Oshkosh, Wisconsin/USA [Leo Costello, the Northwestern, CD EUDNews]. Approximately 46,000 boys and girls, ages 10 to 15, from more than 50 countries are attending the International Pathfinder Camporee this week at the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture grounds.
The Pathfinder Club is a scout-like worldwide Christian organization founded in 1946, sponsored by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
The International Pathfinder Camporee takes place every five years. Thousands of church groups from throughout the world raise money between camporees to attend the gathering of various Christian groups.
The program is all about learning leadership skills, spiritual growth, and providing community service, said Ron Whitehead, executive director of the camporee.
"The number one goal is to connect kids to Christ," Whitehead said. "This world kind of beats up kids, but we have a lot of volunteers here who want to make a difference in their lives."
This year's Camporee theme is "Forever Faithful," with a focus on the Book of Daniel.
A group of Pathfinders from around the country have put together an original musical about the life of Daniel, which will be presented in nightly segments throughout the week.
Sean Dale, director of "The Forever Faithful in Christ: Daniel Story," said the opportunity to be part of such a large production is "truly a blessing from God."
"Through every moment Daniel was faithful to God, God was there tenfold to back him up faithfully when he needed it," Dale said. "I think that people need to understand that kind of a god."
During their time in Oshkosh, Pathfinders will be participating in a number of cleanup and gardening community service projects throughout the Fox Valley.
Other activities include earning honor badges, marching, archery, talent shows, sports activities, and pin trading.
Pathfinders Don Adams from Oklahoma and Brandon Lee from Virginia traded pins from their collection early Monday morning.
"It's a great way to get to know each other," Adams said. He said he's looking forward to seeing hearts change for Christ.
The Pathfinders will hold parade in Oshkosh at 2:00 p.m. Saturday.
The parade of 3,000 Pathfinders with drill teams and drum corps will begin at Menominee Park and finish at the Leach Amphitheater with a rally hosted by former NBA player Cedric Ceballos of the Los Angeles Lakers.
(to read the original article, please visit the following web page: http://www.thenorthwestern.com/story/news/local/2014/08/11/pathfinders-gather-oshkosh-spiritual-growth/13928057/)
You can see more photos from the day in the ANN Flickr account or the North American Division Flickr account. Enjoy!
