The strength of the Seventh-day Adventist Pathfinder organization was evident as cars, vans and buses loaded with eager Pathfinders streamed through the gates of the EAA AirVenture Campgrounds in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, August 11–15. Several cyclists also pedaled to the International Pathfinder Camporee, an event that occurs every five years. In all, more than 36,000 journeyed to the camporee, themed "Courage to Stand." Included were 1,975 international guests from ten Seventh-day Adventist divisions.
A plethora of recreational choices were available at both on-site and off-site locations. These included activities such as ice skating, sailing, golfing, Frisbee golf, inflatables, archery, a petting zoo, a full-size model of the sanctuary and many others too numerous to list. The adjacent airline hangars at Wittman Regional Airport were filled to capacity daily as Pathfinders converged to complete activities from more than 120 honors offered and college honor patches for their sashes.
Highlights of the daytime activities included the Suzuki Dream Team, the Talent Tent performers, the Native American village, the obstacle course and the afternoon on-site parades featuring clubs in full-dress uniform marching down the Midway to the beat of numerous drummers.
Another camporee highlight was pin trading, which provided opportunities to interact with so many young people from different parts of the world. Don Schneider, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, offered a specially crafted prayer pin to any Pathfinder willing to pray with someone they didn't know.
The Servants of God Are We
At the opening night of the camporee, a search began to locate the oldest Pathfinder present at the camporee. Soon Donna Hooper, a 91-year-old Master Guide from Calhoun, Georgia, was spotted riding on her motorized scooter, offering to trade pins with the young people. She still enjoys teaching honors, too. What an inspiration she was as Pathfinders learned of her life of service!
On Sabbath, more than 400 Master Guides and TLTs (Teen Leaders in Training) were pinned during the investiture portion of the morning service. Eyes turned to admire and appreciate their dedication to Pathfinder ministry.
The camporee would not have been possible except for the more than 1,000 volunteers, paid staff and summer camp staff. These individuals worked very long hours and endeavored to meet each need and request with a smile.
Receiving special recognition for his contributions at the camporee was Terry Dodge, the camporee facilities director, who will retire as Michigan Conference Pathfinder director on November 1. He plans to focus his attention afterward on building a Pathfinder museum and learning center in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Faithful as We March Along
In addition to the daily on-site parades, on Sabbath more than 1,500 Pathfinders boarded buses to march in full dress uniform through the streets of Oshkosh to Menominee Park on Lake Winnebago. Townspeople gathered to see the young people who caused such a stir in their city since their arrival earlier that week. Many of these young people faithfully witnessed throughout the week as they met strangers in stores, restaurants and at outreach sites. The march concluded with a rally at Leach Amphitheater where World Church youth director, Baraka Muganda, challenged parade attendees to adopt healthy lifestyles and better living.
In Kindness, Truth and Purity
Goals for the camporee included encouraging the Pathfinders to look outward—to contribute to those in the surrounding communities. More than 20 off-site community service projects were attended by thousands of Pathfinders. These included places like Heckrodt Wetland Preserve, the Paine Art Center and Gardens, and the Sheldon Nature Center. Many they serviced were impressed by the Pathfinders' willing spirit and attitude while working. Also a surprise was their quickness to complete tasks.
At the camporee, Locks of Love representatives cut the hair of Pathfinders willing to donate their long tresses to disadvantaged children unable to grow hair. The girls' selfless donations demonstrated love for others, an attribute encouraged by the Pathfinder organization.
Pathfinders also donated blood at the Blood Drive held at the camporee. Sarah Stevermer, communications and public relations specialist for the Mid-America Blood Services Division, says 20 pints were collected at the camporee. There is a careful health screening process involved for blood donation and many of the Pathfinders were under the legal age allowed or there would have been more blood collected.
Acts of kindness were witnessed throughout the camporee. Whether assisting a friend carrying a heavy load, picking up debris from the assembly field (each Pathfinder was challenged to pick up ten pieces of litter a day) or sharing food or camping supplies when needed, many young people demonstrated the familiar Pathfinder spirit of caring for others.
