Refocus on the Mission: The AMP Leadership Summit Through My Lens
Posted: October 7th, 2026
As a photographer, I came to the AMP Leadership Summit expecting to capture moments. What I did not expect was to witness a story unfolding through my lens.
This powerful weekend began even before the first session started. As I stepped through the doors of the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel on October 1, 2026, I pulled my camera from my bag, lifted it to my face, and began capturing moments.
Soon, the hotel filled with familiar faces, new introductions, laughter, and the unmistakable energy of people united by a shared purpose: "Refocus on the Mission." Adventurer, Master Guide, and Pathfinder (AMP) leaders gathered for a summit that would continue through October 4.
Throughout the weekend, we were blessed with dynamic speakers and special guests, including Pastor Busi Khumalo, General Conference Youth Director, and his associate directors, Pastors Ron Genebago and Alfred Kwasi Asiem.
I had the privilege of capturing seminars and interactive workshops focused on four key areas: refocusing on the leader, the people we serve, practical tools to strengthen our ministry, and creating safe spaces for all. Whether through worship, seminars, workshops, or hallway conversations, the call to refocus on the mission was evident throughout the weekend.
As I moved from session to session, I captured leaders gathered in prayer, friends reconnecting after months apart, and meaningful conversations that continued between workshops. While speakers delivered powerful messages from the platform, my attention was often drawn to the audience. I saw leaders taking notes, encouraging one another, reflecting, and recommitting themselves to the mission. Those moments reminded me that this summit was not simply about information. It was about transformation.
On Saturday evening, an awards ceremony honoured leaders for their years of service. Through my lens, I saw strength, commitment, hard work, and dedication. The faithful service of these leaders is one of the reasons I am where I am today.
As the weekend came to a close, I looked back through the photographs and reflected on the memories that had been created. I realised that I had captured much more than moments. I documented growth, vision, energy, and renewal.
A camera has a way of making you see things differently. While others experienced the weekend through conversations, seminars, workshops, and hallway encounters, I experienced it through a viewfinder. I noticed the quick hugs, candid interactions, smiles, and laughter that spoke volumes about the spirit of our ministry.
From my perspective, this was far more than a series of seminars and presentations. Through my lens, I watched our ministry refocus not only on the mission, but on Christ.
Through my lens, I saw joy.
Through my lens, I saw dedication.
Through my lens, I saw leadership.
Through my lens, I saw growth.
And when I finally put my camera down, I realised that although I arrived intending to capture everyone else's memories, I left with memories of my own.
As we return to our clubs, churches, and communities, may the lessons learned, relationships strengthened, and vision renewed during this summit inspire us to serve with purpose, keep Christ at the heart of our ministry, and refocus on the mission wherever God leads us.
MG Jayda Parkes
Ontario Conference Pathfinder Council Drill, Drum & Media Coordinator
On behalf of the AMP Summit 2026 Communication Team