Resilience comes from pushing through

Scouts gives young people the opportunity to surpass their limits – this is why one Venturer Scout chose to do his King’s Scout Award Adventurous Journey in New Zealand.

Kevin, from 1st Fairfield Heights Lac Hong Scout Group, hiked the Abel Tasman Coast Track in New Zealand in January, along with three other Venturer Scouts and two Leaders.

“I decided to choose the Abel Tasman expedition because I wanted to surpass my limits by doing an international trip,” Kevin said. 

“I thought that doing an Adventurous Journey (a minimum four-day, three-night journey) in Australia would be too easy. I also saw it as an accessible place which was safe to plan around and had beautiful views.” 

For Kevin, the trip was not just about walking the furthest on any given day or even looking at those amazing views (although waking up to a beautiful sunrise upon opening his tent was extremely refreshing!) No, the favourite part of the trip was being with others. 

“It was a really good bonding experience where I was able to teach and inspire other Venturer Scouts to do bold things that they might think is impossible,” he said. 

“Completing this seven-day hike taught me that resilience comes from pushing through physical and mental challenges, and that my limits are often defined by my mindset rather than my ability. It also showed me the importance of preparation, self-reliance, and decision-making, as I had to manage my own gear, time, and responsibilities each day. 

“Additionally, I learned to trust my judgement when things go wrong. The experience strengthened my teamwork skills and gave me a deeper appreciation for the natural environment and the need to protect it. 

Many of the costs of Kevin’s expedition in New Zealand were covered by the Dick and Pip Smith Leadership Through Adventure Fund. He saw it as a powerful resource that empowered youth ambition into doing bigger things. 

He said the funds helped to buy flight tickets; equipment used during the hike; and dehydrated food to make the hike easier. The experience lived up to his expectations and more. 

“It was unreal – we got to stay at the Iron Duke Sea Scout Group’s hall and they also hosted a mini boating day where we were able to go on their boats, one of which was called the Rubber Duck,” he said. 

“The track itself was filled with many extraordinary views and tide crossings, which I never would have expected to complete without a bridge. This is where we would be able to see a massive body of water ahead of us being taken away at low tide, leaving us able to walk across the land. 

“It was an important, memorable experience where I learnt that planning isn’t always perfect and sometimes you just have to go for it,” Kevin said.

“Through months of meticulous planning, I have felt satisfied with how the trip was a success and I would be eager to travel around the world more to continue to explore and learn. 

“Now I almost done with my King’s Scout Award, this year I will be challenged with the balance of my year 12 workload and Scouts. I still intend to inspire and support others who want to do their KSA. But after, I am down to achieve the peak award for Rover Scouts.”