Thousands of Pathfinders from across the Southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD) gathered at Mountain View College (MVC) on February 23, 2025, for the grand opening of the Division-Wide Pathfinder Camporee. Themed “Rebuild the Altar,” the event aims to deepen the spiritual commitment of young Adventists by encouraging regular communion with God and strengthening their role as witnesses for Christ.
Pathfinder delegations from 11 countries—the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia—marched in colorful uniforms, carrying their national flags as they assembled for the highly anticipated opening program.
The largest delegations came from Mindanao, with 5,135 Pathfinders from the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference (SwPUC) and 3,046 from the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM). Their presence underscored the region’s strong commitment to Pathfinder ministry and youth evangelism.
A Call to Rebuild the Altar
The opening ceremony was filled with inspiring messages from church leaders, emphasizing the importance of spiritual renewal and leadership development among the youth. Master Guide Junifer Colegado, Youth Director of the Adventist Church in the Southwestern Philippines (SwPUC), warmly welcomed the participants, followed by Master Guide Alevir Pido of the same organization, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gather young Adventists for this special event.
SSD Pathfinder Director Anakul Ritchil encouraged participants to embrace the camporee experience as an opportunity to “learn, serve, and grow.” Quoting the Pathfinder motto, he reminded them, “For the love of God constraineth us,” highlighting the camporee’s mission to nurture a strong foundation in faith.
In his keynote message, Pastor Jacinth Adap, Treasurer of SSD, urged the young Pathfinders to actively participate in the various activities designed to equip them for future challenges. “I want all of you to take advantage of all the activities you will have here, as this will help prepare you for the future,” he said. “An altar is a place where you meet God. Rebuilding the altar is a call to meet with Him.”
The camporee’s core mission is to cultivate regular communion with God, build an intimate relationship with Him, and develop committed witnesses for His work. Leaders emphasized that the event is not just about skills training and outdoor adventures but, more importantly, about spiritual revival and personal transformation.
A Grand Parade to Jumpstart the Camporee
The following day, campers, along with their leaders and teachers, kicked off the morning with an energetic parade around the MVC campus. Armed with their national flags, drum and lyre bands, and snappy marching gestures, the young Pathfinders proudly showcased their unity and discipline.
The parade not only ignited the campers’ enthusiasm but also set the tone for the day’s full schedule of exciting activities, team-building exercises, and faith-building workshops. As they marched through the campus, their synchronized steps and vibrant music echoed a spirit of joy and commitment to the camporee’s theme of rebuilding their spiritual altar.
A Life-Size Sanctuary Brings the Bible to Life
One of the special features of the camporee was a life-size sanctuary erected near the MVC library, allowing campers to experience firsthand the structure and significance of the biblical sanctuary. This interactive exhibit provided a deeper understanding of its spiritual lessons, reinforcing the biblical foundations of forgiveness, sacrifice, and God’s presence.
Pathfinders had the unique opportunity to walk through the sanctuary, learning about its different sections, including the Altar of Sacrifice, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place. Leaders emphasized how these elements point to Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrifice and how each detail reflects the plan of salvation.
Dynamic Pathfinder Demonstrations and Activities
One of the highlights of the program was a Fast and Review Drill conducted by Southern Philippine Adventist College (SPAC), featuring over 80 representatives demonstrating precision, discipline, and teamwork, inspiring fellow Pathfinders to embrace the values of obedience, leadership, and excellence.
Other institutions, including Mindanao Mission Academy and representatives from the Jakarta Union Conference, also took part in the opening activities, setting the stage for an eventful week filled with spiritual enrichment, leadership training, and service opportunities.
As the SSD-Wide Pathfinder Camporee continues, Pathfinders will engage in worship services, leadership development sessions, evangelistic outreach, and physical challenges designed to shape them into well-rounded individuals ready to serve their communities.
With over 10,000 young Adventists united in faith and service, the Southern Asia-Pacific Division-wide Camporee promises to be a life-changing experience, strengthening the next generation of Adventist youth to stand boldly for Christ.