Camporee – Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

15 Aug

CAMPOREE: A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE FOR RMC

RMCNews – Gillette, Wyoming … The theme “Believe the Promise” was tested true at the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee held at CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Center in Gillette, Wyoming, August 5-11. The “promise” was that of a personal and spiritual journey.

The first days of the program were seasonably warm and a bit windy for the 60,000 participants setting up their club campsites in their allocated union areas. Pathfinders were able to participate in around 300 honors activities, pin trading, community service projects, and a multitude of local activities, one being small rodeo demonstrations.

Jade Teal, RMC Youth assistant director, assisted in leading a climbing expedition at Wyoming’s Devils Tower National Monument in for Teen Leadership Training (TLT) program to climb one pitch of the monument. “So, we had prayer before we went up,” Jade reminisced. “I’m really scared of heights. But I’m tied into a rope so I know I’m okay, because I can trust my rope. And we can trust God, so we don’t have to be afraid.” There were supposed to be five sessions, but weather conditions only allowed for one session on Monday, August 5. There were four TLT’s that participated in that session: one from Nebraska and three siblings from Canada.

Several RMC Pathfinders received recognition during Camporee. The Flying Garuda Pathfinder Club from the Colorado Indonesian-American Seventh-day Adventist Church in Denver, Colorado, won first place for the basic marching category in the Drill Team & Drum Corps competition featuring the Mid-America, North, and North Pacific Union clubs, August 6. Two of the six $500 Adventist school scholarships for best modules built in the Great Ball Contraption challenge were awarded to RMC Pathfinders from the Littleton Lights Pathfinder Club, Nathan Matabi and Benjamin Pelley, from Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church in Littleton, Colorado.

Activities at Camporee were put on hold when a severe storm passed through the region on Tuesday evening, August 6. Campers were evacuated into the facility buildings or their vehicles while heavy rain and winds tore through the camp. Many campsites throughout the CAM-PLEX sustained damage, leaving some clubs without shelter until equipment could be dried out or replaced. “What you can see is God’s guidance and his protection. Yes. A lot of camps were wiped out, but I’m not aware of anyone who was hurt,” remarked Axel, an instructor and counselor with the Riffle Seventh-day Adventist Church Pathfinder Club in Rifle, Colorado.

Personal reports from participants were given of local Gillette facilities opening up to provide housing for the night, residents bringing over camping supplies and sleeping bags, and one RMC employee recounted hearing about a local Gillette woman doing laundry at her home for a family with an infant. There were many that remarked the day after the storm how much the Pathfinder and local community came together during this moment of crisis.

Doug Inglish, RMC vice-president for administration, personally ordered and delivered food to take to the displaced Pathfinder clubs that were staying at the Gillette Seventh-day Adventist Church the night of the storm. “To carry, in both hands, 80 burritos was not an easy task,” he light-heartedly remarked. The recipients mentioned how appreciative they were for a warm meal.

Camporee activities and programs resumed at noon, August 7. By that afternoon, camps had been rebuilt and traces of the impact of the storm were not visible other than dumpsters full of mangled and torn camping equipment.

Several Pathfinders from RMC clubs joined the over 1,000 runners in Camporee’s 5k race, August 9, including the Denver South Hispanic, Littleton, and Cody churches. Michael Taylor, lead pastor at the Casper Seventh-day Adventist Church in Casper, Wyoming, was one such racer: “It was a beautiful day; fantastic weather. As a runner, I love the overcast and slightly breezy [days]. It made it just perfect running weather.”

After the race, the announcement had been made that Camporee would be closing down a day early, and that Friday, August 9, would be last full day of activities. It was also announced that the Saturday night baptisms would be joined with Friday night’s group and that they would run the remaining acts of the Moses production as well. The 16 RMC Pathfinders joined the 500 baptism candidates in the baptismal pools located in the evening program stage.

Ten-year-old Oscar from the Brighton Seventh-day Adventist Church Pathfinder Club in Brighton, Colorado, was baptized that night. When asked why he chose to be baptized at Camporee, he said, “Because there was going to be a lot of people here, and everyone could see me give my life to God.” His fellow club member, Josephine, decided during Camporee to be baptized after watching keynote speaker Damian Chandler: “I wasn’t going to do it at Camporee, but what he said last night in the [evening program] really hit me.”

