PUC Makes Its Mark at the International Pathfinder Camporee, Witnesses God’s Presence Amidst Storms and Setbacks

In early August, Pacific Union College created connections by making its mark at the International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, providing engaging activities, essential training, and showcasing Adventist higher education to the 60,000 plus young people from across the globe. Despite intense storms and weather-related setbacks, PUC staff and students had the incredible opportunity to witness God’s presence and power amidst the storms.

Showcasing Adventist Education

Members of PUC’s enrollment team collaborated with representatives from four other Adventist colleges to run the Association of Adventist Colleges and Universities (AACU) booth, highlighting the unique offerings of PUC and other institutions. The booth, located in the heart of the event’s main exhibit area—Energy Hall—ensured high visibility and engagement with the steady flow of Pathfinders and their families.

Providing Excitement, Engagement, and Training

Alongside its educational outreach, PUC’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program director, 11 EMS students, and enrollment team members offered an exciting activity and Pathfinder honor training.

Erected on the front lawn of Energy Hall stood PUC’s 20-foot-tall climbing wall, draped with PUC promotional banners. While four participants scaled the climbing wall at a time, those in line could interact with PUC staff. Upon successfully scaling the wall, participants received a custom-made metal collector’s pin—continuing the tradition of trading unique pins at Pathfinder camporees. The activity ran 10 hours daily, except during Sabbath hours, with several thousand people taking turns.

Additionally, PUC’s EMS program taught the Basic Rescue Pathfinder honor. Training conducted throughout the event taught techniques for removing a person from a dangerous situation. Hundreds of Pathfinders earned this honor in groups of 35 at a time. The Basic Rescue honor not only provided valuable skills but emphasized the EMS program’s dedication to practical, hands-on learning experiences.

“Since the PUC students were trained as EMTs, rescue technicians, and most were also firefighters, they were ideally trained to teach the Pathfinders basic life-saving skill required in emergencies,” said Jeff Joiner, director of the EMS program. “The camporee was a great opportunity for the PUC students to interact with Pathfinders from all over the world!”

Gene Edelbach, vice president of marketing and enrollment, praised the PUC staff and students for their organization and execution of these events.

“For Pacific Union College, it required a great deal of commitment from Jeff Joiner, the 11 EMS students, and the enrollment team members,” Edelbach commented. “However, it was worth it for the tens of thousands of people we were able to positively influence regarding Adventist higher education, our EMS program, and Pacific Union College overall. The team did an incredible job.”

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

The camporee was not without its challenges. Volatile summer weather forced camper evacuations on Tuesday night and the cancellation of the main program on Saturday. Additionally, the dipping temperatures, torrential rain, severe wind, thunderstorms, and lightning downed and destroyed tents and flooded many low-lying areas.

Edelbach shared that the wind damaged several of PUC’s E-Z Ups and other equipment. Despite these difficulties, the PUC team demonstrated perseverance with minimal disruption to their activity schedule, repairing damaged equipment and stabilizing the climbing wall with lumber.

Through it all, PUC’s team was able to tangibly witness God’s presence amidst the storm through the Gillette community’s extended support, the Pathfinder’s resilience, and even one of the physical promises of Christ’s care and faithfulness—a rainbow in the sky.