A record-setting 45 Pathfinder clubs arrived in Berrien Springs, Mich., for the 2008 Invitational/Division Level Pathfinder Bible Achievement program, held Sabbath, Apr. 19. This program, which requires Pathfinders to answer questions of varying difficulty, tested their knowledge of the gospel of Matthew and its corresponding introduction in the SDA Bible Commentary. To arrive at this level of exchange, teams of two to six (with two alternates possible) in grades five to ten had to receive a first place at their respective area, conference and union levels.

Pathfinder clubs arrived from places throughout North America, from as far away as Arizona, Texas, Oregon and Quebec. Teams answered 82 questions, which were projected in English, Spanish and French, with translators provided for teams needing language assistance. This three-hour event is annually hosted by Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University.

The Pathfinder Bible Achievement program was started by Terry Dodge, director of Pathfinders and Adventurers for the Michigan Conference, with the goal of creating a fun, non-competitive way for young Christians to learn and study the Bible. The first "Pathfinder Bible Bowl," as it was previously called, involved four teams near Sheridan, Wyo., in the spring of 1988. Bible Achievement presented participants with a first-, second- or third-place award based on their percentile compared to the top score, thus creating the opportunity for every team to receive a first place and eliminating competition and superiority among teams. This event promotes excitement about studying the Bible and commitment to working as a team.

Since the first Pathfinder Bible Achievement was hosted many more teams have become involved, and every year there is more participation within each union and conference as an increasing number of Pathfinders are inspired to join the program. Dodge testifies, "Pretty frequently, I have parents come up to tell me that because of Pathfinder Bible Achievement, their children are being blessed spiritually and performing better scholastically. It's a blessing to see the enthusiasm and support that's been given to this program."

The visiting Pathfinder teams prepared well, and this year, out of the 45 participating groups, 40 received a first place and five teams received a second-place award. Nine Lake Union teams reached this top level of involvement—six teams from Michigan, two from Indiana and one from Illinois, with all nine receiving a first place.

Next year, the featured section of scripture will be II Chronicles 10–36. More information and pictures are available on the Pathfinder Bible Achievement website at www.pathfinderbibleachievement.org/.

Erin McLean, student news writer, University Relations, Andrews University