Some 10,000 young people, aged 10 to 15 years, gathered July 17 to 21 for a massive campout, focused on fun, learning, worship, and outdoor activities. The event, held on an 800,000-square-meter site in Vila Velha municipality, in eastern Brazil, is known as a Pathfinder Camporee. It attracted young people from across the states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and Espírito Santo.

State and local leaders attended the July 16 opening of the camporee, including Vila Velha mayor, Max Filho, and the State of Espírito Santo’s governor, Celso Vasconcelos. Mayor Filho spoke at the opening, saying he believed such an event can “count on God’s blessings.” Seventh-day Adventist Church president in East Brazil, Wandyr Mendes Oliveira, praised the initiative, recalling with gratitude his involvement in Pathfinders during his youth.

Pathfinders is a worldwide Christian youth organization run by the Adventist Church and open to participants of any religious denomination. It provides opportunities for young people to go on camping trips, and become involved in outdoor activities, community service, civic ceremonies, sports events, and activities aimed at spiritual development.