It was a dark and stormy night. Despite the weather, children were scurrying door to door in quiet neighborhoods of Palmer, Alaska. They weren't demanding "trick or treat," however. Instead, they were braving the wind and rain to request canned food donations for Thanksgiving food baskets.
Contributions were shared with Feed the Need, a program sponsored by the Amazing Grace Academy and the Palmer Church to help area families at Thanksgiving time. "The kids were so excited about collecting that they had me running between houses," says Katie Arndt, Adventurer director.
"It was awesome," adds Jared Beaubien, a Pathfinder. "We got to meet some really nice people. One handicapped lady even invited us in and had us pick cans out of her pantry."
This year marks the start of the first-ever Adventurer Club in Alaska — the Pioneer Puddle Jumpers — as well as the resurrection of the Pioneer Peak Pathfinder Club after more than a decade hiatus.
The clubs held their induction ceremony during the church service on Nov 11. The Adventurer Club welcomed 23 new members, and the Pathfinders added seven kids to make a total of 10 members. Jeff Coleman, Palmer Church pastor, and Carl Butler, Eagle River/Wasilla District pastor, gave a joint sermonette, "Grace + Faith = Hope," celebrating the churches' partnership in youth ministry.
"I am so happy to have Adventurers and Pathfinders in our church again," said Coleman. "Restoring these ministries makes our church feel more complete."
Marta Beaubien, Palmer Church member