The Camporee-wide Sabbath service on Saturday, August 10, had been canceled, but many conferences offered the option for their clubs to stay for a conference-wide service. RMC conducted an impromptu conference-wide Sabbath service that was well attended. Leandro Bizama, Campion Church associate pastor, led the praise music during the open-air service with RMC president, Mic Thurber, giving the sermon and Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for administration, giving the prayer.

Special music was provided by members of the Louisville and Indonesian Seventh-day Adventist churches, and the Camporee theme song was sung. The service also featured special recognition of last night’s baptism participants and a love offering collection for a couple from Brazil who assisted RMC at Camporee until serious health issues put the wife into the hospital.

Following the Sabbath service, a special ceremony was held at the RMC camp area for the seven RMC Master Guide candidates: David Hopkins, Lacinda Hopkins, Roger Beckermeyer, Jen Beckermeyer, Brent Learned, Natalie Lerma, and Joel Hernandez. The Camporee-wide ceremony had been canceled.

Many RMC Pathfinder clubs had departed by late afternoon with only a few partial clubs staying around to enjoy time together and do last pin trades. “I was so impressed driving through the camping areas after most clubs had left at how clean everything looked,” commented Inglish. “No litter! Just a few overflowing dumpsters, which is to be expected.”

While the weather conditions and cancellations may have created difficulties for Pathfinder and Camporee leaders, the resounding feedback from the young Pathfinders was that it was a wonderful experience. Nancy, a 17-year-old first-year Pathfinder from the Montrose Seventh-day Adventist Church in Montrose, Colorado, remarked on her experience: “I think my favorite thing has been all the friends we made along the way. Also, [I liked] the concert last night. I really felt the Holy Spirit, and it was honestly such a good feeling.”

But the Camporee experience did not end in RMC once clubs left the CAM-PLEX. Other national and international Pathfinder clubs had flown into Denver International Airport to leave on Sunday flights and needed to find lodging for Saturday. It was reported to RMCNews that several Adventist schools and churches hosted these pathfinder groups from Denver to as far north as Casper, Wyoming.

Rajmund Dabrowski, RMC Communication director, was an RMC representative and involved in assisting the North American Division (NAD) of Seventh-day Adventists media relations. “Our involvement yielded 16 articles in the local Gillette and Wyoming state media. We were not just involved for ourselves, but for the benefit of others.”

RMC Communication Department would also like to acknowledge Nathan Cranson, lead pastor for the Montrose, Gunnison, and Paonia Seventh-day Adventist Churches on the Western Slope of Colorado, for his videography support at Camporee. His video of the morning after the storm has had a staggering reach of 100,000 to date, and his works received accolades from fellow North American Division (NAD) media reporters. His videos can be viewed on the official RMC Camporee webpage and Facebook site.

Mic Thurber, RMC president, was present for the entirety of the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee and remarked, “Words seem inadequate to summarize the camporee. Maybe simple declarations are enough. Some will think: heat, lightening, downpours, crowds, and mud. But others will think: new friendships, learning, singing, pins and pin trading—you’d have had to have been there to fully get that!—adventure, baptisms, Moses, meeting other cultures, and lots and lots and lots of fun and joy!”

“Kudos to our youth and Pathfinder leaders for their incredible work and leadership in helping it to be a memorable experience for all,” he continued. “I can’t help but think our heavenly Father looked down and thought, ‘Well done, My good and faithful servants.’”

—RMCNews. Photos supplied.

15 Aug

NORTHEAST WYOMING RMC CHURCHES STEPPED UP DURING CAMPOREE CRISIS

Edrey Santos with RMCNews – Gillette, Wyoming … A severe thunderstorm tore through the Gillette area in Wyoming where the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee was being held, August 6. Many Pathfinder club camp sites sustaining damage requiring them to find alternate sleeping arrangements that evening.

Several Wyoming churches in the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) stepped up to aid these displaced Pathfinders. “The churches in Wyoming have such a big heart because of the faith they have in God,” remarked Edrey Santos, lead pastor for the Gillette, Sheridan, Buffalo, Newcastle, and Upton Seventh-day Churches in northeastern Wyoming.

