Being baptized at the International Pathfinder Camporee is always a big deal. In fact, it’s a very big deal. Pathfinders study and plan and prepare and wait, often for several years, to participate in this thrilling and life-changing experience.
The recent camporee at Gillette was no different in many ways. But in other ways it was quite different from past events, due to extreme weather conditions that caused the camporee to change daily schedules and then to conclude early. However, Elder Craig Carr, ministerial director for Mid-America Union and baptism coordinator for the camporee, stated that 1,187 people were baptized during the event. Hundreds more baptisms had been expected on Sabbath, based on previous camporee experiences.
“I think 1,187 is still a very strong number; considering we had only one altar call where normally there are four or five. And the two baptism sessions on Sabbath had to be canceled. I am grateful for all 1,187 who were baptized at camporee, but do not want to leave out the 236 in any way.”
The 236 Carr is referring to are Pathfinders who had registered to be baptized but were not actually baptized during the camporee. Due to the circumstances, some Pathfinders had to leave early before their union’s scheduled baptism day. Some may not have been able to check in to be baptized on their day due to their club recovering from the storms.
“In the coming weeks, we will reach out via email to the 236 to see about their plans to get baptized in their local church,” said Carr. ”If Pathfinders send us a photo of their baptism by October 15, we will send them their camporee baptism gift bag that includes a Bible, certificate, camporee pin, and other items.”
