More than 600 Pathfinders, parents and staff set out for Pathfinder Fair in a brand-new — yet familiar — location this year.
Before his departure, Daniel Ortega, then serving as Oregon Conference Pathfinder director, connected with the family who owns Laurelwood Academy's former site and discovered that they have a passion for giving back to Oregon Adventist youth.
“They invited us to come out and look at the property and offered to let us use it at no cost, essentially saving us between $4,000 and $6,000," shared Jackee Duvall, current club ministries executive coordinator. "We toured the property and it was absolutely gorgeous. It’s a large property that runs along the river with a nursery and a farm where they grow vegetables, flowers and fruits. They have a big pole barn that’s been remodeled that we could use as a venue for food and indoor activities."
For those who haven’t experienced it, Pathfinder Fair is a highly anticipated annual event that brings together Pathfinder clubs from every corner of the conference territory for an end-of-the-Pathfinder-year celebration. Clubs showcase the things they have been working on throughout the previous year and host activities and honors for other clubs. This year's highlights included an obstacle course, stilts, bubbles, the Big Lake Youth Camp climbing wall, food booths, an awards ceremony and the Master Teen Leadership Training investiture service.
“I heard multiple times that this was probably one of the best Pathfinder Fairs that our clubs have been to, and while we take that as a huge compliment that we did something right, I think the location was probably the biggest reason,” said Duvall. “I heard over and over again that it was so beautiful and peaceful, a place where the kids could spread out their activities. They were just at ease, and it flowed so well.”
Oregon Pathfinder clubs will be heading back again in September 2025 for Pathfinder Camporee.
More than 600 Pathfinders and parents attend Oregon Conference Pathfinder Fair on Laurelwood Academy's old campus.
A local Pathfinder designs the 2025–2026 Oregon Conference Pathfinder patch with the theme "You Are Mine."
Some eleven Pathfinder clubs were able to set up camp onsite for the weekend at no cost this year and they'll be heading back again in September for Pathfinder Camporee!