The Gillette Church, being closest to the incident, provided aid to five pathfinder groups and to the individuals who served as volunteer workers not affiliated with any group. A group of 30 regular Gillette church attendees transported campers back and forth between the church and the CAM-PLEX Multievent Facility where Camporee was being held. Some even provided transportation to the airports in Gillette, Wyoming, and Denver, Colorado.

The church leaders worked diligently to find resources such as food, blankets, clothing, toiletries, feminine products, and other items. Products came fast from within the community as the Gillette Church coordinated with local businesses, churches, and organizations they have connections with. Some of these local entities also opened their doors to provide shelter.

Newcastle Seventh-day Adventist Church in Newcastle, Wyoming, a town about 75 miles southeast of Gillette, had members quickly respond and provide aid with donated clothing and food to displaced campers. They also opened their church facility to several groups seeking shelter.

Newcastle church members were also involved when Camporee concluded, transporting five pickup trucks full of donated food to other RMC churches and other organizations within the community such as soup kitchens, food banks, and more. This food was donated by Camporee Pathfinder groups that left camp early due to the storm.

The Buffalo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Buffalo, Wyoming, housed several pathfinder groups affected by the storm and provided food and other necessities. The Upton Seventh-day Adventist Church opened their food bank to store the extra food donations received at the end of the Camporee.

—Edrey Santos is lead pastor for the Gillette, Sheridan, Buffalo, Newcastle, and Upton Seventh-day Churches. Photo by Google Maps.

13 Aug

MILE HIGH ACADEMY AND LOCAL CHURCHES SHELTER DISPLACED PATHFINDERS

MHANews – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Last week, Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, had the privilege of participating in the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee held in Gillette, Wyoming, August 5-11. Their teachers and students eagerly joined thousands of other Pathfinders from across the globe in this unique spiritual experience. However, the event took an unexpected turn when severe weather warnings forced the early cancellation of the Camporee, creating a logistical crisis for the nearly 60,000 attendees.

As Wyoming’s weather took a turn for the worse, the MHA team, along with many other schools and churches in the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC), were called upon to provide urgent assistance. Starting at 7:00 a.m. on Friday morning, August 9, the phones began ringing as stranded Pathfinders and their leaders reached out for help. Within hours, MHA and the local Adventist churches came together to do the impossible.

MHA opened its doors to house and feed 400 Pathfinders, including 350 from the Dallas Conference. The community’s response was nothing short of remarkable. Kevin Waller, an alumnus and dedicated member of the MHA community, drove up to Gillette on Saturday to bring a group back to the Denver International Airport. Additionally, two other MHA vehicles were used by another group to transport their club home.

Local Adventist churches also stepped up and provided aid:

Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church in Littleton, Colorado, hosted over 100 Pathfinders, providing them with shelter and care.
Lifesource Adventist Fellowship in Denver, Colorado, housed and fed more than 150 Pathfinders.
Denver West Seventh-day Adventist Church in Denver, Colorado, opened its doors to another group in need of a place to stay.
Denver South Seventh-day Adventist Church in Denver, Colorado, opened its doors for a group from Spencerville, Maryland.
Newday Adventist Church in Parker, Colorado, prepared sack lunches for the groups.

“This collective effort demonstrated the power of the shared mission and the strength of the local Adventist community,” said Jocelyn Aalborg, MHA vice principal of finance and development. “It was truly inspiring to witness how quickly and effectively our churches and schools responded to the crisis, providing refuge and assistance to so many.”

This touching story highlights the strong sense of community within the MHA family, exemplified by Dawn Bookhardt, a dedicated alumna from the class of 1977. When severe weather forced the evacuation of over 400 Pathfinders from the Camporee in Gillette, leaving them stranded, Dawn stepped in to connect them with Mile High Academy.

She rallied her classmates, ensuring the Pathfinders were warmly welcomed with food and care. Reflecting on the experience, Dawn shared on Facebook: “I AM SO PROUD OF MILE HIGH ACADEMY! Yesterday, MHA hosted over 400 Pathfinders who were evacuated from the Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, due to severe weather. Because all travel arrangements were scheduled to depart Gillette today, these young souls were basically stranded. But in true Mustang spirit, the Pathfinders were offered refuge at MHA. They were fed, loved, and sheltered on Sabbath, and believe me, they felt the love! Special thanks to Jocelyn and Principal Andrew who stepped up in a big way to illustrate the love of Jesus. Jocelyn fielded what must have been 100 panicked phone calls and texts, made appropriate arrangements, and welcomed our guests with open arms. Thank you so much for all of your help. May God’s richest blessings be yours.”

