SCC Pathfinder Director Bob Wong and club leaders in the Southern California Conference looked around the Santa Fe Dam campground at a sea of young faces during the fall 2003 camporee. More than 3,000 Pathfinders and friends gathered for camporee activities on Sabbath.

“The seating area extended further and further outward to accommodate the influx until we ran out of space,” said Wong. “It was exciting to see so many young people express their desire to draw closer to Christ. We planned a full weekend, starting with Friday’s crafts, games and a biathlon with dozens running and bike riding a two-mile track, Sabbath spiritual activities and the closing athletic and award events on Sunday. Members of one church family came to spend the final day with campers and enjoyed a swim time together."

Debra Wood, an instructor in Pasadena City College’s Natural Sciences Department and a volunteer pastor at Camp Cedar Falls, was the speaker for the 11 o’clock Sabbath service.

Sabbath afternoon enthusiasm and energy levels ran high during the Bible Bowl. Juniors and teens huddled, coaching each other on Bible verses they had been studying to prepare for the event. Junior teams from the La Voz Sylmar and Los Angeles Chinese churches were first-place winners with perfect scores. Sylmar Church teens were first place winners for their age group.

For the Saturday evening talent program, campers shared their talents with fellow Pathfinders, singing, putting on skits and playing instruments. At award ceremonies on Sunday, trophies for “Golden Club of the Year” were awarded to 23 Pathfinder clubs. To achieve this, clubs had to accumulate nearly 300 points during the previous year by participating in the club’s honors program, as well as various spiritual and other activities.

“This camporee was one of the best we have had for bonding with other clubs,” said Kirk Dunn, Eagle Rock Pathfinder co-leader. “We shared worship with four other clubs—54th Street, Altadena, Central City Los Angeles and Glendale Filipino—and had great interaction. We are planning group activities to continue these relationships.”

Campers and leaders departed with many happy memories of a weekend seeing friends and making new ones, having fun, good food and challenging activities. Tired but in high spirits, many were looking ahead eagerly to the 2004 NAD Faith on Fire Camporee in Oshkosh, Wis. Pathfinders have been raising funds for their expenses to attend the NAD event, which is expected to draw 25,000 Pathfinders and leaders. For information about getting involved in Pathfindering, please call 818-546-8442.

By Betty Cooney as reported by Bob Wong, director, SCC Junior Youth and National Service Organization Ministries; and Maria Pedroza, administrative assistant