International Pathfinder Camporee
BY JEFF ROGERS
They had a blast in the midst of difficulties.
The International Pathfinder Camporee is one of the largest gatherings of Seventh-day Adventist youth in the world. This event attracts Pathfinders— youth aged 10 to 15 and their families—from different cultures, languages, and backgrounds, all united in their love for adventure, service, and faith. In 2024, the camporee's theme, “Believe the Promise,” focused on living out one's faith through service, leadership, and commitment to God. The event featured a dynamic lineup of activities, including honors classes, team-building exercises, creative arts, and nightly worship sessions.
On the last day of the International Camporee, Arizona Conference Pathfinder Assistant Director Lily Chairez asked several of the Arizona Pathfinders about their experience at the camporee. “The most common answers were the storm was awesome, the pin trading, and meeting and making new friends,” she said. “It is evident kids and youth take things way different from the way we do. They had a blast in the midst of difficulties.”
Indeed, Pathfinder leaders and volunteers faced some difficulties: portable toilets taken out of service due to being full, reduced trash pickup, and a major thunderstorm that blew over tents and soaked the camp, causing the first evening’s program to be canceled. But the kids' reactions confirmed what many know: Kids are resilient.
With the prospect of another massive thunderstorm moving through the area on Sabbath afternoon, camporee organizers made the difficult decision to end camporee 24 hours early after the Friday evening program. Many of the Arizona Conference Pathfinders made initial plans to leave right after the program; tents were dismantled and sleeping bags were rolled up and packed away. Unfortunately, the charter bus company could not get their backup drivers to Gilette on the new timetable. Arizona Pathfinder Director Manny Cruz had the unenviable task of informing the groups that they would be sleeping on the bus Friday night and leaving around noon the next day.
Chairez relayed a message from one of the Arizona Pathfinder volunteers. “One Pathfinder told their leader Friday night, ‘God answered my prayer because I told Him I didn’t want to go, and now we are staying one more day.’”
The pastors, leaders, and volunteers who assisted with the trip were supportive and worked well together. Cruz confirmed that viewpoint in a text message to the team: “I thought of the week and the challenges we faced. I am grateful for God’s protection and for allowing me to be a part of this experience. I am eternally grateful for each of you. I am convinced that I have the best team of coordinators!”
Many people took vacation time to support this event and provide the young people with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. “For the young people and children, this was an unforgettable and worthwhile experience,” said Arizona Conference Central Arizona Pathfinder Coordinator Jessica Gastelum who saw the impact of the camporee in her own family. “I speak for my daughter, who enjoyed this week—and seeing her cry during worship service confirmed to me that attending the camporee was the best decision.”
Camporee Baptisms
The camporee was an unforgettable gathering that brought together thousands of young people from across the globe. Amidst the engaging activities, international fellowship, and spiritual enrichment, one of the most poignant and significant moments was the baptism of 11 Arizona Pathfinders who publicly declared their faith and commitment to Jesus Christ.
For the 11 youth who were baptized, the decision was the culmination of personal journeys of faith, nurtured by their families, local churches, and Pathfinder clubs. They participated in Bible studies, prayer groups, and discussions with mentors who encouraged them to explore their relationship with God. Each young person’s story is unique, yet all share a common thread: a growing desire to commit to Jesus and live according to His teachings. With its supportive community of peers and leaders, the camporee was the ideal platform for this life-changing decision.
Cheers greeted each newly baptized youth as they emerged from the water. Embraced by their fellow Pathfinders and leaders, it was a moment of profound connection, not only with God but with the global Pathfinder community who had witnessed this public declaration of faith.
Scenes from the Camporee
