Over 6 hundred youths fromthe Seventh DayAdventist Church promised to be good citizens and advocates of change for future generations.
The youths closedthe weeklong Pathfinders Camporee at Ulya inthe Jiwaka Province overthe weekend.
The youths came from all overthe country and camped out here at Ulya.
Despitethe cold and rain,they enjoyedtheir stay.
Many were students’on holidays. Morobe Province recordedthe highest number who attendedthe 5 year pathfinder camporee.
They took part in scouting activities, skills thatthey will need when stranded in remote and isolated areas. They also took part in spiritual activities such as bible quizzes.
The SDA church hoststhe Pathfinders Camporee every 5 years.
The lLeaderssaidthe camporee aims to build relationships, self-confidence, and self-reliance and strenthenthe faith amongthe younger generation.
Minister for Finance and Education, Minister James Marape, brought his wife and daughter along for the closing ceremony.
Mr. Marape, also an Adventistourgedthe youths to become role models to those who have been led into carrying out illegal activities. A quarter oPNG’s population of over 6 million is made up of youths. He said youth development is one of government’s priority areas and encouragedthe SDA youths to takethe lead and helpthem addressthe escalating youth issues inthe country.
He said peer education is important and such church activity involving youths should be supported bythe government.
The next pathfinder camporee in 2018 will be hosted in Port Moresby.
Some parents who accompanliedtheir children tothe camporee said such activities keep youths on track and helps to developthem spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically.
previous post