Expedition

Expedition is an annual event for Pathfinder Clubs, held over the June long-weekend.

At expedition, the pathfinders are encouraged to work together in small, club-based teams, hiking through the forest using their map and compasses for navigation to identify as many checkpoints as possible.

This year, we had our biggest turnout for a Pathfinder Expedition, with 530 pathfinders, volunteers, leaders, directors, district directors and junior counsellors turning a small paddock in Rushworth, Northern Victoria, into a mini city!

Over 18 clubs were represented, some coming from as far as Mildura to attend.

We were blessed with clear skies, cold nights and crisp mornings.

Orienteering is one of the skills

pathfinders are encouraged to develop over the duration of Expedition. We had 214 pathfinders participate in the Level 1 day hike (some teams walking upwards of 20 km), 130 Level 2 hikers (who camped in the forest for one night while orienteering on both days) and over 70 Level 3 hikers who completed a staged “search and rescue” operation while spending two nights in the state forest.

Our theme for this year’s expedition was “Armour Up!” Pr Jono Gillard (Chaplain at Gilson College, Taylor’s Lake) took us on a journey through Ephesians 6:10- 18; each of his talks focused on a different piece of God’s armour and why they are necessary in our lives.

Some of the pathfinders returned from their

hikes tired, others came back energised! Through the weekend they were challenged but learnt to overcome these challenges by working together in teams. New friendships were formed, existing friendships were deepened and memories to last a lifetime were made!

Pathfinder Ministries helps shape our young leaders to be bold, courageous and live a life of service for God’s Kingdom. If you would like to know more, please call us at 03 9264 7740 or email vicyouth@ adventist. org.au.