The third Indonesian Pathfinder Camporee 2023 was an important milestone for Adventist Junior Youth, being the first and largest event of its kind organized in the nation since the COVID-19 pandemic. From June 26–July 2, over 4,500 people arrived in Buperta, Cibubur, East Jakarta, to join the camporee, organized jointly by the Adventist churches in the West Indonesia Union Mission (WIUM) and the East Indonesia Union Mission (EIUC). 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 apostle Paul's example shone as an inspiration, demonstrating his enduring faith and strong spirit. The camporee adopted the Javan rhinoceros, nicknamed "Badi," as its official mascot, representing the event's power and resilience.
The primary 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. Throughout the camporee, attendees participated in a variety of activities and events, such as the awarding of Pathfinder Honors, city tours, community service projects, and the spectacular Pathfinder Olympics, or Pathlympics.
During the Sabbath, the camporee hosted a series of special events that had a lasting impact on the faith journeys of the attendees: witnessing new believers' baptisms, sharing communion as a unified body of faith, and celebrating investiture ceremonies in which committed youth were recognized for their dedication to service and leadership.
The Indonesian Pathfinder Camporee has yielded encouraging results, as the event was carefully structured to encourage Adventist young adults, youth, and children to see the church as an opportunity to grow and create a network of friends, not only within their respective localities, but even in other territories. Organizers aim to encourage campers to continuously get involved in various church missions and develop a closer walk with God. The intense, profound experiences at the camporee were critical in establishing long-lasting connections, deeper spiritual growth, and a sense of belonging among the 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 building an unbreakable foundation that will lead them throughout their lives.
In addition to the Pathfinder events, the Camporee's Registration, Operation, and Services (CEROS) sponsored many dedicated Adventurer sessions, greeting hundreds of young children from 4–8 years old, making this the first Indonesia Adventurer Camporee. Moreover, various workshops and sessions concentrating on Master Guide and Senior Youth Leadership certification were held during the camporee, providing attendees with significant training and empowerment.
Master Guides Andreas.J. Peralta (Pathfinder director for the Adventist World Church), Stephen Salainti, Wendel Mandolang, Ron Genebago, Ronny Wenas, Didi Muntu, and all Indonesian Youth directors who actively contributed to the event's success were among the distinguished guests.
On Tuesday, June 27, Ario Bimo Nandito Ariotedjo, SH (Sarjana Hukum, “Bachelor of Law”), Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs, officially opened the camporee. In an interview with Hope Channel Indonesia, he emphasized the importance of such programs in developing resilient youth, both physically and spiritually, since they are critical to the nation's overall development.
CEROS, led by Master Guide Osvald Taroreh, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, donors, and Ikatan Dokter Advent Jakarta (IDAJ), the camporee's official medical partner, as well as 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.
As the event came to a close, guests expressed excitement for the next camporee, which will be held in Jayapura, Papua, in 2028, and promises to be another exceptional, transforming experience for Adventist youth.
The original version of this story was posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division website.