1 Aug 2025, 11:18Blandine DamtseDumfries and Galloway, Scotland, United Kingdom
Glasgow Pathfinder and Adventurer Club Hosts a 'Once-in-a-Lifetime' Camporee
The Glasgow Pathfinder and Adventurer Club hosted their first combined camporee, inspiring youth through faith, teamwork, and engaging activities in Dumfries and Galloway.
The Glasgow Pathfinder and Adventurer Club hosted their first-ever joint camporee from July 9 to 13 in Dumfries and Galloway, under the theme “What You Do Matters.” Guest speaker Allan Zukowski encouraged attendees to reflect Christ in their daily lives. The camp featured a rich blend of devotionals, team-building challenges, recreational activities, and spiritual experiences—all designed to nurture faith, promote learning, and strengthen fellowship.
The camp began with a powerful display of unity as participants collaborated to pitch their tents. Campers, organised into four rotating units, took on daily responsibilities such as kitchen duty and leading morning devotionals, ensuring smooth operations and active participation. The camporee officially commenced to loud cheers as Pathfinder Club Director Sipho Ncube and Adventurer Club Director Blandine Damtse split a log in a symbolic opening ceremony.
After dinner, campers gathered by the lakeside for the first evening devotional. A wooden triangle representing the Pathfinder emblem was lit as Allan urged everyone to let their light shine. A candle-lighting ceremony followed, with a single flame passed from person to person—symbolising how small acts can reflect God’s light. In the following evenings, Allan delivered interactive messages inspired by Esther, Dorcas, and Daniel, encouraging faith, selflessness, courage, and surrender to Christ. Campers were also challenged daily to take initiative and be helpful. Rooted in Matthew 5:14, the devotionals brought each day to a peaceful close, blending faith and fun into an unforgettable experience.
The camp buzzed with excitement—from energising morning exercises and uplifting devotionals to action-packed activities such as laser tag, archery, bubble football, water park fun, a giant slide, and more. Thursday was a standout day for Adventurers, who enjoyed a club-led programme featuring Holy Communion, crafts, painting, and water games—each activity tied to the themes of shining for Jesus, resilience, unity, and evangelism.
On Sabbath, campers worshipped in a barn on what turned out to be Scotland’s hottest day of the year. Seated on haystacks, many described the unique setting as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In his sermon, Allan encouraged campers to be selfless and shine God’s light through small acts of kindness. Each unit worked independently on group presentations assigned by Allan, using songs, skits, poems, and mimes to creatively illustrate the day’s message.
On Sabbath afternoon, 52 campers and 10 visiting parents crossed Loch Ken by boat to embark on a praise-filled hike in the nearby mountains. The day concluded with a barbecue, games, a devotional, and a classic campfire featuring marshmallows and storytelling.
The camporee concluded on Sunday with a joyful closing ceremony led by Camp Overseer and Master Guide Samu Ncube, alongside club leaders. Junior counsellors and officers were commended for their dedication, parents for their tremendous support, and campers for their exemplary behaviour. Special recognition was given to the catering team for their exceptional service in preparing generous, high-quality meals throughout the event.
Campers returned to Glasgow with renewed faith and lasting memories. On the journey home, the coach driver surprised the group with a £100 gift for McDonald’s. In return, campers gave him a heartfelt thank-you card, sparking what leaders hope will be the beginning of a meaningful connection.
The camporee WhatsApp group buzzed with praise afterwards, with many calling it “one of the best camps ever.” One Pathfinder shared that the theme What You Do Matters had become their family’s new motto. The only complaint? The ever-persistent midges—unbothered by even the strongest repellent.
Another highlight of the camp was a visit from BUC Youth Director Pastor Njay Ndlovu and Scottish Mission Pathfinder Sponsors Yvonne and Paul Kanjewe. Pastor Njay praised the camp’s organisation, spiritual depth, Allan’s structured teaching, and the strong collaboration between leaders and parents. Yvonne commended the joy, creativity, and teamwork, calling Glasgow’s efforts “fantastic.” Local Pathfinder Club Director Sipho Ncube described the event as “a resounding success,” giving thanks to God for good weather, safety, valuable lessons, and unforgettable experiences.
