Firm and Fearless SNEC Pathfinder Camporee Combines Faith, Fun, and Learning

Danny Velez (kneeling), SNEC Youth & Club Ministries director, with part of his 2025 coordinators team, who worked hard to make Firm and Fearless an exciting, faith-building experience for SNEC Pathfinders.

Southern New England Conference (SNEC) Firm and Fearless Pathfinder camporee, held at SNEC campgrounds from September 18-21, was packed with exciting activities and inspiration to grow faith in God. “Spiritually speaking, it was a great time for our Pathfinders,” said Danny Velez, SNEC Youth & Club Ministries director.

One of the great highlights of the weekend was the baptism of five Pathfinders who gave their lives to Christ, the first baptism at a SNEC camporee since 2023.

“The Bible character we focused on was Elijah, who remained firm and fearless throughout his life and ministry and the challenges he faced,” said Velez. The speaker for the weekend, Israel Mora, former SNEC pastor and now Oklahoma Conference youth director, shared his testimony how God helped him remain firm and fearless through traumatic events in his childhood.  At a tender age he was kidnapped, but through a series of amazing, God-ordained occurrences he was reunited with his mother.  Mora grew up thinking that his father had abandoned him, but when he turned 40, God again intervened and gave him the opportunity to reconnect with him.  Mora’s testimony about the Word of God was equally inspiring. Doctrine is important, it’s relevant, and it really matters, Mora explained.  He described how prayer matters and how your time with God makes all the difference in life.  “We were all challenged to step up and maintain our relationship with God,” Velez shared.

Five Pathfinder clubs impressed and inspired everyone with exhibition (fancy) drilling and marching demonstrations.  All Pathfinders learned new skills, gained knowledge, and had fun as they worked on honors such as knot tying, pizza making, photography, bubbles, kites, Ellen G. White, community service, orienteering, pin trading, and more.  Another highlight of the weekend was a 5K race, which both adults and Pathfinders participated in. The first 25 runners who crossed the finish line received a free ticket to the 2026 Atlantic Union Pathfinder camporee.   

Velez is always quick to explain the ultimate purpose for Pathfinders. “I remind my staff directors that Pathfinders is an opportunity God has given us to grab [kids’] attention,” said Velez, “so it’s very important that we invest in their spiritual life above all things. It’s good to know how to tie knots and build a fire. But as we teach them that, we have to make sure that we show them Christ and teach them the way of God.”

“We are looking for more opportunities to grow this ministry,” Velez said.  If you would like information about how to start a Pathfinder club at your church, please contact Pastor Velez at dvelez@sneconline.org.