A Message to Tell to the World
At each evening program, Pathfinders delivered Bibles they collected since the 2004 camporee. The challenge was to collect 35,000 English and Spanish Bibles for mission sites in Ghana, Belize, Brazil and India. During the Sabbath morning offering appeal, Kevin Gutierrez urged Pathfinders to donate one dollar each to raise $35,000 for shipping costs or to purchase Bibles in native languages.
James Black, youth director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, spoke Sabbath morning and challenged Pathfinders to have purpose, determination and focus (PDF) as they stand for the Lord in their communities. He stressed, "The devil is trying to convince you that all your efforts for God are useless. But don't you believe it for a minute. ... I believe God is going to use many of you to do things that have never been done before ... your time is now. God has called us to the camporee for such a time as now ... so you can get your marching orders." James emphasized, "Before you go anywhere to stand anywhere in this wold, you make sure you stand at home first ... stand in your neighborhood and in your community. ... God elsewhere to practice what you do here." In conclusion, James asked the Pathfinders, "Jesus stood for you. Who will stand for Him?" He invited the crowd to repeat in unison, "I will stand," if it was their desire to stand for Jesus, which they did with much enthusiasm.
A Truth that Will Set Us Free
Pathfinders were encouraged to contemplate the life of Esther, a young Jewish girl who was placed in King Xerxes' palace to accomplish God's purpose for His people at that time in history. In his opening message to Pathfinders in the "PathfinderTODAY" newsletter, Ron Whitehead, camporee executive director, challenged those at the camporee by saying: "Even if those around you compromise and fall, I challenge you to always have the 'courage to stand' because He stood for you on the cross! He loves you so much! And He is coming back for you soon, so stand strong!"
At each evening program, Pathfinders sang "Courage to Stand," the theme song, written by Emily Beth Bond of the Southwestern Union. At other times, Pathfinders were heard singing or humming the song, which will no doubt inspire them to stand for Jesus, and the truth they believe, long after the camporee has past.
Nightly, the Pathfinders sat with rapt attention as "Courage to Stand: The Story of Esther" was portrayed by a 24-member cast and approximately 40 extras and guards. Esther's story of courage in adversity and her stand for truth encouraged many Pathfinders to also stand with courage against the many temptations they face. Some were so inspired by Esther's stand for the Lord that they decided to join the Sabbath afternoon baptism service where 516 Pathfinders publicly made a commitment to Jesus and were baptized.
King Jesus the Savior's Coming Back for You and Me
As the sun set before the closing night's program, whispers and gasps were heard throughout the assembly field as many pointed to a cloud formation in the sky. An airplane intersected a vertical cloud formation, and the plane's exhaust created the shape of a cross that was prominently displayed in the sky.
After the last Esther play concluded, the 2014 International Pathfinder Camporee, "Forever Faithful," theme was introduced. The next camporee will focus on the life of Daniel, a courageous Hebrew boy who remained faithful to the Lord through much adversity in his life.
Ron closed the camporee by saying, "See you at the next camporee ... or in Heaven." Though many enjoyed the camporee, they expressed their belief that a reunion in Heaven would far surpass the experience. A much-appreciated fireworks display followed and punctuated the end of a memorable camporee.
The next camporee in North America is scheduled for August 12–16, 2014, in Oshkosh. Pathfinders may learn more about the 2014 International Pathfinder Camporee or mission trip opportunities by visiting www.adventistyouth.com.
Diane Thurber is the assistant director of communication for the Lake Union Conference.
Bibles may be sent to ProjectWord, 1848 Grange Rd., Buchanan, MI 49107.
Captions for photos used in article:
Page 21 (top): Lake Region Pathfinders stand at attention during flag raising; (middle): Pathfinders sat with rapt attention as King Xerxes (Daniel Cooper), Queen Esther (Jordan McKee) and Haman (Simon Marie) brought their characters to life in "Courage to Stand: The Life of Esther"; (bottom) The Berrien Springs Spanish Golden Eagles Pathfinder club show their excitement at the evening meeting.
Page 22 (left): On Sabbath morning of the camporee, James Black, youth director of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, challenged the Pathfinders to stand for Jesus; (right): Lake Union Pathfinders marched in the on-site parade on the campgrounds; Page 23 (top): Pathfinders marched in with flags of their country at the opening ceremony; (bottom): Thousands of Pathfinders impacted Oshkosh and surrounding communities as they participated in service projects.
