During the International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, last August the Lake Union Conference Education Department oversaw a record-setting event with more than 250 volunteers gathered to stuff 6,200 backpacks with school supplies.
Reflecting on this enormous project, LUC associate superintendent Nicole Mattson remarked, “Not only were we able to set a record, but students in need across the U.S. are being blessed already with the gift of a beautiful backpack stuffed with school supplies and even some ‘get-to-know-Jesus’ materials.”
One community blessed by this program was Casper, Wyoming. The Casper Seventh-day Adventist Church was able to bring home more than 600 backpacks from camporee, and church members immediately got to work sharing with their community.
The Casper church family passed out more than 250 backpacks on August 18 those who responded to the invitations and advertising on social media. Among the hardworking volunteers were Pathfinders visiting from the city of Townsville in northeastern Australia. One of the Australian Pathfinders was an eighth grader named Hayleigh, who said, “It was very nice to see each person come through with such gratitude and appreciation. It made me feel happy and proud that I could help others in your community.”
The abundance of backpacks shared from camporee allowed the Casper Church to reach beyond that initial distribution. They gifted other community service organizations, such as their local Boys and Girls Club and the Casper Rescue Mission, with almost 200 bags.
One group who received backpacks was the Dean Morgan Middle School’s Clothes Closet in Casper. The closet is overseen by Ms. Stephanie Knight, who was deeply moved by the donation. She commented, “These backpacks are such a blessing to our school. We have many students who don’t have the means to get a new bag when they need one, so this will go a long way this year.”
