The Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) team had an incredible time at the 2024 Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming! Despite challenges like storms, lightning, wind, and mud, the 60,000+ Pathfinders in attendance displayed remarkable resilience, making this year's camporee truly unforgettable.
The excitement for us centered around the SWAU booth, which quickly became a buzzing hub of activity. With our new life-size, 30-foot-long animatronic Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton as the showstopper, the booth was impossible to miss. The impressive display drew in crowds eager to see what SWAU had brought to the table. "Our booth was designed to impress anyone who walked by," said Josafat Zemluduch, SWAU's Marketing Director. "Hearing people's reactions to all the dinosaurs made all the hard work worth it."
As Pathfinders explored the booth, many were captivated by our exclusive SWAU dinosaur pin, which quickly became a must-have item. Pin trading is a beloved tradition at these events, and our pin rapidly turned into one of the most sought-after collectibles. Enthusiasts showed up at all hours, hoping to add it to their collection. "It made me smile seeing the way these kids' faces lit up when they saw our pin. That kind of excitement is what we were aiming for," Josafat shared.
While the pins were a hit, the real highlight for many was our Dinosaur Honor program. Over the course of four days, we conducted the honor 11 times a day, with each session attracting an average of 70 eager learners. Pathfinders dove into the fascinating world of paleontology, learning how to identify, document, and care for fossils. This badge wasn't just something to earn; it was a chance to create a lifelong passion for science and exploration.

Adding to the excitement was the chance to reconnect with our alumni, which brought a special layer of joy to the camporee. We were thrilled to see so many former students, now leaders in their own right, actively involved in guiding the next generation through their local Pathfinder groups. As a token of our appreciation, we handed out free SWAU Alumni merchandise, hoping to inspire them to return to campus for the next alumni weekend.
Meanwhile, two hours south of Gillette, another SWAU team was creating unforgettable memories at our Dinosaur Research Center. Over 2,000 eager learners participated in the dino dig experience, where they had the chance to excavate real dinosaur fossils. "It's very meaningful to me seeing young students getting inspired after uncovering fossils for the first time," reflected Dr. Erin Maloney, our Dinosaur Dig Director. The new research center became a place of wonder and discovery, and despite the long hours, the passion and dedication of our team shone through.
The 2024 Pathfinder Camporee was a resounding success for SWAU. We're already looking forward to the next adventure, knowing that the connections we made and the experiences we shared will resonate for years to come.