This incredible effort was not only about providing shelter but also about living out the school’s and Adventists’ mission to help others in need. Principal Andrew Carpenter captured this sentiment perfectly in a message to the MHA staff, emphasizing the importance of MHA’s extended family and the global Adventist community. He wrote, “Our Mile High Academy family extends beyond these walls and this community. If ever in need, we have a worldwide family that will come to our aid simply because we share the name Adventist. This weekend, our Adventist brothers and sisters are asking for help.”

In the end, over 400 young people cycled through the MHA campus in just 48 hours.

“It was a monumental task, one that showcased the best of who we are as a community—united in mission, generous in spirit, and willing to go above and beyond to help others in need,” said Aalborg.

As the community reflects on this experience, it is reminded of the incredible blessings that come from working together.

Aalborg commented, “We are deeply grateful to everyone who played a role in this massive undertaking, and we are proud to be part of a community that truly embodies the spirit of service and love. Thank you to all the churches, schools, and individuals who opened their doors, provided meals, and extended a helping hand. This past weekend was a testament to the power of community and the love of Christ in action. Together, we accomplished something truly remarkable.”

—MHANews. Photos supplied.

12 Aug

Mid-America Union Responds to False Reports of Accident Involving Pathfinders within the RMC

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The Mid-America Union (MAUC) has been made aware of circulating social media posts, specifically on Facebook, alleging that there has been an accident involving Pathfinders from a club within the Rocky Mountain Conference. After thorough investigation and verification with the North American Division, the Rocky Mountain Conference, and the Wyoming and Colorado state police, we can confirm that no such accident has occurred in our territory at this time.

We understand the concern and alarm that such reports can cause, especially within our Pathfinder community and among the families of those involved. It is important to note that the safety and well-being of our Pathfinders is our utmost priority, and any reports of incidents are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.

We urge the public to refrain from sharing unverified information on social media platforms, as doing so can lead to unnecessary panic and distress.

We appreciate the prompt response from the North American Division, the Rocky Mountain Conference, and the state police in confirming that no such accident as described on social media has taken place.

The Mid-America Union remains committed to transparency and will continue to provide accurate information to our community. We encourage everyone to stay connected to our official channels for updates and verified information.

—Hugh Davis is the associate director of communication for the Mid-America Union Conference. Republished with permission from MAUC.

07 Aug

SEVERE STORMS COULD NOT DAMPEN THE CAMPOREE SPIRIT

RMCNews – Gillette, Wyoming … A severe thunderstorm tore through the Gillette area in Wyoming last night, August 6, putting activities at the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee to a halt. Around 6:00 p.m. (MT), a severe storm watch was put into effect, and Camporee leadership took all precautions to keep people safe by moving them from the camp sites into CAM-PLEX facilities buildings as the storm passed through the area.

All activities have been suspended until noon, August 7, for clubs to rebuild their campsites and obtain new supplies and gear. No injuries from the storm have been reported as of now.

“The storm has passed, praise the Lord. Thank you for all your prayers! And we even have a rainbow here reminding us that God will take care of us,” commented Hugh Davis, Mid-America Union Conference associate director of communication.

Many Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Pathfinder club camp sites sustained damage from strong wind gusts and flooding. Brent Learned, RMC Youth assistant director and RMC Camporee operations manager, reported the camp site for the Cheyenne Seventh-day Adventist Church Pathfinders Club from Cheyenne, Wyoming, was completely flooded out with 4 inches of standing water. The Casper Seventh-day Adventist Church Pathfinders Club from Casper, Wyoming, had most of their tents collapse from tent poles snapping and had to return to Casper for the evening to regroup.

The Cody Seventh-day Adventist Church Pathfinders Club from Cody, Wyoming, and the Brixton Jays Pathfinder Club, an international club from the U.K. sponsored by the Denver South Seventh-day Adventist Church Pathfinders Club from Denver, Colorado, were also flooded and were moved to the Gillette Seventh-day Adventist Church, the local church in Gillette, Wyoming, while their gear dries out and equipment replacements acquired.

