We are back from the Texas Conference Pathfinder Camporee, which was held at the new Lake Whitney Ranch April 1-4. The theme this year was Fearless In Christ, and the speaker was Pastor Bob Holbrook, the former World Pathfinder Director.
Setting up Thursday was a bit of a challenge in the high winds, but it was also a good test of the SAIL Pathfinder Club's new tents, which held up well in wind, sun and rain. Thursday night, we saw the protective hand of God, as, in answer to prayer, the hail storm that was bearing down on the campsite after midnight split apart and passed around us, leaving us dry (even if a little wind-blown). Christ on the stormy sea asked his disciples why they feared the storm, and he showed us again why we need not fear the storm.
Friday the SAILs competed in the various events, including knot tying and lashing, relay races, Morse code, identification of fruits and nuts, a community service briefing, soccer and an obstacle course. There was a little rain on and off in the morning, but the sun came out in the afternoon to dry things. Sabbath began with flag raising and club inspection, followed by a parade of the 3500 Pathfinders in full dress uniform past the reviewing stands. After church, the SAILs had lunch with Knights, before heading back down to the main tent for some Sabbath afternoon activities. Sunday morning was the award ceremony; the SAILs received a second-place ribbon for the Camporee.
Over the next few days, we will share some of the Pathfinders' own recollections of the Campore, but until then, a few pictures follow.
Meals - The Pathfinders help plan the menu, cook the food and clean up, even before dawn...
Activities - The Pathfinders got to put some of the skills they have learned to good use during the competitive activities.
Programs - The theme was Fearless in Christ.
Campsite and recreation - What to do when not in a program.
The Pathfinders were called on to help set the tone for the Church Agape Feast March 19. The club sat on cushions on the floor at the beginning of the meal, in the middle of the ring of tables. As the appetizers were being consumed, the church members noticed a slowly building noise coming from the Pathfinders, until it became apparent that a full-fledged argument over who was better had broken out, with different Pathfinders taking sides against others. But before we criticize them for their poor behavior, it was, after all, part of the act. The argument attracted the attention of the other church members present for the dinner, and set the stage for a re-enactment of sorts of the foot washing Christ performed for his bickering disciples. The Pathfinders then went and led out in encouraging others to take part in the Ordinance of Humility as well, before sitting down to a dinner that culminated in the Communion service.
On March 6 the SAILs set off for the lower Bull Creek Greenbelt after Church and Potluck. After all the rain this year, the creek was running - and so were the trails in places. We never did see the elusive Golden-Cheeked Warbler, but we did have to ford the creek (twice), and for at least some people, the water was refreshing (others didn't quite use such a pleasant description of the cold water). Ray led out in a discussion of parables that the Pathfinders thought of from their observations along the path. The Bull Creek hike was a follow-up to our February 6 hike along the Barton Creek Greenbelt, another muddy spring tromp through the woods. 
