The November 2009 Gleaner features a photo spread from the 2009 International Pathfinder Camporee, in Oshkosh. Wis. Our editors struggled mightily to capture the spirit of this event in just four pages. If you want to take a closer look at camporee check out additional images (and add your own) in the following Flickr groups:
If you were at camporee, we want to hear from you. What were a couple of your favorite events/experiences? How did you get to camporee? Who was the most unique person you met? Share your memories and stories by adding a comment.
Tags: camporee, oshkosh, pathfinders
This was my third time to Oshkosh, and my fourth NAD Camporee. This trip my drill team from the Fort Vancouver Pathfinder Club participated in the Freestyle Drill Competion. We were the only team from the Oregon Conference, and the second team from the NPUC in this event. Although we only recieved a third place, the experience was more than enough reason to participate. On Sabbath afternoon, participated in the Community Day Parade through downtown Oshkosh. What an experience! And how sore my feet were when we finished. My team took part in flag lowering on Sabbath evening, and even my nephews keep thanking me for taking them on the trip.
In addition, I was able to collect 100 Pathfinder Club names for my project that I have been working on for five years. Three days in the Pathfinder Heritage Museum paid off. I can’t wait until the next one.
Pathfinders Find Courage to Stand
by Teresa Joy; Source: Washington Conference
http://washingtonconference.org/newstext.php?id=136
The Israelites complained in the desert but not Pathfinders.
With scorching temperatures around 85 to 90-degrees everyday, plus 100 percent humidity, you might think young campers would be doing a lot of complaining. But 32 Pathfinders from Sojourners Pathfinder Club in the Puget Sound region were so busy learning, working, pin-trading and Praising the Lord there was no time to complain.
The annual camporee in Oshkosh, Wis., in mid-August hosted some 35,000 Pathfinders from across the nation and around the world.
The theme this year was “Courage to Stand,” based on the story of Esther in the Bible. Each night Pathfinders carried their chairs to the big field where they enjoyed a theatrical performance of singing, dancing and acting, portraying the real-life experience of how Esther took a stand for her people.
It was the courage of Esther that led 14-year-old Tasha Whisennand of Bellevue to take a stand and get baptized at the camporee along with about 500 other young people.
Other Pathfinders learned to provide encouragement to others as they toured a refugee camp, operated by Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). They learned about giving food, water and medical supplies to those in need.
The Sojourners along with several hundred other Pathfinders also stepped out in courage to work on a local mission project. They helped clean, sand and refurbish a playground in Oshkosh.
Another activity that’s always fun at every camporee is pin trading. Pathfinders bring their own pins with their group name and logo on it.
Russell Jurgensen, another northwest counselor and co-director says, “Pin trading was a surprising highlight and it helped our club members meet other Pathfinders from around the country and the world.
Pathfinder leader, Jason Meert says, “Pin trading happens everywhere and all the time. In fact, it’s hard to actually get anywhere because the kids are constantly stopping to meet and trade with other kids! But it sure is a great way to get acquainted.”
“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid; for the Lord thy God is with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Deuteronomy 31:6
Student Preaches with Courage after Pathfinder Camporee
by Ryan Wilson, Chehalis associate pastor; Source: Washington Conference/Chehalis Adventist Church
Paige Burghart, 14, returned from the International Pathfinder Camporee inspired to take a stand for God. She talked with her pastors, David Glenn and Ryan Wilson, and said that she want to have the “courage to stand” and give a sermon.
With a little coaching from her pastors, Paige developed a sermon about the importance of praying for all young people, not just the ones who aren’t coming to church anymore.
Paige, who has a great love for writing, thoroughly enjoyed composing the sermon and delivering the message with poise and composure. “It was so nice to have a young person preaching the sermon,” says Pastor Glenn, “especially one who brings a good delivery and content to the pulpit.”
As she wrote her first sermon, Paige discovered the validity of the old adage “the one who prepares the message receives the greatest blessing.”
“The youth in our church really want to be prayed for,” she says. “I heard many comments from adults and teens alike while writing (my sermon) that prayer really is an essential ingredient in our church.”
If you are feeling called to use a particular gift of yours for God, do it. “Preaching a sermon is a big step to take, but I did it,” Paige says. “I encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and do something amazing for God.”