NAD NewsPoints

NewsPoints August 19, 2020

August 19, 2020 | Columbia, Md. | North American Division Office of Communication

Southern Adventist University’s Blacksmithing Club Forges Camporee Connections

At the largest ever hands-on blacksmithing event for young people in the United States, the “Southern Smiths” introduced the art of shaping metal with fire to more than 800 participants at a booth offering the blacksmithing honor, sponsored by Southern Adventist University, at the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, in early August.

Networking in the Disabilities Ministries Community

On May 1-3, 2024, the Disability & the Church Conference hosted by Key Ministry took place in Orlando, Florida. The conference featured speakers and exhibitors from different parts of North America and various denominations and ministries who provided vital information about ways to foster an inclusive worship experience for individuals with and without a disability. They discussed the importance of accessible physical spaces, inclusive language and imagery in worship materials, and trained volunteers to support individuals with disabilities during services. Speakers and attendees also shared inspiring testimonies about their personal or family-related experiences with a disability.

NAD Continues its Commitment to NextGen Leaders at Gillette Camporee

For the past five years, the North American Division (NAD) has tackled a growing pastor and teacher shortage caused by retirements, resignations, and fewer graduates entering those fields. The 2019 Chosen International Pathfinder Camporee saw the launch of the NAD Ministerial Association “NextGen” initiative, featuring a social event for young people interested in pastoral ministry. One thousand attended. At the 2024 camporee, several NAD departments hosted booths designed to engage children, youth, and young adults interested in serving the church in different capacities.

Moses Reenactment Touches the Hearts of Camporee Attendees, Actors, and Personnel

One of the prominent features of the International Pathfinder Camporee is dynamic biblical reenactment. The 2024 dramatic presentation that fueled the theme “Believe the Promise” was highlighted by a host skilled actors portraying the life experience of Moses. During the camporee, one-hour meet-and-greets were carved out of afternoon programming for the Moses cast to engage with attendees. Pathfinders, leaders, and parents were understandably eager to shake hands, take pictures, ask questions, and soak in the moment with the talented performers.

Wish of a Lifetime

“Camporee is the zenith of experiences for every Pathfinder,” says Vernon Norman of Huntsville, Alabama. That’s why it was his dream for almost 40 years to attend an International Pathfinder Camporee. This past August in Gillette, Wyoming, his dream came true.