“Cody, Denver South, and Cheyenne got it the worst,” remarked Learned. “It’s dried up a lot. They dug a trench to drain it, but it was, at one point, almost halfway up to the knee.” He wanted those affected by the storm to remember that the same God that saw us through the storm is going to help us rebuild what we lost.

Other local churches in Gillette opened their doors to house Pathfinder clubs displaced by the storms. Extra attention has been given to the international clubs as they do not have the option to head home early. In an article released by the NAD, “Storms Interrupts International Pathfinders Camporee, Displaces Some Campers,” it was also reported that a Gillette resident drove to the CAM-PLEX with a car full of sleeping bags, blankets, and camping supplies.

“Well, it is a mess,” reported Daniele Fantoni, lead pastor at the Alamosa Seventh-day Adventist Church in Alamosa, Colorado. “We will manage, [and] we will rearrange everything because we still have the canopy and the trailers. We also brought enough extra things, so we were pretty good. Other clubs are in a worse situation than us for sure. Someone came here asking for 20 sleeping bags, and some others drove two hours from here to get everything that was needed. Praise the Lord that we had big buildings that we could use.”

While this information has not been confirmed, several participant sources at Camporee did comment that the local Walmart in Gillette was cleaned out of supplies necessary to replace what was lost in the storm. It was reported that people were driving a few hours to other towns for supplies.

“Overall, for the spirit at Camporee is a plus,” remarked Eli Gonzales, co-executive coordinator of the RMC Club Ministries. “We’ve been blessed with the leadership that we have here at the Rocky Mountain Conference. Pastor Mic [Thurber] and his team provided us with transportation and buying some supplies from Walmart to take to the local church where some clubs were moved to.”

“It’s been rough after that storm. It damaged a lot of our tents and our belongings. But the spirit is really positive. We have never seen so many people come together to help each other,” Gonzales continued.

Mic Thurber, RMC president, has been at Camporee since before the event welcomed the first Pathfinder club. He commented, “I saw lots of smiling, happy faces as RMC’s ‘tent city’ was set up on Monday. After a night of a powerful storm in our path on Tuesday night, I wondered what I would see today on their faces. Guess what?! The same smiles and sense of joy!”

“Our Pathfinders and their leaders are the best, and our youth leadership are beyond incredible,” Thurber continued. “Their leadership in the aftermath of the storm was wonderful! And it was great to see the Gillette community rally to help our kids in so many ways! God is surely working here in Gillette. Please pray that every soul here will be touched for eternity.”

—RMCNews. Photos by Rajmund Dabrowski and Ryan McCoy.

Camporee-Storms-by-Ryan-McCoy — Photo by Ryan McCoy

01 Aug

GILLETTE TO WELCOME 60,000 PATHFINDERS

RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … There will be 60,000 people traveling to Gillette, Wyoming, for next week’s 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee, August 5-11. The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) will be represented by over 900 people from Colorado, Wyoming, and a part of New Mexico including 34 local clubs.

The mission of International Camporees is to celebrate the importance and spiritual influence of the Pathfinder ministry. This will be the ninth gathering of the fraternity of Pathfinders. It all started in 1985 where over 16,000 filled up the mountainous valley at Camp Hale in Colorado. The program included BMX biking, rock climbing, and archery among other activities.

The 2024 Camporee theme is “Believe the Promise.” An evening production will feature the promise God had Moses repeat to the nation of Israel before the exodus. This promise was the promise of freedom from slavery. The attendees will be charged with believing God and His promise that Jesus would help to achieve quality of life for each of us.

The current activity program is larger than before with plans to beat world records in several activities including backpack packing with schools supplies for students in need, postcard collecting, tent set-up, and Lego Great Ball Contraption. There are over 50 community service projects in Gillette planned to be completed during the event. It is expected that a few new honors will be unveiled at this year’s event to expand Pathfinder skillsets.

A cooking competition will involve clubs vying for the top chef award. A few fun runs and a 5K race will also be held along with daily rodeos and MX Power Team motorcycle demos. Jade Teal, RMC Youth assistant director, will lead a rock-climbing event on Devils Tower National Monument for youth in the Teen Leadership Training (TLT) program.

What is of most importance is that we are all invited to pray for the safe travel of these Seventh-day Adventist Pathfinders, leaders, guardians, families, and fellow church members from over 100 countries.

