From July 21st to 27th, a vibrant gathering of young adventurers took place at a picturesque campsite near Lake Borach, as the first Balkan Pathfinders Camporee unfolded under the inspiring theme “Faith on Fire.”
This exceptional camp brought together Pathfinders from Serbia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Albania, uniting about 150 participants, including Pathfinders, master guides, and dedicated volunteers. With a shared vision to enrich the spiritual and cultural lives of children aged 11 to 15, the camp became a melting pot of languages, traditions, and friendships. As stated in the camp brochure: "We share similar languages, cultures, traditions, and music — and this camp will give us a chance to explore and celebrate our connectedness."
The organizers of the Balkan camporee were Alan Pozhgay, director of the Balkan Camp, Alen Hadzhievic, head of the "Pathfinders" club in Croatia, Marko Virtic, director of the Adriatic Union at the SDA Church, Alma Bosnic, head of the "Pathfinders" club in Montenegro, David Shiley, head of the "Pathfinders" club in Serbia and Vladimir Krumov, group leader of the Bulgarian delegation of the "Pathfinders" club. The camp’s opening ceremony featured a special address by Pastor Kevin Jones, the Deputy Director of the Youth Department of the Trans-European Division, who expressed gratitude for the commitment of all involved. He reminded the Pathfinders, “Organizing a Balkan camporee is not an easy thing... Some of you will face challenges, but that’s part of the experience.”
Pastor Eleonora Vrag served as the keynote speaker, guiding the Pathfinders through the inspiring story of the prophet Daniel, exemplifying what it means to have “faith on fire” in God. The themes of the camp were creatively interwoven with elements of the beloved youth video game “Minecraft,” making the lessons relatable and engaging.
Throughout their time at the Balkan Camp, the Pathfinders enjoyed a dynamic program filled with art workshops, sports activities, and honors such as "Hazard Observer," "Friends of the Balkans," and "Fabric Coloring." The camp's highlights included exhilarating canoeing on Borachko Lake and challenges at the thrilling "Adrenaline Park," featuring a rope course that tested their courage and teamwork.
A poignant moment of the camp occurred on Sabbath, July 26th, when the Pathfinders celebrated the baptism of Luka Pozhgaj, marking a significant commitment to faith. Surrounded by friends and mentors, Luka shared his heartfelt decision: “I chose to be baptized here because I wanted to do it at my last possible camp as a Pathfinder, and this Balkan camp is something truly special to me.”
The camp was filled with memorable activities, including a fun secret game to connect with the organizers, a night track around the lake, and opportunities to apply scouting skills. These experiences fostered new friendships while the cool waters of Borachko Lake provided refreshment, and evenings under the stars were filled with praise and meaningful spiritual discussions. The Pathfinders also enjoyed learning about traditional folk songs and national dances, deepening their appreciation for the diverse cultures represented.
Leaders from the "Pathfinders" clubs took advantage of this gathering to exchange valuable experiences in camp preparation, laying the groundwork for future collaborations.
Despite the challenges faced, the camp proved to be an unforgettable experience for both the children and their leaders, strengthening their faith and paving the way for lasting friendships and partnerships among the clubs across the Balkans. The First Balkan Pathfinders Camporee became a testament to the power of unity, faith, and shared experiences, igniting a flame of inspiration in the hearts of all who participated.
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