15 Aug 2025, 14:54U UgoalaNewport, Newport, Wales, United Kingdom
My Amazing Adventurer & Pathfinder Camporee in Wales
A Pathfinder club member from Aberdeen shares her unforgettable experience at the Adventurer and Pathfinder Camporee in Wales.
This summer holiday, from July 31 to August 5, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Adventurer and Pathfinder Camporee in Wales. It was organised by the Welsh Mission, with an invitation extended to the Scottish Mission as well.
The journey from Aberdeen to Newport – CRAI Scout Activity Park (our campsite) – was long, but the experience was worth it. The food was delicious every single day, and although the tents sometimes got a bit chilly, we managed just fine. We were just excited to sleep in a new tent, which I believe was donated via the British Union Conference (BUC). Showers could be tricky—there was often a queue unless you woke up early or went at night—and the water sometimes alternated between hot and cold, but that was just part of the adventure.
The opening ceremony was one of my favourite moments. We were welcomed by the new BUC Youth Director, Pastor Njabulo Ndlovu, and the Welsh Mission Youth Sponsor, Elder Jonathan. Wearing our uniforms, we marched in together to the sound of the drum corps. It felt like a reunion of friends, even for those who had never met before.
Throughout the week, we worked on honours and learned new skills such as sign language, knot tying, CPR, and braiding. We met new people, made friends, and discovered more about God in fun and interactive ways. The atmosphere was unique—different cultures, new foods, and the thrill of sleeping in tents under the stars.
Three clubs came from Scotland—Paisley, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh—while more than five clubs joined from Wales. Pathfinders had Pastor Christopher Khuoge as their keynote speaker, with the theme I Will Go. Adventurers had Elder Kenroy McKenzie and Eileen McKenzie. Pastor Khuoge was a powerful and engaging speaker, sharing personal stories from his childhood and youth. One message that stood out for me was when he spoke about baptism, encouraging us to stay committed to “Team Jesus” and reminding us that camp experiences help us build resilience for life’s challenges.
On Sabbath, something incredible happened—thirty Pathfinders, including me, made the decision to be baptised. It was one of the most powerful moments of my life. We were called to the front, stood together, and wrote down our names. Pastor Weiers Coetser, who happens to be my local church pastor, was also there to give us support. Since then, Pastor Khuoge has begun Bible studies to prepare us for baptism, and it feels like a brand-new spiritual journey has begun.
The last day didn’t feel like the end at all—time had flown by because we were having so much fun. Everyone left with great memories and excitement for next year’s camp. From relaxing in hammocks to sliding down the water slide, to enjoying the bonfire on Saturday night and again on the final night—it was an experience I’ll never forget. And now, as we prepare for our baptisms, the journey continues.
A Pathfinder club member from Aberdeen shares her unforgettable experience at the Adventurer and Pathfinder Camporee in Wales.
This summer holiday, from July 31 to August 5, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Adventurer and Pathfinder Camporee in Wales. It was organised by the Welsh Mission, with an invitation extended to the Scottish Mission as well.
The journey from Aberdeen to Newport – CRAI Scout Activity Park (our campsite) – was long, but the experience was worth it. The food was delicious every single day, and although the tents sometimes got a bit chilly, we managed just fine. We were just excited to sleep in a new tent, which I believe was donated via the British Union Conference (BUC). Showers could be tricky—there was often a queue unless you woke up early or went at night—and the water sometimes alternated between hot and cold, but that was just part of the adventure.
The opening ceremony was one of my favourite moments. We were welcomed by the new BUC Youth Director, Pastor Njabulo Ndlovu, and the Welsh Mission Youth Sponsor, Elder Jonathan. Wearing our uniforms, we marched in together to the sound of the drum corps. It felt like a reunion of friends, even for those who had never met before.
Throughout the week, we worked on honours and learned new skills such as sign language, knot tying, CPR, and braiding. We met new people, made friends, and discovered more about God in fun and interactive ways. The atmosphere was unique—different cultures, new foods, and the thrill of sleeping in tents under the stars.
Three clubs came from Scotland—Paisley, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh—while more than five clubs joined from Wales. Pathfinders had Pastor Christopher Khuoge as their keynote speaker, with the theme I Will Go. Adventurers had Elder Kenroy McKenzie and Eileen McKenzie. Pastor Khuoge was a powerful and engaging speaker, sharing personal stories from his childhood and youth. One message that stood out for me was when he spoke about baptism, encouraging us to stay committed to “Team Jesus” and reminding us that camp experiences help us build resilience for life’s challenges.
On Sabbath, something incredible happened—thirty Pathfinders, including me, made the decision to be baptised. It was one of the most powerful moments of my life. We were called to the front, stood together, and wrote down our names. Pastor Weiers Coetser, who happens to be my local church pastor, was also there to give us support. Since then, Pastor Khuoge has begun Bible studies to prepare us for baptism, and it feels like a brand-new spiritual journey has begun.
The last day didn’t feel like the end at all—time had flown by because we were having so much fun. Everyone left with great memories and excitement for next year’s camp. From relaxing in hammocks to sliding down the water slide, to enjoying the bonfire on Saturday night and again on the final night—it was an experience I’ll never forget. And now, as we prepare for our baptisms, the journey continues.
