AUGUST 5-11 Over 60,000 people from around the world traveled to Gillete, Wyoming to attend the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee. This was the first time the event was held in Gillete and not at its past location of Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Inclement weather plagued the campground throughout the week. Multiple activities were postponed as a result, including several nighttime programs. Due to this inconvenience, programs were doubled on nights when the weather was dry. The camporee ended a day early because a severe storm was forecasted for Sabbath. Fortunately, for those who chose to stay, the storm never happened.
The theme for the week was “Believe the Promise” and it featured the story of Moses. This biblical story was told through powerful sermons by speaker Damian Chandler, and through catchy songs from the nightly plays. Pathfinders were encouraged to trust in God’s promises, and 1,320 were baptized, including several students from CA.
The camporee provided an array of activities for Pathfinders to enjoy. For those who wanted to earn patches, a variety of honors – from Street Art to Astronomy – were provided, and filled up fast. An ever-present line waited to experience Advent Health’s interactive exhibit. Other activities offered were a climbing wall, ax throwing, a maze inside a semi truck, and rodeos.
Like many Pathfinders during the camporee, Maddi Johnson (11) spent a lot of time pin trading.
“My favorite part of the camporee…[was] doing the pin up challenge,” she says. “You took your smallest, most worthless pin and kept trading that one pin up until it becomes one that’s actually worth something.” Pathfinders walked around clad in vests, hats, and bags displaying their pins. They gathered by the dirt roads (and sometimes on them) to trade with passersby. Avid pin traders were after international pins, with the Korean sets being especially popular. These experiences fostered many connections throughout the week.
In true Pathfinder fashion, “Believe The Promise” attendees found ways to have fun despite the weather by making new friends, participating in activities, and growing closer to God. The next international camporee, “Stand Strong,” will be in 2029, and will highlight the story of Elijah.
