It was one of the largest demonstrations of positive energy portrayed by the nation's youth. Last month, over 900 Pathfinders and Master Guides gathered in one place to showcase the skills they acquired over the past year. The annual camp was held at the Chaguanas North Secondary School and began on Friday evening, just after sunset. Pathfinders and Master Guides are worldwide organisations of young people sponsored by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Youth director of the South Caribbean Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist, Roger Edwards, was elated at the large turnout, and was certain that the event was the largest in the church's history. The camp saw 13 districts, which accounted for over 90 churches nationwide.
"The event gives camaraderie to and provides an avenue for the showcasing of the skills the different districts would have accumulated. It also assists in the socialisation process and allows those involved to have a sense of pride for the organisation that they are a part of," Edwards explained. Pathfinders and Master Guides offer a wide range of activities that encourage growth and development including, but not limited to, camping and survival skills, grade appropriate leadership training and promoting community pride. They are also involved in outreach activities such as volunteering at soup kitchens, collecting food for the disadvantaged, cleaning and maintaining city and county parks, and visiting and encouraging the elderly.
Beside its regular activities, every year they challenge themselves to do greater community service through a sub group called Making A Difference, MADD. Over the weekend, the Pathfinders and Master Guides participated in activities such as draw sword, church history, choral speaking, public and personal evangelism, story telling, drill down, multiple relay, honour challenge, fancy drill, and a parade through the streets of Chaguanas. The parade saw 1,200 Pathfinders and Master Guides making the statement, that not all young people in T&T are vile and corrupt; and that some are focused on heavenly characteristics.