Leadership Retreat in the Upper Columbia Conference is a time when Pathfinder and Adventurer leaders learn and recharge.

This year’s motivational leader was Robert Holbrook. In addition to club director, he also served as conference Pathfinder director and world Pathfinder director. Each of his talks centered around one recurring theme. You cannot lead where you will not go; you cannot teach what you do not know. This simple yet emphatic message is key when working with God’s youth in today’s world.

Holbrook has “been there” and “done that." He shared why Pathfinders is important to him and inspired us to continue leading children to stay on the right pathway. More than 200 attendees were blessed and encouraged to go and do likewise.

Presentations and workshops shared how to complete basic staff training, or how to become involved in Pathfinder leadership. At an evening service on Sabbath, leaders received Service Star pins indicating the number of years they had served the local church in Pathfinder ministry.

One of our leaders commented, "Leadership Retreat is always special, but this year was even more so. At every class Jesus seemed the focal point. And the prayer chain was fantastic! There is so much power in prayer! Bob Holbrook is a most amazing speaker and as I listened to his stories, profound thoughts just kept coming from his mouth."

Opportunities and new resources are available at each UCC Pathfinder/Adventurer Leadership Retreat. Plan to attend next year.