God, Our Rescue: Wisconsin Pathfinder Camporee 2025

This past weekend, at Camp Wakonda, we hosted our Wisconsin Conference Pathfinder Fair, with the theme: God, Our Rescue. Since, on years where there is a Lake Union or International Camporee, we do not host a local Conference camporee, these special events only take place two-to-three times every five years. A few years ago, our team of Area Coordinators came up with a strategy for our local Conference camporees, so that they could be as helpful as possible to our clubs when we do have them: we'd rotate through planning events that help clubs complete their Camping Skills requirements, Medical/Emergency Response requirements, and the Knots Honor. This year, for God, our Rescue, we focused on the Medical and Emergency Response requirements for all class levels.

Green Bay Pioneers, preparing for inspection

Our team of Area Coordinators really shone during the planning and execution of this event. We recently took a vote in our Club Ministries Committee that Jody and Charlyn Marsh will chair the committee during the 2025-2026 season. They took the lead on planning the schedule and as a committee, we decided who would lead out during which worship times and who would teach which class levels. With a roadmap forward, planning began. What resulted was a weekend of intentional and interactive worship services, age-specific classes teaching Pathfinders best practices in helping others in need, fun activities, and a camping experience on the beautiful Wild Side of Camp Wakonda.

The younger-level Pathfinders (Friend through Ranger) learned various methods of basic emergency response, rescue, and first aid. Though simple, this equipped Pathfinders with the ability to effectively help a friend in need. Basic stretchers were made from branches and blankets. Slings and wraps were made, using both medical supplies and basic cloths that one might find lying around. The Friend class made special emergency preparedness kits, filled with supplies that could be helpful in a time of need. For older Pathfinders, the class time was a bit more challenging. Voyagers took a CPR class that certified them to be able to help in the case that a person was not breathing. They also learned about using an AED and how to help choking victims. Guides had the task of helping the Area Coordinators as they taught the classes. All together, this helped all of our Pathfinders in attendance knock out all of the Medical and Emergency Response requirements for their class level.

Adding to the fun of the weekend, we planned a couple of new activities that were just for the purpose of Pathfinders getting to interact with each other and have a good time. The first was Saturday evening's Talent Show. Throughout the weekend, Pathfinders were encouraged during worship times that God has given them special talents in order to help others and to bring the Gospel to the world. At the Talent Show, various talents were shown off--from skits, to songs, to comedy routines. Everyone did a great job encouraging and cheering their peers on, and it turned out to be a fun evening for all involved. Also, before the close of the weekend, Pathfinders challenged each other at a huge game of Capture the Flag on Sunday morning. Everyone had a good time, especially with Summer Camp Staff running the event, and even pastors getting in on the fun.

Going into my fifth season directing Club Ministries in the Wisconsin Conference, this is only the second Wisconsin Conference Camporee that we've been able to host. With the combined blessing of an awesome team of Area Coordinators, a willing and helpful team of Camp Staff young adult leaders, and an awesome cohort of Pathfinder Clubs and directors: we've already seen a lot of great improvements in quality. Even though next year (September 24-27, 2026) will be a Lake Union Camporee in Berrien Springs, the next two years after that will be local Wisconsin Conference Camporees. Be ready for those events! With the awesome team we have, and the experience we've gained over the past several years, our upcoming Camporees in 2027 and 2028 will be epic ones that you don't want to miss.

In the meantime: we hope you enjoy this report and these pictures. We can't wait to see all of our Club Ministry and Youth leaders soon at our LeaderShop event, taking place at Camp Wakonda on October 17-19.