Illinois—"He has fun stories, I could have listened to him longer," stated a camper referring to Dean Whitlow, Indiana Conference Pathfinder director and guest speaker at the 2005 Illinois Conference Pathfinder Camporee and Fair held Apr. 9–10. Another camper was impressed by Robert W. Holbrook, World Pathfinder director, and enthusiastically stated, "The GC guy … he’s been all over the world. He’s a regular guy and hung out with us. He knows everything about birds. He’s a cool guy!"
In opening remarks at the 11:00 a.m. worship hour, Holbrook stated, "The only proper recognition that can be given actually cannot be given. It is earned. For 40 years, Rueben and Rita Thorson have been involved in Pathfinder leadership." The Thorsons began their work in 1965 with Pathfinders in Minn. After their move to Ill., they served first with the Hinsdale Trailblazers and now with the Bolingbrook Voyagers.
"One must seriously question the sanity of these two individuals," Holbrook continued. "Their recompense was such as sore backs from sleeping on the ground, upset stomachs from all the semi-burned or raw camp food, gray hairs from the unsolvable problems, headaches from all the inflexible behavior from fellow staff members, calloused fingers from all the crafts taught, and so many other similar ‘blessings.’" However, in recognition of their dedicated leadership in the Pathfinder organization, Holbrook presented the Thorsons with two commemorative coins celebrating the 50th anniversary of Pathfinders and a trophy from the North American Division. Following this presentation, Todd Stark, Central Illinois area coordinator, presented the Thorsons with a plaque from the Illinois Conference.
Holbrook also officiated in the Team Leadership Training (TLT) induction and promotion. TLT candidates received their pins and braids, formally entering into the four-year leadership training program. Some of the current TLTs were promoted to the next level of their four-level program during the ceremony.
On Sun. at the Pathfinder Fair, Pathfinders were involved in many fun activities, including drill team competition. The Hinsdale Fil-Am Challengers won first place this year. Other activities included Knots at Night (you’ll have to ask junior-age Pathfinders what this event is all about), Frisbee toss, and jump rope contests. Teen Pathfinders participated in an orienteering course, fire building and string burning, and a Frisbee toss.
In the afternoon, the pinewood derby and rocket launch was held. Ryan Baker of the Hinsdale Trailblazers won the junior division, and Andy Stark of the Richland Bridge Algonquian Indians won the teen division. Due to windy conditions, the rocket launch was a whole lot of fun, with no winners, but some brightly-colored ornaments for many of the camp’s trees. A great weekend, staff and Pathfinders left with thankfulness for dedicated leadership and visions of what they’ll do at next year’s camporee.
Rachel Terwillegar, Illinois Conference development director
