Faifley Pathfinder Club recognised that they needed additional funds to attend the Trans-European Division (TED) Pathfinder Camporee and came up with the idea to raise funds through hiking, hence the theme, ‘Hike for Hungary’. This was a fundraising campaign for our Pathfinders to attend the 13th TED International Camporee in Sopron, Hungary, from July 25th to August 1st, 2023. The club aimed to raise £1000 and exceeded their target.
The Trans-European Pathfinder Camporee is held every 4 years. This year 6 of our Pathfinders joined 2000+ Pathfinders around Europe who came to play, share, learn and worship together. This was an amazing opportunity for our Pathfinders to have new experiences, learn new skills, and make many new friends around Europe.
So why hiking you ask? Aside from the term “Hike for Hungary“ being a catchy phrase, hiking is one of the best ways to spend quality time with family. This is particularly so for Pathfinders that believe in wholesome and educational fun at an intergenerational level. Hiking was a perfect time away disconnecting from technology and connecting with the church family. Through participating in the hiking, the Pathfinders also attained the hiking honour in which they learnt the main points of good hiking practice, what to wear when outdoors, and etiquette in the wilderness.
The Pathfinders conquered three peaks, climbing one each month leading up to their journey to Hungary in July. In total, 61 people participated in the walk. For a church with a membership of less than 30, this was an incredible turnout. The three hills included Conic Hill on the16th of April, Lochgoin Circuit on the 21st May, and Grey Mare’s Tail on the 24th June.
Conic Hill is a steep ascent, with its summit rising abruptly to 350 meters above Balmaha. Right on the Highland Boundary Fault, this short hillwalk offers truly fantastic views over Loch Lomond and its many islands.
This was incredibly well attended with aunties and uncles, nieces and nephews. In a heartwarming instance, three generations—a grandmother, her daughter, and grandson—walked side by side. Ultimately, this was a wellbeing experience, not only a fundraiser. 31 members attended the first hike.
The second hike was Lochgoin Circuit, on the 21st of May - a circular route of 13 kilometres. This is the UK's largest onshore windfarm at Whitelee. This is a 13km/8Mile route from the Visitor Centre, along the trail tracks of the wind farm and around Lochgoin Reservoir. 11 members attended this walk. Grey Mare’s Tail on the 24th of June was attended by 19 members.
One of the Pathfinders, Suwilanji, who attended the Camporee commented, ”I really enjoyed the praise and worship and Pastor Adam’s sermons were very moving, I liked the way he presented them”. Suwilanji has also made the decision to be baptised now and to dedicate her life to Christ.
Temwa said, “I enjoyed the Camporee as it allowed me to make new friends from all over Europe, learn new customs and vocabulary, and ultimately strengthen my relationship with God through the devotions and the beautiful praise and worship sessions especially “
The total amount raised through hiking was £1245.
Our next exciting adventure awaits at the International Pathfinder Camporee in Wyoming, USA, scheduled for August 2024! If you'd like to contribute to our fundraising efforts, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Faifley Church. Your support is greatly appreciated!
