Upper Columbia Conference Pathfinders and staff gathered recently at Camp MiVoden for a weekend of learning, fellowship and fun. The theme of the retreat was God created each one of us to be a winner. Ron Hessel, weekend speaker and pastor, used humor and honesty to reveal the beauty of relationships that can happen when we follow God's blueprint.
Like other UCC Pathfinder events, the Prayer Wall held an important place. Everyone was challenged to think about prayer as vital to existence. Throughout the weekend, participants wrote down prayer requests and attached them to the Prayer Wall. At the beginning of each meeting two or three teens chose requests from the wall to share with the group. At the end of the weekend, volunteers took requests home so they could continue to pray for them.
In addition to the spiritual aspects of the weekend, Camp MiVoden was witness to 10 valiant rescues by teams of teens practicing first aid and basic rescue skills in simulated rescues. Willing staff played the "accident victims."
Saturday evening, attendees were treated to a colorful banquet. Pathfinders could then enjoy the swimming pool, hot tub and other activities.
Pastor Wayne prays for Pastor Ron just before he speaks.
Pathfinders write down prayer requests for a Prayer Wall during the Camp MiVoden retreat.
UCC Pathfinder teens practice rescue techniques during the recent retreat.
Pathfinder teens rescue a person with a "broken leg."
