31 July 2019 | Ardingly, UK [Victor Hulbert]
In an astonishing display of planning and efficiency, a team of 250 volunteers not only set up meeting rooms, marquees and activity spaces, but despite a day of rain and gales, helped campers pitch tents, restore flattened marquess, and redesign flagpoles that flattened under the pressure of the wind. To top that, the team then fed all 4,000 campers a hearty meal finishing just in time for the 8pm opening programme.
Running from 30 July until 5 August, the Trans-European Division Camporee is the largest to date, bringing together Pathfinders from every one of the 22 countries in the Division along with additional groups from Israel, France, Russia and Tanzania.
Campers’ spirits were undoubtedly high and there was a sense of expectation as the various national groups packed the auditorium, facing a stage decorated to look Egyptian, in keeping with the theme, ‘Exodus’. That theme was expanded on later in the evening as Norwegian pastor, Melissa Myklebust, skilfully and colourfully took the Pathfinders on a whirlwind journey through Creation, the fall, the search for God, and the false idea that Pharaoh himself should be worshipped as god. The story will develop each evening.
The programme also included and extremely skilful and well-coordinated drum display, a flag raising ceremony, a welcome by a Scottish piper, and, as with all Pathfinder camporees, lively singing.
Ron Whitehead, coordinator for the International Camporee in Oshkosh, USA, was in attendance for the opening night and commented at how impressed he was, not just by the numbers, but by the positive spirit of those in attendance. “This bodes well for the future of the church in Europe,” he stated.
The site quietened down quickly for the 11pm curfew as tired campers, many at the end of long journeys, gratefully clambered into sleeping bags, slipping swiftly into slumber, but with strong anticipation of a week packed with activities, learning, fun, fellowship and worship.
For those not able to make it to the camp, a live stream is available nightly at 19.00 (local UK time, 20.00 CET). Follow the programme on camporee.net or on the TED Facebook page.
tedNEWS Staff: Victor Hulbert, editor; Deana Stojković, associate editor
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