Michigan—Cars, vans, and buses loaded with Pathfinders and camping gear converged at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds for the Lake Union Pathfinder Camporee, Sept. 14–17. Eager faces from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio scanned the campground as the vehicles stopped at the first checkpoint. A total of 2,005 registered, representing 115 Pathfinder clubs.

“The Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds is the most convenient place in the world to have a Union camporee," said Ron Whitehead, Lake Union Conference (LUC) youth ministries coordinator. “There is easy access to water, electricity, restrooms, showers, parking, food, ice, shopping, and medical support. The buildings offer excellent all-weather programming options. We are very blessed,” he continued.

Held every five years since 1996 (every four years before that year) for LUC Pathfinder clubs, the camporee is appreciated and enjoyed by many. Terry Dodge, 2006 LUC Camporee director, said, "The Lake Union Camporee gives local clubs an opportunity to get together on a smaller scale when they may not be able to attend a division-wide camporee like the ones at Oshkosh, Wis. It also provides a good opportunity for conference leadership to work together as a team while club leadership and Pathfinders witness this teamwork."

The Pathfinders participated in field events and drill performances, visited a sanctuary display, toured the Pathfinder Museum, and made many new friends. An Induction Service was also held for TLTs (Teen Leaders in Training) and Master Guides were invested. More than 40 TLTs were inducted into the TLT program and received their braid. About 50 TLTs and three Master Guides were invested in the various levels of the TLT/Master Guide program.

Central to the event were devotional times and joint worship services. The camporee theme this year was “One Step Closer,” chosen to remind Pathfinders that “we are one step closer to the coming of Jesus,” said Dodge. He also reminded Pathfinders in the program remarks that “Soon Jesus will come to take His Pathfinders home to Heaven for the largest camporee possible.”

Anthony Kelly, Lake Region youth ministries director, said, "From the perspective of one who has seen camporees from just about every angle except that of a Pathfinder, I believe it is critically important that we continue to have camporees as long as we have Pathfinders. I have taken Pathfinders to every major camporee since Camp Hale... and the results have always been the same. Pathfinders have something positive to say every time about the great time they had at the camporee. The most important reason for having camporees, however, is that young people get an opportunity to get to know Jesus up close and personal."

Friday night everyone stood in response to a recommitment call by speaker James Black, North American Division youth ministries director, and Sabbath morning hundreds responded to an altar call by speaker David Asscherick, ARISE director. More than 100 cards were returned requesting baptism and/or Bible studies.

Charlie Thompson, Indiana Conference youth director, said, "I was so blessed by the response of our Lake Union Pathfinders as they came forward twice over the weekend to make or renew their commitment to Jesus Christ. I wish that every young person in our Union could have been present to receive the blessings and challenges laid before them at this camporee."

On Sabbath afternoon, a baptismal service was held in the main arena. Jonathon Benson of Linden, Mich., Genisses Ortega, of Berwyn, Ill., and Jamie Chandler, of South Flint, Mich., were baptized.

A special tribute was given to Dodge, who has directed the past four LUC camporees. Whitehead said, “This was the best organized Union camporee I have ever seen.”

Pathfinders from the Ohio Conference participated in the LUC Pathfinder Camporee again this year. Mike Stevenson, Ohio Conference youth director, said, "Thanks to Terry Dodge and his [team], the 2006 Lake Union Camporee was a great place to bring young minds and hearts in contact with the Spirit of God.

"Not too much to do, not too little to do... just the right amount of spiritual, social, intellectual, and physical interaction made for an enriching 2006 camporee at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds. The kids had a ball, and so did the adults—a feat not easily achieved!! Kudos to Terry Dodge and his team!!!"

Whitehead remarked, “The LUC and Ohio Pathfinders were so easy and fun to work with. They were very willing to help keep the campground clean and were respectful at all the meetings."

Jeff Deming, Illinois Conference youth director, was impressed with the collegiality he saw. He said, "Saturday night as I stood by the stage and watched the drill and marching, they were amazing. But what caught my attention was the enthusiasm of the groups waiting for their turn or having just completed as they watched and cheered. It was awesome to see the family of God lifting each other up."

Another key program component were service activities coordinated by Patrick Murphy, Andrews University chaplain. Pathfinders sorted and packaged clothing at an Adventist Community Services Center in Berrien Springs, Mich. Other young people picked up refuse along a river. The Salvation Army opened its doors to Pathfinders who helped sort clothes and clean their facility. At the Therapeutic Equestrian Center, our young people were appreciated for their hard work spreading fertilizer. Many other young people combed neighborhood streets for litter.

“It is so clear to me that this is the generation of youth who will use their passion and gifts to usher in our Lord’s return. They are so creative. They are so passionate. They are so gifted. They have so much energy. Now is the time for us older adults to mentor and empower the youth to take more evangelism ownership for this church moment,” Whitehead said.

Throughout the camporee, guest speakers reminded the Pathfinders that they are living in challenging times and emphasized they have an urgent responsibility to tell the world about Jesus. The Pathfinders responded to this challenge by giving $1,124.84 for youth evangelism and outreach during an offering call. Walter Wright, LUC president said, “That amount is being matched by the Lake Union, giving our young people [more than] $2,000 for this worthy cause.” You may contact Whitehead to inquire about use of these funds.

The 2009 International Courage to Stand Camporee was officially announced Saturday night. The LUC will host this event in Oshkosh, Wis., Aug. 11–15, 2009. For information, visit www.camporee.org, or call the Center for Youth Evangelism at 800-youth2u or 269-471-8380.

On Sunday morning, Pathfinders convened for an impressive parade by conferences. The parade was a visual reminder of the organization’s strength. “Pathfinder ministry is the largest and strongest congregation-based youth ministry in the Adventist church,” said Whitehead.

Many people made this event possible. Mike Edge, Wisconsin Conference youth ministries director, said, "My hat is off to the many Pathfinder staff members who have committed themselves to the salvation of our youth, choosing to rough it with their kids rather than the comfort of un-involvement."

Throughout the camporee, clubs participated in activities. At each station, participants earned points for their club total. On Sunday morning, an awards ceremony was held to acknowledge the participation and skills of the young people. Each club received a special trophy, and Pathfinders received a patch and pin in memory of this camporee. No doubt, they'll take many excellent memories home also.

The next LUC Camporee is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 15–18, 2011, at the same location.

Diane Thurber, Lake Union Herald managing editor, with Terry Dodge, 2006 Lake Union Conference Camporee director/Michigan Conference Pathfinder director, and Ron Whitehead, Lake Union Conference youth ministries coordinator