More than 20 Adventurers, 35 Pathfinders and a number of Eager Beavers were invested at Camp Hill church on 12th December 2009 in the presence of NEC Pathfinder Director, Trevor Thomas and Birmingham City Council representative, Counsellor Jim Whorwood. The days programme centred on the theme, ‘Give Him Your Heart’ and the main service, under the heading, ‘Out of many cultures – one club’ climaxed their programme for the year 2009.

NEC Pathfinder Director Pastor Trevor Thomas delivered an inspiring message based on Romans 12:4-8, challenging the congregation to cooperate for the greater good, like the organs of the body performing their distinct but crucial functions.

Representing the local Mayor, Counsellor Jim Whorwood , expressed his admiration for the club and its community service activities and said that the City was proud to be associated youth like the ones he met in our club.

Assisting Pastor Thomas in the service of investiture were NEC Area co-ordinators Mavis Griffin, Collete Harvey, Faye Cadogen, Joseph Empowi and Joseph Spencer, along with SEC Master Guide co-ordinator, Vernon Noel, who made a special trip to invest one of the club’s trainee Master Guides.

Andre Nicholson and Joel Pryce were invested as Master Guides. Andre was presented with a special award, a Sweat Lodge Pourer by Vernon Noel for demonstrating exceptional potential as a future leader whilst on the Master Guide training. This award was of personal significance to Bro Noel who was presented with it over 15 yrs ago by a Native American Chief for his work with young people with developmental and behavioural issues.

AY Silver Award - A first

Another first for the club was the introduction of the AY Silver Award, a new curriculum designed to bridge the gap between Pathfinders and Master Guide training. Counsellor Cislyn Morgan gave a brief resume of the programme and congratulated Natasha Edwards, Rio Lindo and Daniel Webber for being the first Pathfinders in the NEC to receive the award, which was presented by Counsellor Dave Whorwood. 

The Adventurers afternoon programme saw every child receiving certificates describing the personality of each club member based on the concept ‘Every Child Matters’. The primary focus for the Pathfinders AY programme was the presentation of awards. There were two very special guests in attendance to assist with proceedings, Dave Rowath from Tamworth Camping, the club suppliers of camping equipment and sponsor of the Pathfinder of the Year Award and Robby Bessant from Synergy Fitness & Well-Being, who were sponsors of the Unit of the Year Award.

The Awards

Olwyn McIntyre was presented with a special award in recognition of her service to the Camp Hill Pathfinder Club. The Pathfinder of the Year Award went to Companion, 12 year old Vinnette Anderson, who in addition to her trophy received for her prize, camping equipment worth over £100. Vinette, expressing obvious shock and delight at her award said, “I am in shock. I could never have dreamt of such a great prize”.

Cislyn Morgan received the new Director’s Award for Pathfindering Excellence, presented by Pastor Rainford McIntosh. In announcing the winner, Director Davis spoke of Cislyn's commitment, versatility, and infectious enthusiasm. Reflecting on the day, Director Davis said “It was a very good day, which captured the essence of a very good year for the club. I was particularly pleased to see our award sponsors taking an active interest in the ceremony. I personally believe that this is a way forward for improving the public profile of Pathfindering as well as providing much need financial support”.

See more Camp Hill Investiture photos in the Photo Gallery.