Erdington Pathfinder’s First Family Camp

Trevor Davis

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On the last August Bank Holiday weekend (27th – 30th August), 30 members and friends from the Erdington Pathfinder Club descended upon 'Blackwell Adventure' in Bromsgrove, for their first ever Pathfinder Outdoor Life Family Camp. For many participants ranging in age from 3 to 85, this was a first time experience.

Based on the theme “Onward & Upward” (which is also the club’s new motto), Club Director, Clifford Lewis, welcomed the campers and challenged them to get involved and enjoy the experience. Trevor Davis, one of the camp co-ordinators, then outlined the weekend programme after which all shared in an excellent Vespers programme which was co-ordinated by Laura Grant (Ranger) as part of her curriculum work. The camp was divided into three bands, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, which were responsible for preparing and serving the morning spiritual breakfast (Morning Watch) and evening supper (Vespers).

Sabbath School and Divine Service were co-ordinated by Cliff Lewis and Stephen Holder. For Sabbath School, Stephen focused the Onward and Upward theme on Samuel, while Pastor Orlando Holder focused his Divine Service message on the life of Joseph. After a full lunch, the campers set off on an 8km hikel lead by district leader, Pastor Holder and his wife Joyce, to try burn off some of the  excess calories that had undoubtedly been gained through the feast that cooks, Monica Morgan (Camp Hill) and Andrea Francis (Breath of Life) had laid on. Having being worn out by the long walk and with rain threatening, the concert planned for the afternoon was postponed until the next day. After closing the Sabbath with Vespers, the campers were joined by members from the Great Brickiln Street club who were also camping in an adjacent plot, for an excellent evening of fun and fellowship which will be long remembered.

After Sunday’s morning watch devotional, Cislyn Morgan (Camp Hill) took centre stage and got hot under the collar working up a sweat with her vigorous fitness work out. After another stupendous breakfast served up by the two cooks, it was down to more serious business where the Erdington (in conjunction with Great Brickiln Street) Pathfinders took the opportunity to catch up on curriculum activities such as pitching and striking a tent and pioneering. This was followed after lunch by the happy campers teaming up with the Wolverhampton Pathfinders for an afternoon of sporting fun directed by visiting life skills and sports coach, Brenton Nugent.

Monday produced another gorgeous day’s weather. The highlight of the day was the arrival of the Ladywood Pathfinders to complete some of their curriculum work and set up for the church’s barbeque and fun day. This was an opportunity for campers to show off their various camp craft. We had Laura Grant and fellow Rangers building and testing their reflector oven, whilst others participated in some of the barbeque goodies that were on offer. Striking camp took a little longer than usual as many of the campers were first timers and had to be shown how to take down and correctly pack away a tent. All rose manfully to the challenge with the enthusiasm that they had demonstrated throughout the weekend.

Pathfinder Director, Clifford Lewis, brought the camp to a close thanking everyone for their support and cooperation.

“The family camp was excellent and a wonderful opportunity for us to build community and to realise the enormous potential God has given us in Erdington,” said Pastor Holder in his closing remarks. Special thanks must be given to Wayne Grant, Clifford Lewis (Pathfinder Club Director), and especially to the two ladies, Monica and Andrea for feeding us so well.

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