Pathfinder and Adventurer Camporee 2023

From June 22 to June 25, the Nevada-Utah Conference witnessed an extraordinary event that brought together young Pathfinders and Adventurers from across the region. The Pathfinder and Adventurer Camporee held in Grantsville, Utah, marked a significant milestone in the conference's history, attracting an impressive number of attendees.

Young people from different backgrounds, cultures, and communities converged at the event, creating an atmosphere of unity and camaraderie. It provided an excellent opportunity for participants to learn from one another, forge new friendships, and celebrate their shared commitment to the Pathfinder and Adventurer Club ministries.

Although most of the Pathfinders had grown up together and attended Susanville Adventist Christian School together, the club brought them closer and gave them more confidence. Bobi Tucker, one of the leaders, said, “As a teacher at the school where most of our group attends, I was surprised to see that Pathfinders has created a sense of unity for our kids that I haven't seen before. They function more like a cohesive group, whether at Pathfinder meetings or at school. It's a beautiful thing to see.”

Over the next few months, the group worked on honors, classwork, and outreach while learning more about God. Not only were they growing closer to God at Pathfinders, they were also taking Bible studies with Pastor LaPorte at home and at school. In March, all eight Pathfinders decided to be baptized. Finally, on June 3, in Antelope Lake, surrounded by loved ones and the church family that had supported them, they were baptized. Although the decision to start the club seemed like a small thing at the time, none of the families who stepped up in leadership roles could have predicted the effect Pathfinders would have on those kids, themselves, and the church. Elioenai Gamez, one of the members of the club, said, “Pathfinders has made my friendships stronger. It has made my faith in God stronger.” Myli Tucker, another member, added, “I enjoy Pathfinders. I’ve learned a lot and made good friends. I’m so glad I got to be baptized with some of my best friends.”

By Karri Gamez

The Camporee opened with an energetic display of discipline and teamwork as the participants showcased their drill and marching skills. Before each club displayed their well-rehearsed drill, they were put in a new group with Pathfinders from other churches.

“We intentionally put them in a position where they will have to learn how to work with young people they are not used to working with, or playing with, in order to foster interpersonal relationship growth and leadership skills,” shared Marcos Sanchez, one of the event’s staff.

Apart from the military-inspired drills, the Camporee also offered an array of engaging games that tested participants' agility, strategy, and problem-solving abilities. From the potato sack race to the water bucket challenge, the event had something for everyone. Additionally, as part of their community service initiative, the Pathfinders dedicated their time and effort to assist at Our House Assisted Living in Ogden. They eagerly engaged in various tasks, such as cleaning windows, vacuuming, and dusting, ensuring that the residents had a clean and comfortable environment.

Through their service, the

Pathfinders demonstrated compassion and a willingness to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Here is how Debbie Blair, the super assistant executive director of Our House, showed her appreciation to the young people: “When you do good, good returns to you. By doing good and giving service, I know that the good will return back to them 10-fold for what they’ve done today.”

At the heart of the Camporee was a series of uplifting worship experiences that allowed Pathfinders and Adventurers to deepen their faith and connection with God. Inspirational sermons, interactive discussions focused on discipleship, and devotional sessions fostered an atmosphere of reflection, spiritual growth, and revival. Pastor Zeek Nichols used the theme of the event, “Worthy,” to remind the young people that all of them are valuable in God’s eyes. “My grandma used to say: ‘Without a penny, a dollar is not complete,’” Nichols told them. “You are that penny; without you, God’s family is not complete.”

This remarkable event will be cherished as a significant milestone in the lives of Pathfinders and Adventurers in the Nevada-Utah Conference, who returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and a network of lasting friendships. Pastor Rudy Alvir, the youth department director, expressed his takeaways from the event: “I was impressed! With all the activities we had, we were able to see a spirit of cooperation over a spirit of competition. The young people are ready to lead right now. And it’s only the beginning.”

By Neat Randriamialison