What Is the International Pathfinder Camporee?

Pathfinders is a youth ministry within the Adventist Church for those ages 10-15. It’s similar to Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts programs—but with a spiritual twist. Pathfinder clubs are hosted by local churches and focus on helping young people develop skills and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Though most Pathfinder events happen on a local or regional level, the international Pathfinder Camporee is different. Every five years, it brings together Pathfinders from across the globe for a week of exciting programming. This event is jam-packed with activities like rock climbing, service projects, and rodeos. And the evening and Sabbath programs bring everyone together for spiritual encouragement.

Many past camporees were held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin (USA), so you might’ve heard of this event by its nickname of “Oshkosh.”

Let’s learn a few more details about the international camporee, including:

What happens at the international camporee?

A young girl wearing her full Pathfinder uniformThe international camporee provides many activities for young people, including opportunities to learn skills, be involved in service projects, and grow spiritually.

One major aspect of Pathfinder clubs is earning “honors” or badges for completing specific requirements of a skill. Though Pathfinders earn a lot of these honors during their local club meetings, the camporee is one opportunity to earn more. Some examples are:

  • Serving communities
  • Geology
  • Archery
  • Bible marking
  • Origami
  • Climbing
  • Lighthouses
  • Drawing and painting

In addition to these classes, the camporee offers off-site activities like horseback riding, hiking, or pottery. Attendees can also take part in parades, flag ceremonies, fun runs, and marching drill team competitions.

Another typical part of the camporee is the Talent Stage. In preparation for the camporee, a young person can submit a performance to share with the other attendees. This performance could be singing, playing a musical instrument, or reading a poem.

Of course, we can’t forget the evening and Sabbath programs, which bring all the attendees together for worship, singing, and spiritual encouragement. These programs typically have a main speaker and dramas that focus on the Bible character chosen for the event. Each camporee also has a special theme song that the attendees learn together.

Past events have had themes like “Forever Faithful,” focusing on the Bible character Daniel (2014), and “Chosen,” which focused on King David (2019).

Last but not least, a major highlight is the baptisms. Many young people see the camporee as a special chance to commit their lives to Jesus and show others that commitment through baptism. At the 2019 event, 1,320 young people were baptized.

When and where is the next one?

The next international camporee will take place August 5-11, 2024, in Gillette, Wyoming.

Unlike many previous years when the camporee was held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the organizers voted to move the location west to provide a larger venue with greater support for attendees. The event will take place at the Cam-Plex Facilities in Gillette, the largest full-amenity campground in the world.

The theme for this event will be “Believe the Promise,” focusing on the Bible character Moses, who encouraged the Israelites to believe God’s promise to bring them to the Promised Land of Canaan. The evening program will have drama productions of this story.1

During the day, the attendees can choose from hundreds of activities, from earning various honors to participating in drill team competitions, fun runs, community service, and the talent stage. Some special events and activities in Gillette will include:

  • Pottery at a studio called Hands On Pottery
  • A visit to Area 59, a maker center with robotic arms, laser engravers, 3D printers, a workshop, and more
  • Tours of a buffalo ranch or a coal mine
  • A motocross demo
  • Rodeos
  • A vintage car show
  • A chef competition

To watch the promo video and get further details, visit the official camporee website. It provides maps, schedules, activity lists, and much, much more.

Who attends the international camporee?

A middle-aged Pathfinder leader in full uniformThe international camporee is attended by thousands of Pathfinder members, as well as their club leaders and chaperones. The Pathfinders are typically aged 10-15 and come from nearly every continent in the world.

The 2019 Chosen International Camporee had over 55,000 attendees from more than 105 countries. Countries like:

  • Kenya
  • Uganda
  • El Salvador
  • Mexico
  • France
  • Italy
  • England
  • Latvia
  • The United Arab Emirates
  • China
  • Australia
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Indonesia

And that’s only naming a few!

How to get involved in the international camporee

A line of volunteers serving a meal to PathfindersAttending the international Pathfinder camporee begins with being part of a local Pathfinder club. Many larger Seventh-day Adventist churches host their own clubs and smaller churches may pool together to have enough members. Check with your local church pastor to find out if there’s a club near you.

To attend the camporee, Pathfinders in the North American Division (NAD) can purchase tickets through their club directors. International tickets, on the other hand, are purchased individually.

If you’re not of Pathfinder age but would like to support this extraordinary event, the international camporee always needs adult volunteers! Hundreds of volunteers come together to help the event run smoothly. Simply fill out the volunteer form on their website and find out what you can do.

