Posted: August 3rd, 2023
Adventurer Family Camporee Unites Over 500 Campers
sellis@adventistontario.org
The Adventurer Family Camporee, held from July 26th to July 30th, 2023, at Camp New Lowell, was a wonderful experience uniting over 550 campers under the theme "The Journey."
The camporee focused on the biblical character Joseph, whose journey of faithfulness served as a source of inspiration throughout the event. Despite experiencing diverse weather conditions, including windy nights that blew away tents and canopies, chilly evenings, hot and humid days, and a rainy Sabbath morning, the Adventurers demonstrated remarkable resilience and undeterred enthusiasm. Pastor Edwin Martin, director of Adventurers, Master Guides and Pathfinders at the Ontario Conference praised the talents and determination displayed by the Adventurers, likening their experiences to that of Joseph's faithfulness and courage. He commended parents and leaders for nurturing the Adventurers' sense of mission and dedication to Jesus.
Each day began with morning devotions led by Adventurer preachers, including Rianne Co from Mt. Zion Light Bearers and Jesther Migrino and her son from College Park Heaven’s Trail. The devotions were followed by various Award classes. In addition, the kids loved the morning show, "Joseph and Rameses," played by Gilbert Thomson and Richard Lewis and the Egyptian Marketplace and Museum.
Exciting daytime activities included the ever-popular bouncy castle and inflatable obstacle course, both of which constantly had eager and excited Adventurers lining up to take part. Organized games such as archery, water balloon toss, cup pyramid, and egg and spoon race added to the fun-filled atmosphere.
The highlight of the nighttime program was the drama musical presentation titled "Joseph’s Journey of Faithfulness." The cast delivered a phenomenal performance that captivated the audience.
Pastor Lyle Notice, Alberta Conference Youth Director, served as the guest speaker, sharing inspiring messages and captivating stories that excited and engaged the kids. His influence led to four Adventurers from the Toronto Spanish Adventurer Club making the decision to be baptized.
Despite rain on Sabbath morning, everyone participated in the procession with their club banners and flags. The Adventurer spirits could not be dampened, and many responded to the speaker's appeal to commit to a new journey with Christ.
Sabbath afternoon, the rain stopped and the sun came out allowing the Adventurers to enjoy the "Joseph’s Journey" treasure hunt and have photo opportunities with the Drama Cast members in their vibrant costumes.
Velma Morgan, Executive Coordinator of the Ontario Conference Adventurer Council, expressed her awe at witnessing the transformative power of Jesus within the Adventurers Ministry. She also praised God for the four Adventurers who were baptised and noted how it left a profound impact on all present.
If you missed the event the camporee will be available in a four-part series on the Ontario Adventurers' YouTube channel and Facebook page starting from Friday, August 4, 2023, at 7:30 pm.
If you would like your children to take part in an inspiring and life-changing event, be sure to mark your calendars for July 23-27, 2025, for the next camporee where the theme will be "Brave."