Tents filled the campgrounds, campfires crackled, and hundreds of Pathfinders gathered for a weekend of adventure at Leoni Meadows. The Northern California Conference Pathfinder Camporee, held October 2–4, drew 790 attendees for three days of outdoor activities, friendship and worship.
The turnout continues several years of increasing attendance at the annual event, bringing together Pathfinders from churches throughout Northern California for a weekend of outdoor adventure, learning and worship.
For the weekend, Leoni Meadows became a sprawling Pathfinder campground, with clubs living in tents spread across the property. Cooking, eating and living together outdoors were part of the Camporee experience, giving Pathfinders time with their own clubs while sharing the grounds with young people from across the conference.
Throughout the weekend, Pathfinders tackled activities ranging from robotics and cryptography to river crossing and disability awareness. “Pathfinder Clue” put a different spin on traditional Pathfinder skills, with teams earning clues by completing challenges such as tying a square knot or reciting the Pathfinder Pledge. The mix of activities gave Pathfinders opportunities to learn new skills, work together and put some of their club training into practice.
“The growth of Pathfinders is not only in the number of youth participating, but in the number of churches getting involved,” said Eddie Heinrich, Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director. “Several new clubs have been established in our area churches, and it’s encouraging to see the impact these dedicated leaders are having on young people in their communities.”
Beyond the activities and campfires, the weekend also provided opportunities for spiritual reflection and commitment. Two Pathfinders chose baptism during Camporee, a reminder that alongside the adventure and friendships, the ministry is helping young people develop a personal relationship with Jesus.
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