2,600 Pathfinders Gather in Hungary for International Camporee
9 August 2023 |
An assembly of 2,600 Pathfinders converged on the outskirts of the city of Sopron for the 2023 Trans-European Division (TED) Camporee, according to TEDNews. With a rallying theme of “Count Me In!”, the international event not only attracted participants across the TED-territories, but from nations including Israel, Mongolia, New Zealand, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, and the United States.
Despite the fatigue of lengthy travels, spirits were high as the Pathfinders energetically set up their tents. The event’s leadership team, Kristóf Palotás, Hungarian Union Conference Youth director, and Sean Mena, Hungarian Union Conference Pathfinder leader, expressed their profound relief and gratitude as the campsite came alive. Dejan Stojkovic, the TED Youth and Pathfinder director, who had been integral in the camporee’s planning, echoed their sentiments. “Even after their exhaustive journey to Sopron, the Pathfinders’ vibrant worship felt like they’d been here a whole week!” Stojkovic exclaimed, his pride evident in the successful opening ceremony.
For Stojkovic and other key figures like Judy Plaatjes-Mckie, TED Youth and Pathfinder department PA, and the devoted volunteers, the camporee was a testament to the divine guidance and hard work that went into its preparation. Stojkovic shared a poignant moment, stating that he couldn’t help but pause and shed a tear of joy, realizing God’s presence through the process and seeing the life-changing impact the Camporee had already made on so many Pathfinders.
The underlying message of the camporee, “Count Me In”, holds significant weight for Stojkovic. He emphasized the church’s need for the active involvement of its youth, ensuring they feel valued and included in its diverse ministries and decision-making platforms. He says that young people are expressing a clear message, that “God can rely on us to play an integral role in His global family, preparing and waiting for His Second Coming.”