As the CAM-PLEX facilities are being prepared to welcome thousands of participants and visitors to Camporee, Brandon Westgate, RMC Youth director, commented, “A group of RMC summer camp staff, a dedicated bunch of hard-working individuals, are currently working on an incredible number of projects in preparation for the 60,000 participants at Gillette 2024.”

“This group, referred to as the A-team, has been laboring long hours in the hot sun with smiles on their faces to ensure that the participants will enjoy a safe and meaningful experience. It’s incredible. It is inspiring to behold the accomplishments of a bunch of motivated young people. God is already doing great things here; we can’t wait to see how the Spirit moves once this epic event officially kicks off,” he continued.

Around 1,075 attendees have registered to be baptized at Camporee. This is regarded as an important spiritual journey present at every Camporee. “The water will not be still. We are going to have to make some waves,” says Camporee baptism coordinator Craig Carr, Ministerial Director for the Mid-America Union Conference.

The organizers are hoping that the Pathfinders’ presence will make a difference to the over 33,000 (2022) hosting residents of Gillette.

—RMCNews. Photo supplied.

29 Jul

FEATURE: FROM COMMUNISM TO CAMPOREE COSTUMES – DENVER SEAMSTRESS BRINGS NIGHT PROGRAM TO LIFE

By Vanya Kovacheva

Growing up in a Communist country caused my hunger for God. The silence about God was deafening. I was about five years old when I lifted my head toward the sky on the kindergarten playground and I knew there is God.

My grandmother and mother never told me anything about God. They were afraid that the Communists would extradite our family from our home or send us to work camp to die. Extradition had already happened to my grandmother before as my grandfather was a successful private businessman.

My great-grandmother told me once about “The Gospel.” I asked her “what is that?” and she said it was a book about God. I knew nothing about God. The world seemed dark and scary. I told myself, “When I grow up and learn to read, I will read that book.” Finally, I knew where to find information about the One who exists and who I cannot see.

Fast forward to when I was 12 years old, my mother started to go to a Bible study in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. After a year, she learned so much from the Bible that she started to talk to me about it and invited me to church. I loved every single moment of every sermon. I could finally learn about the invisible God I believed in. I studied the Bible every day. I read every book the church printing press printed.

Immediate after my baptism, the leaders invited me to be an adult Sabbath School teacher. I have been teaching Sabbath School lessons for many years for different age groups.

Later, I graduated with a master’s degree in textile engineering. My then-boyfriend became a pastor and we married, serving in Bulgaria for nine years. He wanted to study more, so we came to Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, for our second master’s degrees.

While I was doing my master’s degree in Youth Ministry at Andrews University, I helped Betty Whitehead, costume coordinator at Andrews University and Bible Story producer for the International Pathfinder Camporee organization, make some costumes for the “Passion Play”—a youth ministry event that brings to life the final events of Jesus’s life. A few months later, Betty asked me to make some kilts for the drama production on the “Story of Joseph.” We were able to dress all the boys in the cast for 3 months with a few bolts of off-white fabric.

I had no clue what I was getting into.

Visiting the International Camporee in Oshkosh for the first time was an impressive sight. They had built a real size pyramid behind the stage to make Egypt look real. There were about 15,000 children watching the play. I was sold. Building a stage to tell a story, capturing the imagination of those youth for God, showing how God is present in human history and how He intervenes in human affairs, because he cares, is a cause worth working for.

It has now been 20 years during which we produced the stories of Esther, Daniel, David, and Moses, in which I am currently the costume designer and lead seamstress for 2024 Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming. I love designing every servant, slave, prophet, king, and pharaoh costume. God is the creator of our Earth and the God of all people. Being made in His image, we have creative abilities. I feel close to God when I create.

Often, when I come to a certain character that needs to be dressed, I pray, and, in the evening when my brain calms down, I see his costume in my head. Only if I see it, can I make it. My husband, Evgeni Kovachev, member of the Denver South Seventh-day Adventist Church in Denver, Colorado, asked me, “How can you make so many different costumes?” I don’t know. I just draw creativity from the Creator of all.

