2025 SAC Pathfinder Camporee

Get ready, South Carolina locals! The 2025 SAC Pathfinder Camporee is on the horizon, promising an inspiring and dynamic experience for young people right here in Orangeburg, SC. While the term "campground" might typically conjure images of casual family camping, the SAC Pathfinder Camporee is a much grander and more purposeful event. It's a large-scale gathering specifically designed for the Pathfinder program, an international youth ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, focusing on spiritual growth, community building, and practical skill development in an engaging outdoor setting.

This highly anticipated event will take place at the River Oaks Campground, a significant property located at 524 Neeses Hwy, Orangeburg, SC. River Oaks Campground is not just a simple camping ground; it's a dedicated facility that serves as the official campground for the South Atlantic Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, regularly hosting various conferences and youth events, including the annual Camp Meeting. This background speaks volumes about the infrastructure and experience available to ensure a well-organized and impactful camporee.

The Pathfinder program itself is renowned for its emphasis on leadership, service, and a deep connection with nature and faith. A Camporee brings together thousands of Pathfinders from across the South Atlantic Conference for several days of immersive activities. Participants engage in a wide array of events, from honor classes (skill-building badges like knot-tying, first aid, nature study) and outdoor challenges to drill and marching competitions, community service projects, and spiritually uplifting worship sessions. For families in South Carolina with young people involved in or interested in the Pathfinder program, the 2025 SAC Pathfinder Camporee is a pivotal event, offering opportunities for personal growth, fellowship, and unforgettable memories. This article will delve into the specifics of this significant gathering, its ideal location, and the enriching experiences it promises for our local youth.

The 2025 SAC Pathfinder Camporee is slated to take place at the River Oaks Campground, conveniently located at 524 Neeses Hwy, Orangeburg, SC 29115, USA. This address places the event within easy reach for participants traveling from various parts of South Carolina and neighboring states within the South Atlantic Conference's territory. Orangeburg is a centrally located city in the state, known for its accessibility via major highways, making travel to the campground straightforward for attendees and their families.

River Oaks Campground itself is a well-established and extensive property, purpose-built to host large-scale events such as camporees and camp meetings. Its location off Neeses Highway ensures direct and uncomplicated access, minimizing traffic congestion often associated with large gatherings. The property spans 107 acres, providing ample space for the diverse activities and large number of participants expected at a Pathfinder Camporee.

For South Carolina locals, this means the event is highly accessible, reducing travel time and costs. The surrounding area of Orangeburg offers various amenities, including dining options, supply stores, and medical facilities, should they be needed during the event. The established nature of River Oaks Campground as the South Atlantic Conference's official camping ground implies well-maintained facilities and a layout designed to efficiently manage large groups. This combination of a central location, direct highway access, and dedicated event infrastructure makes the 2025 SAC Pathfinder Camporee at River Oaks Campground an ideal and convenient destination for all participants.

While the 2025 SAC Pathfinder Camporee is an event rather than a permanent campground open to the general public for daily camping, the venue—River Oaks Campground—provides significant infrastructure and services that support such a large-scale gathering. These services are crucial for the successful execution of a multi-day youth camporee:

• Extensive Camping Space: River Oaks Campground offers vast areas suitable for tent camping, specifically for the numerous Pathfinder clubs attending the event. This includes designated "Pathfinders who camped out on our SAC Lions campground in the back of the River Oaks grounds."
• RV Pads: The campground is equipped with RV pads, catering to leaders and staff who might be utilizing recreational vehicles during the camporee.
• Large Group Facilities: Key to hosting a camporee, the property features a "large pavilion with a 4000 seat capacity" for adult services and a dedicated "youth pavilion which includes a gymnasium," providing spaces for large gatherings, worship, and indoor activities.
• Accommodation Buildings: For staff or specific attendees, there are "three hotel style buildings with 60 double queen bed rooms and one 'flex' building with 20 rooms that house a maximum of seven persons in each room," offering more structured lodging options.
• Cafeteria Services: A cafeteria is on-site, essential for providing meals to the large number of attendees throughout the camporee.
• Adventist Book Center Store: An on-site store for resources relevant to the Seventh-day Adventist faith and Pathfinder program.
• Recreational Amenities: The campground provides facilities such as "Go-carts and archery range," as mentioned in relation to the 2025 Camp Meeting Youth Experience, indicating potential for such recreational activities during the camporee.
• Drill and Drum Workshops Areas: Specific spaces or fields are likely allocated for activities like Pathfinder drill and drum workshops, which are common at such events.
• Community Service Project Facilities: The venue supports the execution of community service projects, which are a vital part of the Pathfinder program.
• Managed and Staffed Environment: The campground is managed by a superintendent, ensuring oversight and support for the event's needs.

