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Helping others was a non-negotiable dimension of the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee, and Adventist Community Services (ACS) buttressed many of the philanthropic projects already in motion in Gillette, Wyoming. Two particular ACS projects were somewhat attached at the hip, though they might not have seemed related: hygiene kits and grow boxes.

On Friday, August 9, 2024, following the evening presentation at the International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, the unexpected happened. Sarah Kelley, who had taken a chance traveling to the camporee when she was nearly full term, felt her water break. Remarkably, Sarah still decided to stay overnight in their tent, not leaving for the hospital until Sabbath morning.

Every international Pathfinder camporee offers attendees unique educational activities and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. At “Believe the Promise,” halls full of exhibits, vendors, and on-site activities allowed Pathfinders to learn more about regions across North America and beyond —ideas, history, Adventist organizations and culture, careers, hobbies, skills, volunteer services, different types of honors (230!), or new ways to have fun. This is just a taste of what the camporee offered.

Pathfinders from around the world joined forces for the international camporee, focusing on community service projects such as outreach to the elderly, veterans, and active military; community clean-ups; and food distribution. Grounded in the Pathfinder Law, "servant of God, friend to man," the 45 planned community service projects this week highlight their commitment to selfless service.

On Thursday evening, Aug. 8, 2024, the decision was made to conclude the International Pathfinder Camporee (IPC) earlier than expected. Camporee leadership published an announcement in the early morning hours on Aug. 9, after announcing the decision to attendees the previously night after the nighttime program.

The 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee commenced in earnest on August 6 in Gillette, Wisconsin. One of the cornerstones of the quinquennial camporee is community service. Thousands of Pathfinder youths, club leaders, and other attendees embrace the opportunity to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus Christ in tangible ways to the host town and its residents.

For the past few years, since it was announced that the 2024 “Believe the Promise” International Pathfinder Camporee was moving west to Gillette, Wyoming, the event has generated significant community interest and curiosity. After all, it’s not every day that a city of about 34,000 sees 60,000 young people from 100 countries transform its CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Facilities into a tent and RV city. Camporee leaders thus decided to host “Night at the Camporee,” held August 4 at CAM-PLEX Park, to showcase the week’s nightly events and thank Gillette for welcoming them

The 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee (IPC) at the CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Facilities canceled its Tuesday night program due to thunderstorms that brought heavy rains and lightning. Shortly before 6 p.m. MT on August 6, campers were evacuated from tents and moved inside buildings for shelter from the storm, which produced strong wind gusts.

A new certificate program, the School Leadership Academy through the La Sierra University School of Education, was launched at the end of June, providing fledgling school leaders best chances for success with instruction in strategies and practices for dealing with key challenge areas. The academy, a training program designed for K-12 education leaders, hosted a first cohort of 12 administrators and teachers for four days between June 24-27, 2024.

Pathfinders heading to the “Believe the Promise” International Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, will strive to break four Guinness World Records: the largest postcard collection, the biggest great ball contraption (GBC), the fastest time erecting a four-person tent, and the most backpacks stuffed with school supplies in an hour.