More than 600 Adventurers and staff from across North New South Wales Conference (NNSW) attended the highly anticipated Adventurer Camporee at Stuarts Point Convention Centre (NSW) from October 7 to 9—the first conference-wide camporee post-pandemic.
The event began with an opening Sabbath program held in the main tent. The stage area was decorated as a farmyard with hay bales, cut-out animals and a barn backdrop to accompany the “Spread the Word” theme. A formal welcome was delivered by NNSW children and family ministries director Colleen Savage, followed by the raising of the flags and the reciting of the pledge and law. Formalities were concluded with Adventurers and leaders from 20 different clubs parading into the venue.
Throughout the weekend, children and parents were encouraged to spread the word through praise and worship led out by Happy Hands founder Caroline Schmitz. The music was a mixture of old classics and contemporary favourites, including the camporee theme song “Truly Free”, an original piece composed by local church member Amy Cherry.
Each program included a short message from Brisbane-based (Qld) Pastor Sean Berkeley, which centred around key verse in 2 Timothy 4:2 that invites God’s people to be ready to always share the gospel. That evening Pastor Berkeley retold the parable of the Sower, encouraging the Adventurers to grow their faith on good ground. To accompany each worship program, Pathfinders from Wallsend performed a series of dramas that echoed the messages preached by Pastor Berkely.
The Sabbath was a special day as Adventurers interacted and responded to the messages through various crafts and activities. The activities included herding sheep, scarecrow first aid and finding a needle in the haystack. There were 12 different rotations and after each activity, the campers received a corresponding stamp which assisted in solving a puzzle to locate a lost sheep.
For NNSW children and family ministries administrator Louise Ginn, the highlight of the event was “watching the whole weekend unfold [and] seeing God work firsthand.”
From the favourable weather to the positive responses from Adventurers, Mrs Savage highlighted how “there were many prayers answered,” during the weekend.
Each element from the music, activities, drama, worships, and craft, complimented each other perfectly to ensure that each camper had a blessed time. “It was such a privilege to work with such a bunch of dedicated leaders who genuinely care for our children,” said Mrs Savage.
NNSW secretary Pastor Abel Iorgulescu expressed his gratitude to all camporee volunteers who supported the inspiring program. “It is important for the future of the Adventist movement that our young children are encouraged to ‘Spread the Word’.”
