Super scout celebrates his bumper bunch of badges

Buy photos » Scout Tristan Gee has gained all his badges. Picture by Marcus Mingins 0313006MMR

AN ACTIVE Bromsgrove boy has shown he is the perfect all-rounder by gaining every single one of his scouting badges.

Tristan Gee, ten, who lives on the Kidderminster Road, was rewarded with a special red neckerchief for achieving the unique feat.

The Parkside Middle School youngster and member of the Romsley Cubs took just three years to obtain all 33 of the badges for completing a range of activities from horse riding to swimming.

Tristan had to gain many of the accolades in his spare time and on his holidays as most cubs are only expected to get less than half the full collection in the eight to 11 age group.

He is the first to reach the special goal known as club 33 in the Halesowen district where his scout group is based, and one of only three youngsters to do it in the whole of the West Mercia County scouting area which also covers Walsall, Wolverhampton, Dudley and Sandwell.

“I wanted to challenge myself rather than just to go to cubs. I think there should be more people going for all of the badges,” said Tristan who also finds the time to be part of Bromsgrove Swimming Club at the Dolphin Centre.

He added ice skating and martial arts were the hardest badges to get as well as DIY, but he enjoyed getting the cycling award the most.

Proud mum Katherine Gee said: “It has taken up a lot of his time and it’s an amazing achievement.

“It just shows how much children can get out of scouting - Tristan has learnt such a lot.”

Ian Dale, the commissioner for Halesowen and District Scouting Association, also praised his efforts.

“I’ve been involved in scouting in Halesowen for the best part of 40 years and can’t think of anyone else who has got all 33.

“He would have had to work very hard outside of the normal time line. It’s a remarkable achievement.

“He’s obviously very motivated and gets a lot out of cubs.”

Mr Dale also championed the benefits of taking part of scouting.

“You should sing what you do scouting from the rafters, as these things show a part of your character.

“Tristan should definitely put it on his CV - that’s going to set him up well later in life.

“It’s a competition out there and all these things play a part.”

Share This

Regional news »