Shine Camporee: Rekindling of the Spirit of Pathfindering in Tonga

The Shine Camporee, a Tonga Mission Pathfinder Camp, took place from January 12th to January 16th, 2023 at Beulah Adventist College in the Tongatapu District. The event was organized by Pathfinder Leaders from Tongatapu District and was attended by 264 Pathfinders, teachers, and caretakers from the Eua District, Ha’apai District, Vava’u District, and Tongatapu District. The aim of the event was to rekindle the spirit of Pathfinding in Tonga after the pandemic and to make sure the program reaches every district.

The camporee featured a variety of guest speakers for the evening worship, including Dr. Ronald Stone, Patsy Soakai, Lisia Latu, and Mere Vaihola. These speakers discussed various aspects of the Pathfinder program, including spirituality, social, physical, and mental well-being, and how Pathfinders in Tonga can shine in the 21st century. Additionally, the camporee marked the one-year anniversary of a volcanic eruption in Tonga and participants took part in a special prayer of thanksgiving to God. On the same Sabbath, groups worked with the Tonga Red Cross to visit 10 special needs kids in the area as part of their "I will go" initiative.

Participants expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the camporee experience. Moana Hansen, Vava’u District Director, said "Thanks to our Heavenly Father for leading His people. We were so happy in the time we in fellowship." Lesieli Leger, ‘Eua District Director, said "We have ended a successful and heart-warming camporee that we were a part of." Sione Taufateau, Ha’apai District Director, said "The Pathfinders from the Fo’i-‘One’one (Ha’apai) are so happy in the fellowship that we had." Pele Kupu, Tongatapu District Director, said "Let us not end here but let us go an extra mile this year to our neighbours. Hope that we will continue to SHINE in 2023."