After a seven-year hiatus, the 13th Pathfinder Camporee in Japan brought together about 230 young Seventh-day Adventists from across the country for five days of worship, training, and outdoor activities from July 31 to August 4, 2025.

Held under the theme “Glory of God,” the gathering was the first in 15 years to include tent camping.

One of the highlights of the camp was a mountain climbing program, where participants encouraged one another until they reached the summit. Program leaders said the activity highlighted the importance of unity and perseverance.

In addition, daily booths offered activitiesranging from first aid and crafts to games and health education.

A team of Master Guides from South Korea, sent by the Middle West Korean Conference, also operated three booths that drew steady interest.

The camporee also marked a uniform transition. For the first time, Japanese Pathfinders wore the worldwide Pathfinder standard uniform instead of the traditional Japanese Pathfinder attire that had been used for many years. Leaders described the change as a step toward global identity within the Pathfinder movement.

Each day of the camporee featured different worship programs led by various speakers, including Hiroshi Ito, president of the East Japan Conference; Choi HoYoung, Youth director of the Northern Asia-Pacific Division; and Yutaka Inada, president of the Japan Union Conference. Participants also studied the biblical accounts of Joshua, Daniel, Paul, and Jesus.

Leaders shared that the gathering itself was celebrated as a significant milestone for the Pathfinder ministry in Japan.

Reflecting on the overall experience, Choi shared, “I am delighted that the camporee concluded successfully. It was a meaningful event as the Japan Union Conference and the Korean Union Conference reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate through exchange programs for the future development of the Pathfinder ministry.”

The camporee also strengthened fellowship among Pathfinders across Japan, leaders say. It also opened new possibilities for international cooperation, especially between the Japan Union Conference and the Korean Union Conference, in the ongoing development of the Pathfinder ministry.

The original article was published on the Northern Asia-Pacific Division news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.