Pathfinder Camporee

WEWOKA, OKLA. – The Oklahoma Pathfinders had their fall camporee on Oct. 23-25. The theme of the camporee was “Trust in the Lord,” based on Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Thirteen Pathfinder clubs attended the camporee and one Master Guide Club, totaling 235 people.

During the Sabbath morning worship service, Daniel Ortega, youth and young adult/communication director for the Oklahoma Conference, challenged the Pathfinders to put their trust in the Lord and not on the earthly and temporal things of this world when facing struggles, temptations and challenges. After lunch, the Pathfinders participated in the raptor honor, which consisted of dissecting owl pellets, observing various raptors fly across the lake as the observation was led by naturalist Bob Holbrook, and seeing five amazing live raptors up close and personal. The live raptors were brought in by the Black Prairie Raptor Center from Texas. 

That evening during the worship service, as a huge bonfire behind the stage area lit up the evening panorama, 10 young people came forward as a response to a call for baptism. A special prayer of dedication was had for those who came forward as their director stood with them in support.

Sunday was a day full of challenges of outdoor activities, such as an obstacle course, knot tying and lashing, bird matching and tent set-up, just to name a few. The morning was topped off with a raft race where each individual club was responsible for building and racing their raft across the lake. All the pathfinders joined together in cheering for each club’s raft regardless of whether the raft was fast or even able to stay afloat.

Though the weekend manifested cold nights with mild winds, the Pathfinders stood brave and courageous through the weekend and enjoyed the fellowship, activities and new learning experiences. 

We praise God for His safety and guidance for our young people during the camporee and we pray that our young people will continue to trust more and more in our God! May they soar like eagles as they follow Him.

By Yesenia Ortega

Communication Administrative Assistant