In the middle of a cold and dark winter, teens found rekindled hope and the warmth of friendship at the “Trust His Promise” Pathfinder Teen Retreat. A group of 70 adults and 111 teens attended the annual retreat at Camp MiVoden on Jan. 24–26, 2025 — the highest attendance in the last five years.
“For many teens and staff, it marked their first time attending Pathfinder Teen Retreat,” said Ryan Whitehead, Upper Columbia Conference youth and young adult ministries associate director. “For others, the retreat is a longstanding tradition spanning generations. One staff member remarked on coming to Pathfinder Teen Retreat as a teenager, and now their own children are attending.”
First-timers and seasoned veterans of Pathfinder Teen Retreat enjoyed a weekend filled with fun activities, time to connect with peers and worship that challenged their understanding of God.
The weekend’s worship thoughts were led by Jason Calvert, Oregon Conference associate director of youth ministries. Calvert’s vivid sermon illustrations spoke to God’s character and His promises of unconditional love.
Saturday night, 21 Pathfinders shared on response cards that they desired to study for future baptism. The responses were shared with Pathfinder club leaders and the Pathfinders’ home churches.
Teens strengthened their relationships and formed new ones during a rotation of trust and team-building activities on Sabbath afternoon. Building on the theme of the weekend, activities included blindfolded tent building, blindfolded obstacle courses, working together to untangle ropes and several other activity stations.
Pathfinders expressed their creativity in several ways during the retreat this year. At meals, Pathfinders socialized as they drew on paper table settings with crayons. A talent show was held on Saturday night, featuring numerous vocal and instrumental performances and even a puppet show. Pathfinders also contributed their musical talents on praise teams and in special music during worship services.
“We wanted to showcase the gifts our Pathfinders have and demonstrate that we want them to be active participants in their church and their community,” said Whitehead. “Our whole mission with Pathfinders is to see our youth in the kingdom one day by creating a space where young people can make lasting relationships with God and their community.”
The food provided by Camp MiVoden’s kitchen staff was widely celebrated by teens all weekend long. “I look forward to the food at Pathfinder Teen Retreat every year,” said one Pathfinder. On Saturday night, teens also enjoyed swimming, time with friends and playing games.
Following the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, UCC Pathfinder membership has grown rather than shrunk, as often happens after an international camporee.
“Richie Brower laid a strong foundation for Pathfinders in UCC before I came here, and we are seeing our Pathfinder clubs grow because of it,” said Whitehead. “I’ve been glad to see the overwhelming support this conference has for its young people, at every level.”
Pathfinders work together in a series of team-building and trust exercises
Credit: Greg Clark
Pathfinders actively participate in worship, playing instruments and leading praise songs.
Credit: Danielle Clayville
Pathfinders put their knot skills to the test untangling ropes.
Credit: Danielle Clayville
A group of Pathfinders pose for a picture in front of Hayden Lake during the 2025 Pathfinder Teen Retreat.
Credit: Danielle Clayville
Blindfolded teens trust their fellow Pathfinders through a maze of chairs.
Credit: Danielle Clayville
Pathfinders set up tents while blindfolded as part of a series of team-building and trust exercises.
Credit: Danielle Clayville
Pathfinders work together in a series of team-building and trust exercises
Credit: Rick Pummel
A group of 70 adults and 111 teens attends Pathfinder Teen Retreat
Credit: Ryan Whitehead
