retreat and Recreation Centre near Cambridge. Participants are typically picked by their peers from their group’s youth leadership team.
It mixes theoretical and practical sessions on the team leaders’ job, training other scouts, teamwork, planning, communication, and team meetings.
“Through scouts, I’ve gained two types of abilities: practical skills and social skills,” said Tristan.
He joined scouts three years ago, one year after moving from China with his parents.
“Scouts use hands-on activities to teach me how to communicate, collaborate, and lead effectively,” he said.
“These experiences have been both challenging and rewarding, helping me grow in ways I never imagined. I’ve developed the ability to guide, teach, and inspire others while organising tasks efficiently. I’ve also discovered that everyone has unique strengths, and by appreciating and using those strengths, we can build stronger, more successful teams.
“Scouts have also taught me the importance of empathy—thinking about others’ feelings and learning to coordinate with people from all walks of life. I’ve learned to teach with humility, ensuring my explanations are clear and easy for anyone to understand.
“Additionally, scouts have introduced me to many exciting activities that have expanded my horizons. I’ve learned practical skills like sailing, camping, tramping, rock climbing, caving, and kayaking. These adventures not only challenged me but also boosted my confidence and resilience.”
Tristan’s peers awarded him the annual Kirikiriroa and St Peter’s Scout Section Seamanship Award at the end of the 2024-25 season shortly after his group was one of 15 nationally to be awarded Royal New Zealand Navy Recognition status.
“Scouts have helped me discover new hobbies I never thought I’d enjoy. It’s not just about learning skills — it’s about gaining real-life communication and leadership experience through teamwork, challenges, and fun,” he said.
“Scouting has truly shaped me into a more capable, empathetic, and well-rounded person, and I’m incredibly grateful for these life-changing experiences.”
Tristan is currently working on completing the Chief Scout’s Rimu Award which included a three-day tramping expedition in the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park.
He is also working on the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award which will include a two-day sailing expedition.
He eventually plans to join his father Dawei in becoming an adult leader in the movement.
“Scouting has been so much more than a chance to learn and lead—it’s been a bridge for me to connect with the New Zealand community and give back in meaningful ways,” said Dawei.
“Coming from China, where activities like tramping and camping aren’t common, I didn’t initially know how to appreciate the incredible natural beauty of New Zealand with my family.
“Scouting will be one of our family traditions for sure. We both feel it is an honour to contribute to our community in this way.”
- Chris Gardner is a group leader at Kirikirioa & St Peter’s Scout Group.
Scout Tristan Wang, 14, serves others behind the scenes at the Scouts Aotearoa Waikato Zone Sandford Scout Leadership Course at Epworth Retreat and Recreation Centre near Cambridge. Photo: Chris Gardner.
