Teen Pathfinders Make a Lasting Impact in Northeast Oregon

By Jared Meharry,

Libby Adventist Christian School Head Teacher



Seventy teens and 46 adult leaders from Upper Columbia Conference dedicated their spring break to service, teamwork and spiritual growth during the 2026 Teen Pathfinder Mission Adventure at Camp Meadowood Springs in northeastern Oregon.

Roberta Shugars, Kennewick Pathfinder Club assistant director, captured the spirit of the week, saying, “Can you imagine teenagers giving up their spring break to work hard? UCC teenagers do it!” 

The theme of this year’s mission was "Our Voices for His Purpose." Morning and evening worship time examined how serving others is a silent voice for good, which builds friendships designed to last for eternity.

The Pathfinders began by dividing into nine working teams of 11–12 members each. Altogether, the groups contributed an impressive 4,163 combined hours of labor across multiple project sites. Their efforts focused on improving Camp Meadowood Springs and its surrounding community spaces, leaving behind visible and meaningful results.

At Camp Meadowood Springs, several teams tackled forest management projects, processing downed trees into numerous cords of firewood for future use. Teams also cleared and thinned brush across large portions of the property, reducing fire risk while enhancing forest health and overall appearance.

Additional work extended into the local community. Just up the road from the camp at the Walla Walla Valley Academy Lodge, Pathfinders cleared brush and split firewood. In local towns, service projects continued with a team excavating a septic riser and removing old trim at Umapine Adventist Church.

At Athena Adventist Church, crews took on a major renovation project: removing old siding, installing new exterior siding on two sides of the building and completing fresh paintwork. Another team served at Milton-Stateline Adventist School, assisting with cleaning, landscaping and grounds clearing.

The mission spirit reached beyond institutions into personal ministry as well. Pathfinder teams provided spring yard cleanup for several elderly church members in surrounding communities, offering practical help and encouragement.

The week’s efforts culminated in a celebration banquet and Friday evening vespers, where four individuals made decisions for baptism, marking a powerful spiritual highlight of the trip. Pathfinders also led the worship service at Athena Church on Sabbath, sharing their faith through testimonies of their experiences, music and participation.

Reflecting on the experience, Matthew Clayville, Pendleton Pathfinder Club member, shared, “It was a lot of work, but everyone that I talked to by the end of the week said they enjoyed it a lot and wanted to come back next year, and I can’t help but agree.” Clayville remarked that in their service, his fellow Pathfinders had exemplified the Pathfinder pledge “to be servants of God and friends to mankind.”

Ashley Brown, Sandpoint Pathfinder Club member, echoed Clayville’s sentiment, adding, “TPMA is truly a blessing, not only for those who are served, but also for those who attend. If you’re a teen Pathfinder and have never been to a TPMA event, I would encourage you to go the first chance you get.”

In a week’s time, this year’s mission adventure not only strengthened facilities and landscapes, but also deepened faith and connection among participants, demonstrating the lasting impact of service when young people step forward to lead.