In-Person Pathfinder Teen Retreat Offers Opportunities for Connection

One of the highlights of being a Pathfinder is the opportunity to join other clubs at a variety of conference, union and global events. Pathfinders are able to experience being something much bigger than their local club, make friends and form connections.

Jared Spano, pastor of Riverview Seventh-day Adventist Church, was the speaker for the weekend. The teens attending the retreat were engaged every moment he was speaking as he shared messages highlighting the cost Christ had paid for the lives of his beloved creation.

Many teens question their value in the world as their self-confidence waivers during this transitionary period between no longer being children and becoming adults. Spano challenged them to dwell on the fact that God found them so valuable that they were worth sacrifice of Jesus’ life.

The weekend also included time spent in nature. Sabbath afternoon was spent on an extensive scavenger hunt. Groups followed the instructions shared by eleven clues that lead them all across the camp. Once the groups figured out where to go, getting there became the next challenge. Most clues were accompanied with a challenge that had to be fulfilled between locations. Some of these challenges included carrying one of your team members to the next location, one team member going blind-folded to the next location having to trust another to lead them, and two team members having to tie their legs together in three-legged race fashion to get to the next location.

Sunday morning’s worship was followed by a communion service overlooking Hayden Lake. The young people were engaged and showed such respect for this ordinance that reminds us to follow Jesus’ example of service. Spano again reminded everyone of the magnitude of the sacrifice paid to restore the lives of each of us.

After the communion service, the Pathfinders packed up their belongings and shared some of their favorite moments of the weekend. There were many reflections, laughs, and hollered goodbyes teens and their club leaders loaded their vehicles and headed home.

The Pendleton Pathfinders shared their reflections of the weekend during their trip home. “The pastor really got me into the message. You could tell he was genuinely excited about what he was preaching,” said Luke Clayville. Other club members shared that they enjoyed the meetings, band and music.