Southeastern California Conference
SECC Pathfinders Celebrate Their Camporees’ Diamond Jubilee
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athfinders and staff from clubs throughout the Southeastern California Conference celebrated the 60th anniversary of SECC Pathfinder camporees Nov. 12-15 at Rancho Jurupa Regional Park in Riverside. The gathering is the oldest annual Pathfinder camporee in the world, according to Rudy Carrillo, SECC youth ministries director. To commemorate the milestone anniversary, each Pathfinder received a special diamond jubilee pin and patch to wear on his or her uniform. “The NAD youth ministries team congratulates the Pacific Union for providing 60 awesome years of ministry through Pathfinder camporees,” said James Black, North American Division youth director. “Heaven rejoices over the thousands of young lives touched and brought to Jesus. One day soon, you will hear Jesus say, ‘Well done.’”
Camporee 2015
Carrillo planned several special activities to make the jubilee event memorable. He invited Messiah’s Mansion to set up a full-scale model of the Mosaic sanctuary at the campground. The weekend’s speaker was Clayton Leinneweber, Messiah’s Mansion director, who wore a replica of the biblical high priest’s garments and explained their significance. On Sabbath, about 1,900 Pathfinders and leaders
took guided tours of the sanctuary in small groups. “Pathfinders were very attentive during the sanctuary tour, and they have really learned a lot regarding this unique Adventist doctrine,” said Aldie Garcia, codirector of the Chula Vista club. Most of the Pathfinders earned their Sanctuary Honor before or during the camporee, and many planned to work on the Advanced Sanctuary Honor in the weeks following the event. Carrillo has long felt a burden for helping youth learn more about the sanctuary’s importance. “The sanctuary is fundamental to the Adventist church and all our beliefs,” he said. “My favorite part of the weekend was walking around and talking to the kids — watching them go through the sanctuary and taking notes for the honor.” The Pathfinders enjoyed it, too. “My favorite part of the SECC camporee was the Messiah’s Mansion tour,” said Nyah Banks, a member of the Mt. Rubidoux club. “I appreciated the spiritual focus. It also was a great opportunity to experience the sanctuary in a life-size replica instead of on paper or felts.”
A Pathfinder from the El Cajon club reads his Bible during the morning devotional.
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In addition to a variety of camporee activities, Carrillo arranged for 18 inflatable play structures to be set up at the campground as a treat for the kids. On Sunday the Pathfinders enjoyed climbing, sliding and jumping for a while before heading home. The camporee’s blend of Bible instruction and outdoor recreation has been a staple throughout its history. “Even when we are learning, we can still have fun,” said Griffin Koh, a Pathfinder who serves as Orange Central Korean club captain. Teen counselor Sophia Rosemann, from the Chula Vista club, agreed. “I liked the balance of spiritual and recreational exhibits. I had a great time meeting new teenagers the same age as I am. “ The first SECC Pathfinder camporee patch for Idyllwild debuted in 1954.
Camporee 1954
The first camporee was actually held 61 years ago, in May of 1954, as reported in the Pacific Union Recorder. The article’s author, Harry Garlick, was aware that a tradition had begun. “History was in the making May 7-9 as trucks and automobiles, arriving at the JMV
Rudy Carrillo, SECC youth director, makes announcements.