KIULU: A total of 190 participants from various districts across Sabah successfully completed the three-day, two-night Wilderness Leadership Expedition organised by the Youth Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Sabah Mission recently.
The challenging expedition required participants to complete a 36-kilometre trek across plantations, villages, steep hills and natural wilderness terrain as part of the requirements for the prestigious Silver Award, a special leadership recognition programme for youths.
SAB Mission Youth Ministries Director and organising chairman, Willborn Gondolos, said participants were required to carry all their own essentials, including tents, clothing and food supplies, throughout the expedition.
“Participants had to navigate through plantation areas, villages, as well as steep and slippery hills. Despite heavy rain in the afternoon, all participants managed to arrive safely,” he said.
Out of 230 registered participants, only 190 successfully continued the journey on the second day and completed the expedition.
According to Willborn, the second day proved to be the most demanding phase of the programme, with participants trekking 16 kilometres from D’Point Campsite Mangkaladom to Waig-waig Campsite via Pinahawon and Bukit Kulintangan.
“The route involved steep ascents through dense wilderness, plantation areas and multiple stream crossings along extremely challenging trails,” he added.
He said participants travelled in their respective groups accompanied by assigned guides, while a team of professional medical personnel was also stationed throughout the programme to ensure participants’ safety and wellbeing.
“Some groups arrived as early as 2pm, while the final group reached the campsite at around 9.30pm,” he said.
On the final day, participants completed the remaining six-kilometre journey from Waig-waig Campsite to the finishing point at Kandaki Homestay, marking the successful conclusion of the expedition.
Willborn said the programme not only cultivated leadership values and teamwork, but also strengthened friendships among participants while instilling resilience, endurance and discipline.
“Congratulations and well done to all participants, and my deepest appreciation goes to the guides, medical team members, and organising committee members who ensured the smooth running of this expedition,” he said.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Tuaran Member of Parliament and Tamparuli Assemblyman Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau.
The closing ceremony was officiated by Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. Also present was SAB Mission president Jim Gabu.
