NPUC Pathfinder Camporee 2022

By: Autumn Dunzweiler

UCC communications coordinator

Last weekend 1,600 Pathfinders from across the North Pacific Union Conference gathered in Kalispell, Montana. Among them were more than 800 Upper Columbia Conference Pathfinders, who were busy earning honors, participating in service projects, and connecting with Jesus and others from across the Pacific Northwest.

“There were thousands of hours of planning that went into this weekend, but the impact we had on these Pathfinders is life changing,” shares Richie Brower, UCC associate director for club ministries.

Although the Pathfinders were rained out the first day, they made the most of their time and didn’t let the weather get in the way. The Pathfinders and Adventurers had many honors to choose from, as well as shows in the afternoon to attend.

Pathfinders had a blast earning honors and had nearly 30 to choose from. The honors that the Pathfinders were earning at Camporee were unique, because many of them were pilot honors. Not only were these pilot honors, but several were created by Upper Columbia Conference Pathfinders and staff. Some of these honors included: Tombstones, Glaciers, Wildfire Preparation & Prevention, Land Surveying, and Disc Golf.  

During the afternoon programs, organizations like Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks presented a wildlife bear show and Montana Wild Wings brought several rescued birds to show off. The Mountain Man Village Show was quite a booming experience as locals shared and shot a gunpowder musket to signify when it was time to rotate through stations.

There were many service projects that took place within Kalispell as well. Pathfinders were mulching trails in local parks, while the Adventurers teamed up with each other and their parents to put together 125 flood buckets through Adventist Community Services (ACS).

Unique opportunities at this year’s Camporee included a travel booklet for each Pathfinder to document the experience, a teen café, and the prayer wall/room.

On Sabbath, the Pathfinders loaded up and headed to Glacier National Park. They enjoyed hiking, lunch, and a worship service with fantastic views.

“When walking on the trail you continued to hear groups of Pathfinders exclaiming ‘Happy Sabbath’ to everyone they passed with a club shirt on,” says Cheryl Wallace, UCC administrative assistant for club ministries.

Ending the weekend with presenter, Ron Whitehead, director of the Center for Youth Evangelism, made an alter call inviting Pathfinder to make a decision for Jesus. Out of all the Pathfinders in attendance, 251 made a decision for baptism with 98 of those from Upper Columbia Conference Pathfinder clubs.

Read the full recap at nwadventists.com/feature/lets-go-explore-serve-and-share-npuc-camporee-2022.