11 August 2025 | Jezero, Bosnia and Herzegovina [Ema Stancheva with Andreas Mazza, and tedNEWS]
From 21–27 July 2025, around 150 Pathfinders, Master Guides, and volunteers from across the Balkans gathered at a picturesque campsite near Lake Boračko, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, for the first-ever Balkan Pathfinder Camporee, held under the theme ‘Faith on Fire’. The week-long event brought together participants from eight countries, blending languages, traditions, and friendships, and aiming to enrich the spiritual and cultural lives of children aged 11 to 15.
Participants travelled from Serbia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Albania, creating a melting pot of languages, traditions, and friendships. As stated in the camp brochure, “We share similar languages, cultures, traditions, and music — and this camp will give us a chance to explore and celebrate our connectedness.”
The opening ceremony featured a special address by Kevin Johns, Associate Youth Director for the Trans-European Division (TED), who expressed gratitude for the commitment of all involved. He reminded the Pathfinders, “Organising a Balkan camporee is not an easy thing… Some of you will face challenges, but that’s part of the experience.”
Pastor Eleonora Vrag served as the keynote speaker, guiding participants through the inspiring story of the prophet Daniel and exemplifying what it means to have ‘faith on fire’ in God. The camp’s themes were creatively interwoven with elements of the video game Minecraft, making the lessons relatable and engaging.
The week’s dynamic programme included art workshops, sports activities, and honour courses such as Hazard Observer, Friends of the Balkans, and Fabric Colouring. Highlights included exhilarating canoeing on Lake Boračko and challenges at the Adrenaline Park, where a rope course tested both courage and teamwork.
A poignant moment came on Sabbath, 26 July, when the Pathfinders celebrated the baptism of Luka Pozhgaj. Surrounded by friends and mentors, Luka shared: “I chose to be baptised here because I wanted to do it at my last possible camp as a Pathfinder, and this Balkan camp is something truly special to me.”
Other memorable activities included a night trek around the lake, with plenty of opportunities to apply Pathfinder outdoor skills. Evenings under the stars were filled with praise and meaningful discussions, while the cool waters of Lake Boračko provided refreshment. Pathfinders also learned traditional folk songs and national dances, deepening their appreciation for the region’s cultural diversity.
Club leaders used the gathering to exchange valuable experiences in camp preparation, laying the groundwork for future collaborations.
Despite the challenges, the camp proved to be an unforgettable experience for both the children and their leaders, strengthening faith and fostering lasting friendships across the Balkans. The first Balkan Pathfinder Camporee stands as a testament to the power of unity, faith, and shared experiences, igniting a flame of inspiration in all who took part.
The organising team included Alan Pozhgaj, Camp Director; Alen Hadzhievic, Croatian Conference Pathfinder Director; Marko Virtic, Adriatic Union Conference Pathfinder Director; Alma Bosnic, Montenegro Club Leader; David Shiley, Serbian Pathfinder Director; and Vladimir Krumov, Bulgarian Union Pathfinder Director. Gratitude was expressed by attendees for their work and cooperation.
[Photos: Kevin Johns and Alan Pozhgaj]
This report first appeared on the Inter-European News site.
