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Teen Invitational |
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Teen Invitational |
Cohutta Springs was once again the site for the 1998 Georgia Cumberland Teen Invitational Campout. Pathfinders in the 7th grade and up from all over the Georgia Cumberland Conference met over the weekend of November 13-15 for songs, skits, a special communion service and a practical mixture of fun activities. Joe White and his band of merry men brought an assortment of inflatable activities which proved to be so popular that they would be repeated on a much larger scale at the International Camporee at Oshkosh (more on that in another report).
Two staff and eight Pathfinders from the McDonald Road club made the trip to join in the
festivities and fellowship. Each Pathfinder was responsible for planning, purchasing, and
preparing his or her own meals. The club provided tents and transportation and let the
Pathfinders show what they had learned over their years in the club. Here we see Kelley cleaning
her messkit in a five gallon bucket while Erin looks on and offers helpful
suggestions.
Since this was a Pathfinder event it of course rained copiously for the entire weekend and our intrepid Pathfinders each coped with the situation as best they could. Some cooked their meals under the lift gate of a counselors van while Nicki constructed a shelter from sticks and plastic and cooked her meal by fire from the comfort(?) of her lean-to.
Sabbath, church services were given a special meaning by a communion service for all Pathfinders and staff wishing to participate. This gave a special touch to the day and is something that we would hope can be included in future campouts. It's nice to see the ordinances of the church in new and varied settings and to see how natural and Holy they can be even when the circumstances are informal.
After Sabbath lunches were eaten it was time for a lesson in Search and Rescue. The Pathfinders were divided into different groups and given scenarios regarding lost hikers or campers and we then were asked to find them. It can now be told that everyone returned safely, although some had to finally find their own way home.
Saturday night it was time for fun and frolic. Those wishing to brave the rain could participate in camouflage training and do some escape and evasion practice. For others the inflatable obstacle course and the bungee run held greater charm. The fact that they were indoors may have helped. It appears that Justin has the lead here, but Jason looks determined as they both head for the wall.
Sunday it was time to pack away wet tents and head for home and dry clothes. The rain was mostly forgotten in the excitement of the activities and the usual opportunities for fun and fellowship that are the hallmark of Pathfinder events.