During the Camporee, the responsible leaders strongly emphasise the global, holistic approach of the Pathfinder movement. The central goal is for young people to deepen their knowledge of and relationship with Jesus. But the physical, intellectual and social aspects have an important place in the approach to all initiatives.
In the extensive space of Friedensau, the activity points multiply, where the Pathfinders enthusiastically come every morning and every afternoon.
On the third day, the Delegation Challenge stood out. In this activity, groups of 10 Pathfinders from at least 3 different delegations are formed and they must complete 13 different tasks together. The ability to interact and co-operate, putting aside cultural differences and valuing unity in the movement, are easily achievable goals for these open and supportive young people.
There are also special activities, which bring special interest and joy. Here, you will find horse riding, bubble soccer and bungee trampoline, for example. In order to participate, Pathfinders will have to use the talents gained from participating in the workshops.
The workshops are central activities in the development of the Pathfinder spirit and skills, divided into 5 areas named after biblical places. Here, young people learn about the movement, and develop and apply knowledge about the world and society in a fun and didactic way.
Four of these workshops are organised by ADRA Europe, with the direct collaboration of ADRA Germany. For the second time, the Camporee is a place where the Pathfinders directly support a special ADRA project with their action and through their personal decision. By participating in the workshops, Pathfinders earn talents (colourful spheres), which they can then use to participate in special activities or buy products in City Life, the social area of the Camp. But they can also decide to donate these colourful little spheres to ADRA. Each sphere will be worth €2, and a Golden Card will be worth €25, offered by a donor to the projects.
João Martins, 48, himself an involved Pathfinder leader since forever, is Executive Director of ADRA Europe. He explains the concept in an interview, presents the projects and, of course, notes the enormous importance of the training for personal and social responsibility that the Pathfinder movement develops in young people. He presents the workshops with the help of Viktoria Pedchenko, 27, a Ukrainian refugee who moved to Germany in 2022. Her life changed due to the war and she decided to change other people’s lives through peace and care.
In 2019, the Camporee in Portugal amassed 80 thousand euros. Note well: that's €80,000 in small spheres that young people gave up of their own volition, giving up products and activities they could enjoy, so that other children in São Tomé could have access to a better education. What a great example, right?
This year, the expectation is no less. And the willingness to contribute also grows every day. The Pathfinders, with ADRA, change the world, one life at a time, with justice, compassion and love.
Photos: © Ângelo Bártolo, Mariana Bártolo, Simão de Abreu