• Massive Scale and Community: The 2025 SAC Pathfinder Camporee is a large-scale gathering, bringing together thousands of Pathfinders, creating an unparalleled sense of community and shared experience. It's a chance for "young people to engage in meaningful worship, strengthen their faith, deepen their commitment to God, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Pathfinders from diverse backgrounds."
• Comprehensive Program for Youth Development: The Camporee offers a "jam-packed" schedule of activities designed to nurture physical, mental, and spiritual development. This includes a wide array of "Honor Classes" (badges) in spiritual and practical skills like Voice of Youth, Preach It, Prayer, God's Messenger, Family Life, Stewardship, and Creationism.
• Spiritual Emphasis: A core highlight is the spiritual focus, with "Spirit filled worship sessions" and opportunities for young people to "make the decision to give their hearts to the Lord." Themes like "Rebuild the Altar" (from other camporees) aim to inspire deep personal reflection and commitment.
• Variety of Engaging Activities: Beyond spiritual growth, the camporee features diverse activities such as rock climbing (from general camporee information), service projects, rodeos, parades, flag ceremonies, fun runs, marching drill team competitions, and a talent stage.
• Skill Development: Participants have opportunities to learn new skills through hands-on activities and earning "honors" (badges) in areas like pioneering, first aid, camping skills, knot tying, orienteering, and problem-solving.
• Leadership Training: Camporees often involve young people in planning and executing activities, helping to develop their leadership qualities.
• Outdoor Immersion: The event provides a "wholesome outdoor experience that connects participants with nature," fostering environmental stewardship and promoting physical activity in a natural setting.
• Large-Scale Facilities at River Oaks: The venue, River Oaks Campground, provides extensive infrastructure including a 4000-seat pavilion, a youth gymnasium, hotel-style accommodations, a cafeteria, RV pads, and areas for various recreational activities like go-carts and archery.
• Opportunities for Baptism: A significant highlight at many Pathfinders Camporees, including the International ones, is the opportunity for young people to make a public commitment to their faith through baptism.

Address: 524 Neeses Hwy, Orangeburg, SC 29115, USA (River Oaks Campground, site of the Camporee)

Phone: While a general number for the South Atlantic Conference is (404) 792-0535, the specific contact for the 2025 SAC Pathfinder Camporee or River Oaks Campground management for events would typically be found through the South Atlantic Conference's Youth Ministries Department or the main Conference website. The phone number provided in the initial prompt, while generic, might connect to the main conference office which can direct inquiries.

Mobile Phone: +1 803-494-8488 (This number was provided as a generic phone for "Forestry Department" in a previous context, and may not be the direct contact for this specific Camporee event. For accurate information, it's best to consult the official South Atlantic Conference Seventh-day Adventist website or youth ministries department.)

For South Carolina locals, particularly families with young people engaged in or considering the Pathfinder program, the 2025 SAC Pathfinder Camporee in Orangeburg presents a unique and incredibly suitable opportunity. This event goes beyond typical camping, offering a transformative experience that is deeply rooted in youth development, spiritual growth, and community building, all within a convenient and well-equipped local venue.

Firstly, the accessibility of the event at River Oaks Campground in Orangeburg is a significant advantage. Located centrally within the state and easily reached via major highways, it minimizes travel burdens for families across South Carolina. This means more time for participants to engage in the rich program and less stress on logistics, making it a practical choice for local involvement. The dedicated facilities at River Oaks, including expansive camping areas, large pavilions, and recreational amenities, ensure a comfortable and well-supported environment for thousands of attendees.

Secondly, the comprehensive and enriching program offered by the Pathfinder Camporee aligns perfectly with the values many local families seek in youth activities. With a focus on skill development through "Honor Classes," fostering leadership, encouraging community service, and providing profound spiritual inspiration through worship and character-building dramas, the camporee contributes significantly to the holistic development of young individuals. It’s an environment where youth can not only learn practical skills but also deepen their faith and build lasting friendships with peers from diverse backgrounds within their own conference.

Lastly, the sense of community and shared purpose that defines a Pathfinder Camporee is incredibly valuable. It provides a unique space for young South Carolinians to connect, collaborate, and support one another, fostering a sense of belonging that extends beyond the event itself. This communal experience, combined with the emphasis on outdoor activities and responsible living, creates well-rounded individuals prepared to contribute positively to their local communities. The 2025 SAC Pathfinder Camporee is truly a landmark event for the youth of South Carolina, offering an invaluable blend of adventure, learning, and spiritual enrichment right in their own backyard.

2025 SAC Pathfinder Camporee

524 Neeses Hwy, Orangeburg, SC 29115, USA