The 2013 pathfinder camporee officially kicks off at the Silver camp grounds in Burns Creek, East Honiara yesterday morning.
The weeklong event will conclude this coming Saturday night based on the theme ‘Courage to Stand’.
The colourful opening ceremony kicked off with a parade from the Lawson Tama stadium starting at 7am marching through the highway and ended successfully at the Maranatha conference centre grounds.
Despite the distance and mild heat from the sun yesterday morning most of the pathfinders managed to survive it.
A number of the pathfinders were unable to complete the journey due to heat and distance.
Close to 4000 pathfinders, instructors and support staff are currently taking part in the event.
The camporee featured young people ages between 10 – 20 years converging into Honiara for the camp.
The camporee pulled together most of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) pathfinders from around the country.
Unfortunately due to lack of funds and transportation difficulties not all the pathfinders were able to attend this year’s camp.
The parade was led by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) band with police escort.
Soon after the pathfinders’ arrival at the Maranatha conference centre’s ground, the clubs then made march past parade before the officially opening.
Pr. Wilfred Liligeto, youth director of Solomon Islands SDA Mission in welcoming the pathfinders said the church is excited to see the support from the pathfinders in making the camporee coming into reality.
He said after much planning and hardwork the camp is now underway.
Honiara city council (HCC) clerk Charles Kelly on behalf of the Mayor welcomed the pathfinders into Honiara city.
He said the city is pleased to host such event which focused on developing the minds of the young people in addressing issues of importance for the good of their future.
Mr Kelly thanked the organisers for their hardwork in ensuring the event goes as plan.
Representing the ministry of women, youth, children&family Edward Anistolo said such program is fully supported by the government and acknowledged the organisers for ensuring the pathfinders are able to learn more about some of the issues affecting them throughout the week.
Amongst the guests to officially witness the opening was Mrs Thelma Silva who with her husband had been working and supporting the work of pathfinder in the country many years ago.
The camporee happens every 2 years and the next one will be 2015.
This year commemorates almost 60 years of Pathfindering in the Solomon Islands.
This week will see a conglomerate of activities including daily devotions, prayers, fellowship, character building programmes, physical skills and education, marching drills displays, arts & crafts and Honours exhibitions and a recreation programme comprised of the Honiara’s own local water slide at the Lunga river and competitive games between Clubs.
Pathfinders will also be taken on educated tours around Honiara on today and Wednesday.
A weeklong Bible reading marathon is also planned for the Pathfinders.
The main guest at the camporee will be Mrs Silva the wife of Pr. Silver.
After the officially opening yesterday morning the pathfinders took time to relax before their first devotion last night.
More activities will happen today.
Meanwhile a number of pathfinders and clubs said poor access to water supply and sanitation is a problem being faced daily at the camp site.
By MOFFAT MAMU