Another great way to support the camporee is through sponsoring Pathfinders to attend. Often, Pathfinders will fundraise or seek assistance through their churches, so you can be part of helping them attend this exciting, spiritually enriching event.

Wondering what else the Adventist Church offers for young people?

  1. “Believe the Promise International Pathfinder Camporee Is Going West!” Seventh-day Adventist Church: North American Division. []

Questions about Adventists? Ask here!

Find answers to your questions about Seventh-day Adventists

More Answers

What Is an Adventist Medical Missionary?

What Is an Adventist Medical Missionary?

A medical missionary in the Adventist Church is someone who cares for the medical needs of people as a way of showing the love of Jesus. They may travel to another country, or even just serve in their hometown.

Are Seventh-day Adventists Evangelicals?

Are Seventh-day Adventists Evangelicals?

According to its origins and definition, evangelicalism is about following Jesus and the Bible and sharing the Gospel through the way we live our lives. Adventists wholeheartedly harmonize with these principles.

Do Seventh-day Adventists Have “Rules” For Marriage?

Do Seventh-day Adventists Have “Rules” For Marriage?

Around the world, many cultures and religions have various marriage traditions, expectations, or even rules when it comes to choosing a partner, planning the wedding, extended family logistics, or a number of other things.

How Are Seventh-day Adventists Different from Other Protestants?

How Are Seventh-day Adventists Different from Other Protestants?

As a Protestant Christian denomination, the Seventh-day Adventist Church regards the Bible as the ultimate guide and looks to Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation. We do have some differences of belief or interpretation when it comes to topics like Bible prophecy, end-time events, the Sabbath, and a person’s state after death.

How Adventists Handle Death and Funerals

How Adventists Handle Death and Funerals

Most Seventh-day Adventist funeral services are similar to those of other Protestant denominations, such as Methodists, Baptists, or Presbyterians, but you might find a few differences or unique nuances.

Do Seventh-day Adventists Believe Only They Will Go to Heaven?

Do Seventh-day Adventists Believe Only They Will Go to Heaven?

No, Adventists definitely don’t believe they’re the only ones that will go to heaven. As a matter of fact, we don’t believe admittance into heaven is ever based on which church or denomination we belong to. People all over the world from different Christian denominations, religions, and walks of life will be welcomed by Jesus.

What Is Children’s Sabbath School in the Adventist Church?

What Is Children’s Sabbath School in the Adventist Church?

Children’s Sabbath School is a Bible program offered every Sabbath at Adventist churches for children from birth to age 18. These classes give children the chance to learn Bible stories, make new friends, and participate in fun activities.

Do Adventists Observe Easter-Related Holidays?

Do Adventists Observe Easter-Related Holidays?

Jesus Christ’s resurrection, celebrated on many Easter-related holidays, is central to the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. And that means we seek every opportunity to remember it.

An Overview of Seventh-day Adventist Higher Education

An Overview of Seventh-day Adventist Higher Education

The Seventh-day Adventist Church has about 118 tertiary schools around the world. Though many of them are within North America, you’ll also find Adventist universities in countries across the world—places like Croatia, Austria, Brazil, Madagascar, and the Philippines.

Are Seventh-day Adventists Christians?

Are Seventh-day Adventists Christians?

Yes, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination formed in 1863. Just like other Christians, we believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior and seek to follow the principles of the Word of God.

Do Adventists Celebrate Christmas?

Do Adventists Celebrate Christmas?

In general, most Seventh-day Adventists do celebrate Christmas.

Since our denomination doesn’t have specific guidelines about holidays, it’s up to each member to decide whether to celebrate it based on their personal convictions and study of the Bible.

What Does the Bible Say About Modesty

What Does the Bible Say About Modesty

Seventh-day Adventists and Christians in general try to ensure their outward presentation and lifestyle glorify God. This often involves daily habits like the ways we hold conversations, the ways we dress and accessorize, and the ways we regard other people when we’re out and about.

Does the Seventh-day Adventist Church Believe in Paying Tithe?

Does the Seventh-day Adventist Church Believe in Paying Tithe?

Seventh-day Adventists believe in paying tithe and offerings based on the biblical command and our commitment to being wise stewards of God’s resources. These donations help fund the mission of the Adventist Church by supporting pastors, missionaries, church expenses, and evangelistic projects, among other things.

Didn’t find your answer? Ask us!

We understand your concern of having questions but not knowing who to ask—we’ve felt it ourselves. When you’re ready to learn more about Adventists, send us a question! We know a thing or two about Adventists.