Boise (Idaho) Ponderosa Pathfinder icon, Walker Roles, was honored for 50 years of Pathfinder service at the Cloverdale (Idaho) Church on Sabbath, June 4.
Roles started working with the Boise Ponderosa Pathfinder Club around 1958, under the direction of Gordon Harris, "Mr. Pathfinder." Harris started the first Idaho Pathfinder Club in Nampa, Idaho, in 1952. Then, Pathfinders was a new organization, having just been adopted by the General Conference in 1950. Harris started the Boise Club in 1955; at times it had nearly 100 members.
When Harris stepped down as leader, he suggested Roles take over as the director. Roles did and has served as director and in other capacities off and on throughout the years. Most recently, he has cooked shamburgers and french fries for the club's fundraisers at Idaho Conference club events.
Roles has taken a few breaks from Pathfinders for health reasons. Because of this, he was unable to attend the first International Pathfinder Camporee in Vail, Colo.; however, he has not missed one since. He attended Dare to Care in Colorado, as well as the three camporees in Oshkosh, Wis.: Discover the Power, Faith on Fire and Courage to Stand. He has already purchased his ticket for Forever Faithful in 2014.
The Pathfinder Club commemorated the day with the presentation of a 50-year service star; a framed series of photos of Roles, which will be prominently displayed in the club trophy case; and a video/slide presentation featuring his various Pathfinder activities.
Roles feels Pathfinders is a means of keeping young people involved in the church — not only in Idaho, but all over the world.
Terry Rusk, Idaho Conference Pathfinder director, presents the 50-year service star to Walker Roles. (Eve Rusk)
David Prest Jr., Idaho Conference president, talks with Walker Roles and Myrna Ferguson at the shamburger and french fry meal after the celebration. (Eve Rusk)
