Months of careful planning came dangerously close to unraveling in a single moment. Just two weeks before the long-awaited Upper Columbia Conference Pathfinder Camporee 2025, devastating news arrived: the campground had to be evacuated due to a sudden wildfire in the area. Smoke and flames shut down the venue, undoing months of planning and nearly burning up all hope.
When the news came, there were only 14 days until the camporee. “The odds of finding a suitable location on such short notice were slim,” said Josh Penhallurick, who helped organize the camporee. “We needed enough room for 23 clubs — roughly 490 people in total. It felt impossible.”
For many, Pathfinder camporees are more than just a weekend event; they are spiritual milestones and a place where young people connect with nature, each other and God. Leaders, volunteers and Pathfinder club staff had been praying, preparing and investing time and energy into making this camporee a memorable, meaningful encounter.
The unexpected news of the campground closure hit hard, but what started as a setback became an invitation to pray harder and trust deeper.
Within 48 hours of the original campground closing, the UCC club ministries leadership team was already calling contacts, churches and camps, while praying without ceasing. That was when the first miracle happened.
After a string of dead ends, Lara Dowie, UCC club ministries administrative assistant, suggested contacting Palouse Empire Fairgrounds near Colfax, Washington.
“It felt like a long shot, but we followed up,” she said. “To our amazement, not only did the camp have that weekend available, but it also offered everything we needed — and more.”
The fairgrounds included open fields for clubs to camp at, buildings for teaching honors on Sabbath afternoon and a central gazebo large enough for holding meetings. It also had additional fields for drill and marching, as well as a big building for playing games on Sabbath evening.
The second miracle? A warm welcome with open arms. No red tape. No lengthy approval process. They had heard what happened and were ready to help.
“In less than a week, our team pivoted everything,” said Ryan Whitehead, UCC club ministries director.
“We developed new transportation plans, adapted programs for the new location and communicated all the updates to our volunteers, Pathfinders and parents," Whitehead recounted. "We watched in awe as everything fell perfectly into place. Not just ‘good enough,’ but better than what we had originally planned!”
When the weekend arrived and the buses pulled in, the excitement was electric. Pathfinders raced to explore the new site, their laughter echoing through the pines. Staff stood amazed at how well everything worked out. Even the weather cooperated — clear skies, warm days and cool, starlit nights.
During the evenings, Alyssa and Mike Morauske, guest speakers, and the music team led worship on the camporee’s theme of "Heavenly Road Trip." Alyssa spoke about belonging, the love of God and how God wants us on His heavenly road trip.
“In that moment, we weren’t just campers on a weekend trip, we were witnesses to God’s faithfulness,” said Whitehead. “His provision came right on time — not early, not late but exactly when we needed it.”
Looking back, Pathfinders say with confidence that God saved the camporee — not just by finding a new location, but through a reminder of His presence, His timing and His ability to do the impossible: transforming what felt like a crisis into a testimony of His grace and power.
“Let this be a reminder: When the fires of life close one path, God has already cleared another,” said Penhallurick. “All we have to do is follow Him.”
Pathfinders play games on Sabbath evening.
Pathfinders gather at the gazebo to connect with God and each other.
