Austin Knights Pathfinders | Young People Renewed and Energized by Camporee
Thania Castanaza
Twenty-seven Austin Knights Pathfinders and staff, including Ann Marie Dyer, club director and Toni and Claudia Peña, camporee coordinators and family members from the Stonehill Seventh-day Adventist Church in Pflugerville, Tex., were part of the 55,000+ who attended the 2019 International Pathfinder Camporee in Oshkosh, Wis. this past summer. The group creatively fundraised
The group creatively fundraised through fireworks sales, landscaping, gym nights and painting sidewalks, in addition to receiving donations.
Even though the group had flight and bus delays, it was worth all the fundraising work as the group flew to Chicago, Ill. and then rode a bus to Oshkosh.
The Pathfinders enjoyed the evening program, especially seeing the live sheep, the adoration music, the wide range of nationalities and the play. The final message of empowerment gave them a sense of belonging to Christ.
During the day, the Pathfinders completed honors and activities including flight simulation, aviation, pickleball, dinosaurs, robotics and space.
On Aug. 17, 2019, most of our Pathfinders were able to join the 13,309 people wearing blue hooded jackets to form the largest human image of a cross as confirmed by Guinness World Records. Our Pathfinders were renewed, happy and proud to participate.
One of the most exciting parts of the camporee is seeing the desire by these young people to grow closer to God and study for baptism. When they develop that relationship, they have a hope.
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The article originally appeared in the January/February 2020 issue of the Southwestern Union Record | issuu.com/swurecord
Original Submission
Church: Stonehill SDA, Pflugerville, TX
Club name: Austin Knights
Club Director: Ann Marie Dyer
Pathfinders that went to Oshkosh: 18
Staff: 4
Family members: 9
Total: 27
Fundraiser activities: Fireworks sale shop sales persons, Landscaping, Gym nights, Painting sidewalks
How did we travel there? We traveled by airplane to Midway airport in Chicago and to Chicago O’hare Airport. Then, we took a bus. Two families drove from the nearby airports.
Any eventful happen? Flights delayed and buses got delayed. Thanks God, we managed to a great start.
Honors that our Pathfinders have attended: Flight simulation, Aviation, Pickle ball, Dinosaurs, Robotics, Space
What our pathfinders think of the evening program?: They loved the program, they enjoyed the Sheep, the adoration music and the wide range of nationalities included. The play was fun and at the same time with a deep insight Christian message of empowerment which left them with a sense of belonging to Christ.
Did any decided to get baptized? How many were baptized? Any special stories? They became interested and they are studying for baptism! David is one of our Pathfinders, he is studying for baptism, his step dad is suffering from Pancreatic Cancer, David is getting closer to God everyday and finding more hope in Jesus. This camporee renewed his faith and strength. He is amazed of how many Adventists are in the world and he prays for increasing faith around the world.
Did any of your Pathfinders participate in the world’s largest human cross? Yes, most of our Pathfinders went to participate! They are renewed, happy and proud of their participation. Three of our Pathfinders weren’t able to participate, they became sick with insolation. We donated those light blue robes, some International Pathfinders on our way, they were not registered on time.
What was their favorite honor, activity, etc.? They loved the Space honor, Flight simulation, Dinosaurs, and the YMCA activity.
Quotes:
Adults attending:
Try, hard, be willing, pay attention to what’s happening to those around you, and do everything with kindness. –Lori Price
The Pathfinder’s ideal deserves to be pursued! –Blanca Joo
Pathfinders:
“Serving the Lord through service to man” –Josh Price