In preparation for this upcoming Camporee, I spent three weeks at Andrews University for rehearsals and to do costume fittings with the actors. We invited people to help us sew the costumes. Sometimes we had five ladies at a time helping us. Marilyn Oliver, an invited seamstress, has been with us the longest time. Marge Schwartz, also a seamstress, joined us during last Camporee in 2019 and has been doing an excellent job. Thank you, ladies, for all your help! We can’t accomplish the vision without you!

God loves all people, and every child deserves to hear God’s voice and see His presence. God sacrificed Himself to prove His love and convince all children of their great worth. That is what the Bible drama hopes to accomplish by seeing, hearing, and feeling God’s presence at the upcoming event in Wyoming.

—Vanya Kovacheva is the costume designer and lead seamstress for the International Pathfinder Camporee and member of the Denver South Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos supplied.

camporee-actors — 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee actors and lead costume designer, Vanya Kovacheva (standing, far left) with the truck of costumes loaded for Gillette, Wyoming.

25 Jul

STRING ART DESIGN TO FEATURE RMC ENTRANCE GATE AT CAMPOREE

RMCNews with Sue Nelson – Gillette, Wyoming … The International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, is only ten days away. Pathfinders from the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) and around the world are on the move! That’s right! Pathfinders are already leaving their homes to make the trip to the RMC to participate in the Gillette mega-event, August 5-11.

“Churches and schools, be ready to be contacted about places for the Pathfinders to stay overnight on their way to the Camporee, if you have not already been contacted. Several have been,” says Sue Nelson, executive coordinator of RMC Club Ministries.

Nelson adds, “we are so excited to have this Camporee finally happen!”

Much is happening behind the scenes in preparation, and the Rocky Mountain Conference has 36 clubs attending. According to information from the Camporee organizers on entry ticket sales, over 900 RMC Pathfinders, staff, and guests plan to attend. They will be a part of 60,000 Camporee participants. On Friday, August 9, a baptism service will include 23 participants from RMC Pathfinder Clubs.

Visitors to the Camporee will not be able to miss the presence of participants from the host region—the Rocky Mountain Conference. There will be patches and trading pins representing individual clubs, but the main entrance gate will offer itself for souvenir photographs. Eli Gonzales, an architect from Littleton, Colorado, who also serves as co-executive coordinator of the RMC Club Ministries, designed the entrance gate.

Based on the Camporee theme, “Believe the Promise,” Gonzales was motivated by the ministry of young people. “For me, they are the ministers of today and tomorrow. And my string art design included a theme of mountain peaks for which we are recognized in our part of the world,” he explained.

He shared that the design needed 2,800 pounds of iron elements, 600 feet of chain, and five miles of rope. Six emblems from Pathfinder and youth ministries are displayed as part of the artistic vision of the design. After the event, the designed sculpture will be moved to its permanent home at Glacier View Ranch in Ward, Colorado.

Several RMC clubs are hosting international clubs. Dr. David Smith, from the Grand Junction Seventh-day Adventist Church in Grand Junction, Colorado, is hosting about 100 Pathfinders from the German and Netherlands Unions. The Denver South Trailblazers Pathfinders Club is hosting some 20 Pathfinders from the London, U.K., area—the Brixton Jays.

“Please keep all our Pathfinders in your prayers. May they have a safe journey and that this experience will be ‘Making it easy to know God,’” comments Nelson.

—RMCNews with Sue Nelson, RMC Club Ministries executive coordinator. Photos supplied.

22 Jan

“CREATING LIVING BRONZE” FOR 2024 CAMPOREE

Amanda Kent and Victor Issa – Brighton, Colorado … Victor Issa, an award-winning sculptor and acclaimed artist, has completed a three-quarter-life-size clay sculpture for bronze titled, “Moses, A Life of Miracles.” This work of art, meticulously crafted over 18 months, intricately chronicles the life of Moses from infancy to his contemplative moments on Mount Nebo.

The reveal is set to take center stage during the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee event in August. The commissioning organization, the Center for Youth Evangelism, serves as the sponsor of the International Pathfinder Camporee—an expansive gathering occurring every five years since 1985. More than 57,000 attendees from around the world are expected to converge on Gillette, Wyoming, for the six-day event. The theme for this year is “Believe the Promise,” which features the inspiring story of Moses.

“I have long desired to create a sculpture of Moses,” Issa said. “When the director of the camporee, Ron Whitehead, invited me to consider such a sculpture, I pondered what to focus on, what to include and exclude. It was not an easy choice.”