The Glasgow Pathfinder and Adventurer Club hosted their first combined camporee, inspiring youth through faith, teamwork, and engaging activities in Dumfries and Galloway.
The Glasgow Pathfinder and Adventurer Club hosted their first-ever joint camporee from July 9 to 13 in Dumfries and Galloway, under the theme “What You Do Matters.” Guest speaker Allan Zukowski encouraged attendees to reflect Christ in their daily lives. The camp featured a rich blend of devotionals, team-building challenges, recreational activities, and spiritual experiences—all designed to nurture faith, promote learning, and strengthen fellowship.
The camp began with a powerful display of unity as participants collaborated to pitch their tents. Campers, organised into four rotating units, took on daily responsibilities such as kitchen duty and leading morning devotionals, ensuring smooth operations and active participation. The camporee officially commenced to loud cheers as Pathfinder Club Director Sipho Ncube and Adventurer Club Director Blandine Damtse split a log in a symbolic opening ceremony.
After dinner, campers gathered by the lakeside for the first evening devotional. A wooden triangle representing the Pathfinder emblem was lit as Allan urged everyone to let their light shine. A candle-lighting ceremony followed, with a single flame passed from person to person—symbolising how small acts can reflect God’s light. In the following evenings, Allan delivered interactive messages inspired by Esther, Dorcas, and Daniel, encouraging faith, selflessness, courage, and surrender to Christ. Campers were also challenged daily to take initiative and be helpful. Rooted in Matthew 5:14, the devotionals brought each day to a peaceful close, blending faith and fun into an unforgettable experience.
The camp buzzed with excitement—from energising morning exercises and uplifting devotionals to action-packed activities such as laser tag, archery, bubble football, water park fun, a giant slide, and more. Thursday was a standout day for Adventurers, who enjoyed a club-led programme featuring Holy Communion, crafts, painting, and water games—each activity tied to the themes of shining for Jesus, resilience, unity, and evangelism.
On Sabbath, campers worshipped in a barn on what turned out to be Scotland’s hottest day of the year. Seated on haystacks, many described the unique setting as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In his sermon, Allan encouraged campers to be selfless and shine God’s light through small acts of kindness. Each unit worked independently on group presentations assigned by Allan, using songs, skits, poems, and mimes to creatively illustrate the day’s message.
On Sabbath afternoon, 52 campers and 10 visiting parents crossed Loch Ken by boat to embark on a praise-filled hike in the nearby mountains. The day concluded with a barbecue, games, a devotional, and a classic campfire featuring marshmallows and storytelling.
The camporee concluded on Sunday with a joyful closing ceremony led by Camp Overseer and Master Guide Samu Ncube, alongside club leaders. Junior counsellors and officers were commended for their dedication, parents for their tremendous support, and campers for their exemplary behaviour. Special recognition was given to the catering team for their exceptional service in preparing generous, high-quality meals throughout the event.
Campers returned to Glasgow with renewed faith and lasting memories. On the journey home, the coach driver surprised the group with a £100 gift for McDonald’s. In return, campers gave him a heartfelt thank-you card, sparking what leaders hope will be the beginning of a meaningful connection.
The camporee WhatsApp group buzzed with praise afterwards, with many calling it “one of the best camps ever.” One Pathfinder shared that the theme What You Do Matters had become their family’s new motto. The only complaint? The ever-persistent midges—unbothered by even the strongest repellent.
Another highlight of the camp was a visit from BUC Youth Director Pastor Njay Ndlovu and Scottish Mission Pathfinder Sponsors Yvonne and Paul Kanjewe. Pastor Njay praised the camp’s organisation, spiritual depth, Allan’s structured teaching, and the strong collaboration between leaders and parents. Yvonne commended the joy, creativity, and teamwork, calling Glasgow’s efforts “fantastic.” Local Pathfinder Club Director Sipho Ncube described the event as “a resounding success,” giving thanks to God for good weather, safety, valuable lessons, and unforgettable experiences.
