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.