From August 6 to 10, 2024, the International Pathfinder Camporee will be held in Gillette, Wyoming, USA, under the theme “Believe the Promise.” This global festival will bring together over 58,000 Pathfinders and leaders worldwide. Tickets were sold out in January, with 54,164 North American Division (NAD) attendees and 3,824 international attendees from approximately 90 countries. The Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) will have a record attendance of about 450 members, including 410 from Korea, 25 from Japan, 11 from Mongolia, 2 from Bangladesh, and 1 from Taiwan. The International Pathfinder Camporee, considered the most significant event organized by the Adventist Church based on the number of participants, is expected to yield the following benefits.
Firstly, the spiritual growth of the Pathfinders. Among the many programs at the Camporee, the focus is on the Word and worship. The dynamic and inspirational messages of Pastor Damian Chandler, the main speaker, will ignite the attendees’ hearts every evening. The creative musical themed on the Exodus and the miracle of the Red Sea will also provide deep inspiration. Additionally, various prayer and worship activities such as the prayer tent (relay prayer), international prayer sessions, prayer scrolls, God’s talent, worship services, and baptisms throughout the Camporee will foster the faith and spiritual growth of the attendees.
Secondly, enhancing the pride and establishing the identity of Pathfinders through the unique culture of the Camporee. The Camporee offers a rich and professional experience of Pathfinder-specific activities such as skill booths, parades, honor ceremonies, drill competitions, and pin trading. Attendees can also enjoy special events that can only be experienced at large-scale events like the international Camporee. These include a vintage car show, bike show, Guinness World Record attempts (largest Pathfinder scarf and slide, giant ball rolling), Pathfinder World Cup soccer, top club chef competition, drum corps competition, LEGO mosaic mural creation, and tours of Gillette attractions, all of which will enhance the pride and identity of Pathfinders.
Thirdly, developing global leadership through diverse cultural experiences, exchanges, and community service activities. The 58,000 participants from 90 countries will be able to enhance their global leadership through folk performances and experience booths of countries belonging to the 13 divisions every afternoon. The Korean booth, always a popular spot, will once again introduce Korean culture and Pathfinders to participants from around the world through various activities such as kimchi-making, hotteok-making, fan and hanbok paper folding, jegichagi and ttakji-chigi (Korean traditional games), basic Korean conversation and Hangeul calligraphy, postcard making, and traditional pattern stamp making.
For these reasons, the International Pathfinder Camporee provides participants a valuable opportunity for personal, spiritual, and community growth. It also aims to inspire the spirit and mission of Pathfinder ministry, with the expectation that the ministry in each club will be further activated after the event.