Adventist Camporee Unites More Than 4,500 Youth From Across Indonesia

The 3rd Indonesia Pathfinder Camporee 2023, which took place from June 26 to July 2, was an important milestone for the Seventh-day Adventist Junior Youth. It was the first and largest event of its kind organized in Indonesia since the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 4,500 people came to Buperta, Cibubur, East Jakarta, to join the camporee organized jointly by the Adventist churches in the West Indonesia (WIUM) and East Indonesia (EIUC) regions. Some traveled long distances from remote locations such as Papua. This magnificent event, themed “Niscala,” which means “calm” and “firm,” left a lasting impression on the hearts of those who attended.

The example of the apostle Paul was used as an inspiration, with leaders focusing on his enduring faith and strong spirit. The camporee adopted a Javanese Rhinoceros, nicknamed Badi, as its official mascot, representing power and resilience.

The major theme song, “Wrecked Ship,” echoed through the camporee, performed by five Pathfinders from various parts of Indonesia. Their moving performance provided a dramatic touch of significance and depth to the gathering, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

During the camporee, Pathfinders participated in a variety of activities and events. These included the awarding of Pathfinder Honors, city tours, community service projects, and the spectacular Pathfinder Olympics, or Pathlympics.

During the Sabbath, the Adventist Camporee hosted a series of special events that had a lasting impact on the faith journeys of the attendees. Pathfinders witnessed new believers’ baptisms and shared a Communion service as a unified community of faith. They also celebrated investiture ceremonies in which leaders recognized committed youth for their dedication to service and leadership.

The Indonesian Pathfinder Camporee has yielded encouraging results, leaders said. The event was carefully structured to encourage Adventist young adults, youth, and children to see the church as an opportunity to grow and to create a network of friends within their respective towns and in other territories.

Organizers aim to keep encouraging campers to get involved in various church missions and develop a closer walk with God. The intense and profound experiences at the camporee were critical in establishing long-lasting connections, deeper spiritual growth, and a sense of belonging among delegates and guests. As these encouraging receptions emerge, the Indonesian Adventist community is encouraged to press on, investing in the spiritual development of the youth and developing an unbreakable foundation that will lead them throughout their lives.

In addition to Pathfinder events, the Camporee’s Registration, Operation, and Services (CEROS) sponsored many dedicated Adventurer sessions, greeting hundreds of young children aged 4 to 8 years old, making this the first Indonesia Adventurer Camporee. Moreover, organizers offered several workshops and sessions focused on the Master Guide and Senior Youth Leadership certifications, providing attendees significant training and empowerment opportunities.

Among the leaders who attended the event were Andrés Peralta, General Conference world Pathfinder director and a Master Guide himself, and Master Guides Stephen Salainti, Wendell Mandolang, Ron Genebago, Ronny Wenas, Didi Muntu, and all Indonesian youth directors who actively contributed to the event’s success.

On June 27, Indonesia minister of youth and sport Ario Bimo Nandito Ariotedjo officially opened the camporee. In an interview with Hope Channel Indonesia, Ariotedjo emphasized the importance of such programs for developing resilient youth, both physically and spiritually. “They are critical to the nation’s overall development,” he said.

CEROS, led by Osvald Taroreh, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, donors, the Ikatan Dokter Advent Jakarta (IDAJ, the camporee’s official medical partner), and Hope Channel Indonesia (the camporee’s official media partner) for their invaluable support. The event’s success was due to the hard work, prayers, and participation of young people, parents, church members, and youth leaders, all of whom contributed to its seamless execution, organizers said.

As the event ended, guests expressed excitement for the next camporee, which will be held in Jayapura, Papua, in 2028. It promises to be another exceptional and transforming experience for Adventist youth, organizers said.

The original version of this story was posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.