“I really wanted to create a strong work that not only tells a story but invites the viewers to reflect on the vastness of this godly man’s miraculous life and his contributions,” Issa said.

The centerpiece captures Moses on Mount Nebo, reflecting on the miracles that defined his profound relationship with God. Surrounding him are pivotal scenes, including the discovery of Baby Moses, the burning bush encounter, the powerful confrontation with Pharaoh, Moses dividing the Red Sea, and more.

Issa’s goal was to create a piece transcending storytelling, encouraging viewers to reflect on Moses’ remarkable life. Moses, who spent extensive time in direct communion with God, fervently longed to see God’s face without barriers—an emotion resonating with the human desire to see loved ones.

“From an infant, until he closed his eyes on Mount Nebo, the story of Moses is filled with drama, action, tragedy, celebrations, miracles, world-changing events, and tremendous historical and spiritual significance,” Issa said.

Created in his recently established studio in Brighton, Colorado, the sculpture is a testament to his artistic vision and unwavering dedication. Issa navigated numerous challenging decisions, ensuring careful consideration and attention to detail.

Issa, a leading figurative sculptor in America, is celebrated for his unique ability to breathe life into bronze with his hallmark style, “Creating Living Bronze.” With more than 40 years of professional sculpting experience, his works have graced exhibitions across America since 1985, finding a place in private and public collections globally. He is also an elected member of the prestigious Allied Artists of America.

—Amanda Kent is the Chief Innovation Officer at Boundless Media, and Victor Issa is founder of the Victor Issa Studios. Republished with permission from Adventist Review News; the original version of this story was posted on the North American Division news site. Photos by Victor Issa Studios.

Victor-Issa-Moses-Sculpter-2 — The right side of the sculpture “Moses, A Life of Miracles,” with the final two scenes below it.

11 Jan

2024 INTERNATIONAL PATHFINDER CAMPOREE IS SOLD OUT

RMCNews – Gillette, Wyoming … RMCNews has confirmed that the tickets to the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, August 5-11, are sold out.

The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) will be represented by more than 800 participants from Pathfinder clubs at 30 churches within the Conference. They will be joining the expected 55,000 total participants from around the world.

For those who need to sell or buy already purchased Camporee tickets within the RMC, they are to contact Sue Nelson, RMC Club Ministries executive coordinator, by email at sue@rmcap.org or by phone at (970) 227-0962.

Sue explains, “Those in the RMC who still need tickets should contact me so that I can put their name on a list in case someone has some to sell. This is the best way as we can keep our square footage intact at the site, and they can camp with other RMC conference participants. There is no transfer of space otherwise. If someone from RMC buys tickets from another conference (say California), then they will have to camp with the California Conference.”

Camporee began in 1985 and was first held within the RMC borders at Camp Hale in Eagle County, Colorado. And while RMC has hosted Camporee twice before, it has been almost two decades since it last convened in Conference territory.

The town of Gillette hosting the event has been an exceedingly helpful and gracious partner in preparations for Camporee, even constructing facilities to be used at the event. Cathy Kissner, RMC Community Services and Disaster Relief coordinator, recently met with Wyoming state officials. She says they are taking security for this event very seriously to ensure the safety of participants during their stay.

Brandon Westgate, RMC Youth director, commented on some of the activities set to occur at Camporee: “Aside from the more than 200 Pathfinder Honors that will be taught, there will be attempts made all week long at setting several world records.”

“Pathfinders who are fortunate enough to attend the International Camporee,” he continued, “will be able to trade pins, earn honors, experience a deeply spiritual awakening, and make connections with other Pathfinders from the world over. We are more than thrilled that the RMC is the host conference for what promises to be a record-breaking camporee for our young people!”

There are a few new conference honors that are intended for submission to the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists (NAD) Honors Committee. Some of these new honors range from medical and homeless ministry to heroes of Reformation to the Ten Commandments. Others include the natural sciences of agricultural technology, animal rescue, magnetics, and deep-sea oceanography. There are even new honors in the arts including musical notation, needle felting, and stained glass.

With only a little over 200 days left before Camporee, it is recommended that groups start their pre-planning now. Please click here for more information, tips, and checklists.

—RMCNews. Photos by Rajmund Dabrowski.