Pathfinders Plan to Transform Gillette with Extensive Community Service Projects
31 July 2024 |
The small town of Gillette, Wyoming, is bustling with excitement as it prepares to host the 2024 “Believe the Promise” International Pathfinder Camporee from August 5-11. Darin Edmonds, former chair of the Campbell County Public Land Board and the district superintendent of the Campbell County Cemetery District, played a pivotal role in bringing this significant event to Gillette, according to a recent article by NAD News. Edmonds, who oversaw the contract signing for the camporee, expressed immense pride in the upcoming community service projects planned for the event.
A major highlight of the camporee’s service agenda is the extensive cleanup at Mount Pisgah Cemetery, where over 150 Pathfinders will clean 7,700 tombstones and 1,200 veterans’ crosses in just two days—a task that would normally take an entire summer and cost up to $45,000. Edmonds noted, “Our cemetery is the crown jewel of this community, and we’re very, very proud of it.”
From August 6-8, Pathfinders will be engaged in a variety of projects across 45 sites in Gillette, dedicating over 10,000 hours to community service. Cindi Young, the camporee’s community service coordinator, emphasized that the projects reflect the Pathfinders’ commitment to embodying Christian values through service, which includes focusing on veterans, senior citizens, city beautification, and food distribution.
The efforts to support veterans are particularly noteworthy. Pathfinders will not only clean veterans’ graves at the cemetery but will also prepare a pancake breakfast for Campbell County veterans and assemble care packages for veterans in neighboring Johnson County.
Senior citizens will enjoy interactive activities with Pathfinders at local senior centers, engaging in activities such as quilting and bingo. Food insecurity will be addressed through multiple food drives organized by Pathfinders, benefiting several local food pantries.
Additionally, Pathfinders will undertake beautification projects across the city, including painting and landscaping public spaces and educational facilities. A special project includes the creation of a paint-by-numbers mural at the local fire department, overseen by artist Heather Rodriguez, which will celebrate Gillette’s rich history.
The camporee also includes efforts to restore historical artifacts and set a Guinness World Record for the most backpacks stuffed with school supplies in an hour, demonstrating the Pathfinders’ broad impact on the community.
“It is evident that Pathfinders put a high value on doing service at the international camporee,” said Cindi Young, the camporee’s community service coordinator in the article by NAD News. She noted that every service project filled up quickly, leading to “a growing wait list with literally thousands wanting to serve” and a standby line at the bus station. She concluded with the hope that “the joy Pathfinders will experience in serving at this level will inspire them to continue giving back in the future.”
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