A Camp to Remember

From the 2nd to 5th May 2025, Pathfinders and Adventurers from the Newcastle Club, South Shields Club, and the newly formed clubs in Durham and Darlington, assembled at the Dilston Scout Campsite for the Open Intra-Area 1 Camp. The theme of the long weekend camp was “Journey with Faith.”

This event was particularly significant as the new clubs joined our expanding Pathfinder family. Together, all the participants spent the weekend reconnecting with nature, deepening their faith, and creating lasting memories.

We were privileged to have Pastor Dan Dachin (pastor of Newcastle Seventh-day Adventist Church) and Dr Lise Chew (Global Mission Pioneer) deliver inspiring and faith-filled messages that underscored the importance of trusting God throughout life’s journey. We were also honoured by the presence of Pastor Dan Majaducon and Pastor Sandy Pairman, whose visits uplifted the children, teenagers, youth, parents, and all the leaders.

The weekend was replete with engaging activities. Pathfinders participated in activities and earned honours in:

• Christian Storytelling

• Orienteering

• Puppetry

• Camp Cookery and Fire Building

• Barge Crossing Challenge

• Obstacle Course Races

• Knot Tying and Semaphore

• Drill and Marching

Adventurers explored God’s creation through:

• Creation & God’s World Awards

• Habitat Award

• Paul’s Journey of Faith Scavenger Hunt

• Hand Shadows Award

• Cooking Award

• Water Games and Barge Crossing

• Water Balloon Catapult

• Relay Races and Team Games

A total of 124 campers were present, with 32 day visitors participating throughout the weekend. To foster teamwork and camaraderie, the children were grouped into three teams, each comprising 11 to 12 Pathfinders and 7 to 8 Adventurers. The atmosphere around the campsite was filled with joy and excitement that lasted all weekend long.

On Sunday evening, families, counsellors, leaders, and campers gathered around the fire to roast marshmallows, grill hot dogs, sing songs of praise, and share laughter under the night sky.

Despite the chilly nights, the warmth of faith, friendship, and laughter made this camp a truly memorable blessing. It was more than just an event—it was a journey of faith. It reminded us that although we are imperfect individuals within an imperfect circle, when united in faith and love, we are made perfectly whole in God’s eyes.

We express our gratitude to our Lord for this wonderful weekend of fellowship and eagerly anticipate the next adventure together. The chorus of this year’s camp song still resounds in our hearts:

Oh, to holy adventurers marching strong,
We are the Pathfinders in the throng!
We journey on, though the road gets tough,
Knowing God’s promises are enough…
And as we work together, let our hearts soar…
We journey with faith forevermore.

Here’s to the next chapter of our faith journey!