Nathan Roe
Nathan Roe
Nathan Roe
Nathan Roe
Nathan Roe
Nathan Roe
Nearly 6,000 Pathfinders and staff gathered for the Southern Union Pathfinder Camporee, held October 12-16, 2016, at Camp Kulaqua in High Springs, Florida. This event brought participants from across the Southern Union territory, and highlighted the theme of “Jesus For Me.”
Great speakers shared with the young people throughout the Camporee. Ron Smith, D.Min., Ph.D., president of the Southern Union, provided the keynote address, and Stephen Arrington told his transformational story from crime to following Christ. Armando Miranda, North American Division Pathfinder leader, challenged the Camporee attendees to be faithful to Jesus. Jose Rojas, director of Movementum, called for the Pathfinders to be the church of today, and to live their lives solely for Jesus Christ. Thousands stood in commitment as a response to the invitation to be an example to the world. Terry Johnson had the closing night message and spoke of the faithfulness of Jesus in his life, as he has served as U.S. Presidential Honor Guard for three U.S. Presidents.
The Camporee was organized by the Southern Union and Conference youth directors. The planning took place over the last couple years, and was designed to offer more activities than the Pathfinders could actually participate in during the Camporee. There were many honor classes that were offered, and a host of activities for the young people to engage in, including these: Messiah’s Mansion, with a walk-through of the Sanctuary display, and an opportunity to earn an honor patch; The Wild World of Animals Show; a quad bungee trampoline jump; the Camp Kulaqua zip line; a climbing wall and Tower of Faith Jump; the Camp Kulaqua Zoo; the Teen Zone for teen Pathfinders only; numerous inflatables; go-karting; the Adventist Youth Museum, with Pathfinder memorabilia displayed; and of course the popular Camp Kulaqua Water Park, where on Thursday and Friday afternoon there were a thousand individuals enjoying the water activities.
A unique Pioneer Village coordinated by the Carolina Conference displayed pioneer activities such as crafting, Dutch oven cookery, hatchet throwing, and fire-building skills. The Pioneer Village was also home to the Blacksmithing Shoppe, where Pathfinders were able to operate an old-time authentic blacksmith set up with blower, coal, and anvil to create a couple take-home items. This activity was popular for many, and added to the aura of original Pathfindering. The Blacksmithing honor was also offered.
A large outdoor stage was erected with lighting, sound, and LED screens so that the evening program could be viewed by all in attendance. A professional production company, Innovative Minds, coordinated the outdoor venue and was instrumental in the programming philosophy and delivery of the on stage programs. Many found the evening programs to be the highlight of the day, with special features that included a talented ventriloquist, Ryan and Friends; Ben Roy with his Science Zone projects; and Rich Aquilera, also known as the Mud Guy. The programs included worshipful group singing led by Richard Hickam, and prayers offered by Pathfinders in both English and Spanish. The Pathfinders enjoyed seeing the pictures of themselves in the various activities that were shared during the video day in review feature.
Hundreds of Pathfinders and a few staff recited two Camporee memory verses directly to Ken Rogers, Southern Union youth director, during the event, and were awarded a special pin for their memorization. Pin trading was wildly popular, and many Pathfinders were engaged in trading and purchasing pins from vendors and each other. Each registered Pathfinder and staff received a commemorative patch, pin, and backpack shoulder sling with the Camporee logo. The next Southern Union Pathfinder Camporee will be held in the year 2021, and the date and location will be announced later.
Phil Younts, Camp Kulaqua director, and the entire Camp Kulaqua staff provided a most gracious attitude and accommodation for all the Camporee participants. Not only were all the amenities of Camp Kulaqua made available, but the entire staff was engaged in creating a positive experience for each one. All were not treated as guests, but as family.
Bill Tracy, director of the Collegedale Explorers, states, “Not only our Pathfinders, but our staff as well were encouraged and blessed especially with Pastor Jose’s messages. This Camporee will have lifelong impact on each one here.” And indeed, that is the desired outcome for a Union-wide Camporee, that this experience will provide an anchor point in the spiritual journey of a young person. Perhaps when a youth experiences the challenges of life and the attack of the enemy, maybe a song, a remembered sermon, a prayer, a conversation, a shared activity will remind them that Jesus is for them.
Southern Union | December 2016
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