The first international delegates to arrive on the campgrounds in Oshkosh, Wis., for the International Pathfinder Camporee were from Germany, and approximately 1,850 delegates representing 63 countries soon joined them.

A special luncheon was held for international Pathfinder leaders at the nearby Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Museum, on Tuesday, Aug. 11. As Glynis Bradfield, camporee international coordinator, prepared for the delegates to arrive she created centerpieces made of spools of yarn with international flags inserted and placed them on the tables. She remarks, “This is what we’re doing here this week. We’re weaving together the thread of youth ministry.”

Following the luncheon, Ron Whitehead, International Pathfinder Camporee executive director, warmly welcomed leaders. “You and I will be making history together this week,” Whitehead stated. A survey of the group identified the largest international delegation from the Inter-American Division with 800 individuals. The smallest delegation is from Mongolia, represented by Bolormaa B. Purvee, director. Purvee’s club in Mongolia formed last summer, and now has 30 members. Purvee was excited to attend the camporee because she says she could meet so many people worldwide and get some new ideas.

The meal included potato salad, fruit salad, sandwiches and brownies. It was a welcome spread appreciated by Jeffery Chan, associate director of the Hong Kong and Macao Conference of the Northern Asia-Pacific Division. There are 32 delegates attending from Hong Kong, and only three have attended the International Pathfinder Camporee before.

Chan told others at his lunch table how the Hong Kong Pathfinders found various ways to pay their travel expenses to the camporee, such as cleaning the homes of older persons. Also, their conference motivated the Pathfinders by offering Adventist Youth Gold and Silver awards for those completing requirements in community service, physical exercise, service at church and specific honors. The AY awards helped subsidize their expenses. The Louisiana Conference is hosting the Hong Kong club. Chan said, “They provide everything. So kind, so nice to us.” Many other North America clubs are meeting new friends this week as they host international clubs.

Bradfield addressed the delegates in closing.  “Take the opportunity to learn this week. … Go home with ideas. We’re all part of the family of God. We’re all wanting to be in the Kingdom together.” She received a rousing hand of applause for her attentive assistance as the international delegates planned their travels.

International camporees are one of the many events organized and directed by the Center for Youth Evangelism: to claim, reclaim and retain young people for Christ and His Church. For more information, please visit www.adventistyouth.org or call 1 (800) YOUTH-2-U or (269) 471-8380.