Vanessa Arana
Vanessa Arana
Vanessa Arana
The Carolina Conference played a significant role in the 2024 International Pathfinders Camporee in Gillette, Wyo., by hosting the Pioneer Village. Inspired by 1800s society and lifestyle in the Carolinas, the village transported more than 5,000 visitors back in time, offering them an authentic glimpse into the daily lives of pioneers.
The village was a labor of love, brought to life by more than 400 passionate volunteers. Open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., it featured a variety of interactive stations that captured the spirit of the era. Each station was an educational adventure, from a corn grinder to a windlass well, a water pump, and even a tomahawk throw. Visitors could also witness a Dutch oven demonstration and try their hand at crosscut sawing, an activity that proved incredibly popular — so much so that the village went through 11 logs.
A particular highlight was the laundry station, where children energetically lined up to wash clothes by hand, despite the chilly water. The experience resonated deeply with visitors from around the world. One international guest, upon seeing the old-fashioned laundry methods, remarked, “Yeah, that’s the way we still do it in my country.”
The wood shop was another bustling hub of activity. With three tables filled with tools and wooden pieces, it was a hands-on haven for children. Volunteers initially brought more than 1,000 pieces of wood, but due to the overwhelming interest, they had to replenish their supplies to keep up with demand.
Beyond these activities, the Pioneer Village offered various honors, including sewing, leathercraft, herbs, soap craft, and the Pioneer honor, which provided a comprehensive look at pioneer life. The candle-making station was particularly well-received, with many visitors designing their own candles to take home as souvenirs. The Gospel in the Stars honor, led by Bob and Carolyn Fekete, was a major attraction, with nearly 400 participants completing it.
The village’s immersive environment captured the attention of visitors from all corners of the globe. The youth director from Kenya, one of the first to visit on Wednesday, was so impressed that he expressed interest in bringing the Pioneer Village experience to Kenya. The village drew in visitors from the United Kingdom, Romania, and beyond, all eager to explore and learn.
The authenticity of the experience was enhanced by the volunteers themselves, many of whom dressed in traditional 1800s attire. The diversity of these costumes was remarkable, reflecting a rich tapestry of heritage, from German and African outfits to Latin American styles. Some volunteers even brought costumes passed down through generations, adding a personal touch to the historical reenactment.
The Pioneer Village was not just a hit with international visitors but also with the local community in Gillette. The response from everyone was overwhelmingly positive, and when volunteers needed materials like logs, local shops were more than willing to help.
The Carolina Pathfinder Council decided to highlight the village with their Camporee trading pins. The pins consisted of a two-man saw, hatchet throwing, outhouse, and a Dutch oven. Each pin had moving parts, and you could purchase a village pin that allowed each of the other four to nest in their appropriate positions.
The Pioneer Village was more than just a collection of activities; it was a testament to the power of community, history, and the shared human experience. Those who visited left not only with new skills and memories but also with a greater appreciation for the past and the people who lived it.
Carolina | October 2024
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