The challenge of organising is a task of years, involving hundreds of people, including leaders, teams and volunteers. For 6 days, almost 2800 people share a space where they sleep, eat, participate in activities, exercise; a space that needs organisation, cleaning, maintenance, security, and medical assistance. And in which there is a multimedia stage, logistical, technological, human support services, and many others. It all takes work, a lot of work, time, effort, dedication, and, of course, patience in abundance.
Camporee 2023 is taking place in Germany, in Friedensau, after 22 years since the last edition here. Ruben Grieco, 50, is the leader of the Adventist Youth and Pathfinder movement of the two Unions in the country. He is also the communications director. He embodies and applies his extensive vision, his practical experience and his remarkable passion in everything he does.
Despite the great responsibility that rested on his shoulders in the months before and the short days of the Camporee, that is not what worries him the most. "Have you participated in many camporees," we asked. "Which one was the best and what is different and special about this one?" Ruben replies: "Each one is the best and the most special for each Pathfinder. Almost all of them only have the opportunity to come to one in their entire childhood." He explains that those moments can make a difference and it is to make that difference that each officer works.
All the leaders refer to the Camporee theme in its shortest formulation, Follow Me. But Ruben puts the emphasis on his part, which gives it meaning and purpose: "Share your story. Tell about Jesus in your life," he states with conviction. And he acts accordingly.
Photos: © Ângelo Bártolo, Mariana Bártolo, Simão de Abreu
