Rain soaked the grounds of Lake Whitney Ranch and turned campsites muddy, but it didn’t stop some 6,000 Pathfinders from rising above the rain to participate in the Southwestern Union Pathfinder Camporee, Oct. 1–4. Throughout the rainy weekend, the theme “Rise” challenged participants to rise mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially.
That challenge began as Pathfinders arrived and worked together to set up camps in the rain. The weather forced the cancellation of most outdoor honors and activities, but a handful of indoor honors and activities continued in the pavilion, along with drill competitions. Many Pathfinders also made their own fun, splashing through puddles and sliding through mud.
While the weather changed daytime plans, worship brought participants together around the camporee’s five themes. Each conference hosted a program, with youth hosts, speakers, musicians, and skit performers, followed by a devotional given by the camporee’s main speaker, Jonathan Osorio, a youth pastor from Florida.
Thursday evening’s “Rise Mentally” program was hosted by the Texico Conference. Youth speaker Arianna Elizalde from the El Paso Central Western Eagles challenged participants to consider what occupies their attention. She described how checking a phone notification can turn into scrolling until time intended for God is gone. Drawing on Colossians 3:1–2, she encouraged her peers to turn their attention toward Jesus.
Osorio illustrated another mental burden by asking a volunteer to carry a heavy backpack. He compared its weight to thoughts about being inadequate, unwanted, or insignificant. Through Gideon’s story, Osorio reminded Pathfinders that God’s promise to be with them matters more than their perceived weaknesses.
Friday morning’s “Rise Emotionally” program, hosted by the Oklahoma Conference, addressed discouragement and the pressures young people face. Youth speaker Chris Gin Tup Lian drew on Elijah’s experience of discouragement, encouraging Pathfinders to get up and seek God’s purpose for their lives. Osorio illustrated peer pressure by giving six Pathfinders different instructions, some to lead the audience in doing the wave and others to stand with their arms crossed. Drawing on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, he encouraged participants to remain faithful despite pressure to conform. “Don’t let the pressure around you determine the person God is wanting you to become,” he challenged them.
Arkansas-Louisiana Conference hosted Friday evening’s “Rise Physically” program. An opening skit used humor and an exercise demonstration to emphasize that physical health is about everyday choices, including adequate sleep, nutritious food, physical activity, and self-control. A youth devotional by Isaiah Chinchuretta drew on 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 and Daniel and his friends’ decision to choose vegetables and water rather than the king’s food, connecting care for the body with honoring God and sharing the gospel.
Osorio shifted the focus to rising above hurtful words, inviting Pathfinders to share painful things others had said about them. He connected their experiences to David, whose older brother belittled him before his encounter with Goliath. “The loudest voices in your life should not be the voice of your critic. It should be the voice of your Creator,” he told participants. Osorio invited those who had been hurt by others’ words to stand, then called forward those wishing to make a decision for Christ.
On Sabbath morning, clubs marched through the rain before gathering for the Southwest Region Conference’s “Rise Spiritually” worship program. Youth speaker Christian Lander encouraged Pathfinders to grow through daily prayer and choices guided by Scripture. Osorio explored Daniel’s determination to remain faithful despite pressure to conform, then invited participants to begin their own walk with Jesus through baptism.
“Baptism is not the end, but only the beginning of a walk with Jesus,” Osorio told participants.
Twenty Pathfinders were baptized following the service. Families and fellow club members gathered nearby as pastors baptized participants and the audience celebrated their decisions. An additional 12 baptisms took place that evening.
Sabbath afternoon, many Pathfinders participated in a Scripture memorization challenge. Those who memorized Isaiah 60:1 and were among the first 1,500 to recite it to a Southwestern Union administrator received a special Presidential pin. Lines formed at different locations across the camp as participants excitedly waited to share the verse with administrators.
Texas Conference hosted Saturday evening’s “Rise Socially” program. Youth speaker John Paul compared the Christian journey to climbing Mount Everest, asking Pathfinders to consider which choices help them climb and which hold them back. He encouraged them to stay connected to Jesus, make wise choices, and keep climbing even when they stumble.
In his closing message, “Rise Together,” Osorio drew on Jesus’ command to make disciples and the promise of His return. He shared the story of Tyler, a 25-year-old hospital patient with terminal cancer who asked to study the Bible and eventually chose baptism. Osorio reminded Pathfinders that Christ’s return offers the hope of being reunited with those they love. He invited participants to stand and link arms with those beside them, symbolizing their desire to meet Jesus together at the Second Coming.
The camporee ended with a reminder that the ultimate call to rise is one Pathfinders hope to answer together when Jesus returns.
