Adventurer Camporee Brings Fresh Energy with New Location, Date and Theme
The Kentucky-Tennessee Conference Adventurer Camporee made a big move this year, shifting to a new location, new dates and a renewed mission to inspire young campers. The event, which previously took place over two weekends each November at Indian Creek Camp (ICC), was held for the first time September 12 to 14 at Highland Academy, and drew hundreds of excited children, parents and club leaders.
Conference Youth Director for Club Ministries and Summer Camp, Shelina Bonjour, said the changes were designed to bring Adventurer clubs together in one unified weekend to strengthen community bonds and offer a true camping experience.
“[At ICC], attendees stayed in cabins. This year, we invited people to bring their tents or stay in RVs so the Adventurers could have a more authentic camping experience,” Bonjour said. “We were also excited because Highland Academy is a more central location for many people, and we now have room to keep expanding so all Adventurers can come on one weekend without splitting up.”
New Vision for Adventurers
The decision to move locations followed a transition in leadership and a push to make the Adventurer program a stronger steppingstone to Pathfinders. Bonjour explained that the conference wanted to teach camping skills in a “fun, low-risk way,” allowing younger participants to build confidence before advancing.
According to Bonjour, holding the event in September also helps families with both Adventurers and Pathfinders avoid back-to-back camping weekends, since the Pathfinder Camporee is in October.
“The weather is also quite lovely for camping during this time,” Bonjour said. “November can get quite cold, so this lets families enjoy the fall weather a bit more.”
Moving the event to September also served as the kickoff to the Adventurer year, with Adventurer Fun Day closing out the season in May.
Community and Connection
This year’s theme focused on David the shepherd boy and the call to “shepherd people.” Clubs took part in a full range of activities, including crafts, obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, music, storytelling and even the chance to pet sheep.
Evening programs featured a three-part skit that brought the theme to life, and participants joined together to sing the theme song, Be Brave.
While meal packages were available for those who needed them, clubs were encouraged to prepare their own meals. This allowed attendees to fellowship around their campsites and gave Adventurers the chance to make friends from other clubs.
“My biggest hope was that everyone stayed safe, enjoyed good weather and found time to rest and connect with Jesus, and I believe we saw that happen.” Bonjour said. “I think it’s so important that Adventurers get to come together in one place, see all their friends and feel like they belong to something bigger.”
