Something beautiful happened at Stuarts Point this October. From the 7th to the 12th, the quiet coastal campsite came alive with the sound of laughter, songs and prayers as more than 1,500 Pathfinders and staff gathered from across North New South Wales, South New South Wales and the Greater Sydney Conference. For the first time, three conferences stood side by side, each carrying its own story but walking together with one purpose.
This wasn’t just a Camporee. It was a glimpse of what the church can be when we let unity lead the way. It was a family reunion across conference lines, a place where old friends reconnected and new friendships were born. Many who came said it felt like coming home.
From the very first night, the atmosphere was glowing with excitement and hope. Flags waved, drums rolled and voices rose in praise. There was something sacred in the air, a deep sense that God was doing something new among His people.
Pastor Busi Khumalo, General Conference Youth Director, stood before the sea of young faces and spoke words that stirred hearts. Drawing from the story of Esther, he called the youth to be fearless in faith, to rise for such a time as this and to stand boldly for God, for their church and for their communities. Participants didn’t just hear his message—they felt it. You could see it in the eyes of the Pathfinders as they leaned in, inspired to live with purpose and courage.
Throughout the week, the theme of unity echoed everywhere. Yes, each conference brought its own rhythm—the songs may have sounded different, the dramas may have had their own flair—but together they created one powerful harmony. Campers roamed from one subcamp to another, trading pins, sharing stories and meeting new friends. The new pin trading game quickly grew a meaning beyond simply a fun activity. Every exchange was an act of friendship, a symbol of connection and a celebration of belonging to one family of faith.
Behind the scenes, Youth Ministry and Family Ministry worked hand in hand, showing whatpartnership looks like in action. Pastor Daron Pratt from the Greater Sydney Conference led a children’s program that supported the staff and poured into the lives of the youngest campers. Morning dramas and devotionals moved hearts and sparked small group conversations that extended far beyond surface talk. Throughout the days, young people opened up, prayed together, encouraged one another and discovered what fearless faith truly means.
But perhaps the most powerful moment came on Friday night. As the music softened and the Spirit moved through the crowd, more than 30 young people came forward, some with tears, others with trembling hands, declaring their desire to follow Jesus and begin their journey towards baptism. It was a sacred moment. Heaven felt close.
The Fearless Faith Camporee was a movement. It showed that when we serve together, barriers fade, differences blend and Christ shines through us all. The Pathfinders who camped at Stuarts Point returned home changed. They left with pins, souvenirs, and Pathfinder honours along with courage in their hearts and a deeper sense of calling.
While we were fully immersed at Stuarts Point in ministry, laughter and worship, we didn’t even realise that at the very same time, Pastor Erton Köhler was speaking to the world church at the 2025 Annual Council, calling everyone to move forward in unity. As we returned home and reflected on his words, we couldn’t help but smile, because it was exactly what had already happened here. We had lived it, we had witnessed it, and deep in our hearts, we knew this is the only way to go.
The first New South Wales Camporee will be remembered for its joy, its unity, and the fearless faith it inspired. It reminded us that when we walk together, guided by love and purpose, God’s church becomes unstoppable. Together, we can rise to every mission, cross every boundary, and truly leave no one behind.
Now, wherever they go, whether it’s Greater Sydney, North NSW, or South NSW, our youth will look around and see familiar faces. They’ll know they belong to something bigger than their club or conference. They belong to a united family on a shared mission.
For more information on our Pathfinder Kids & Teens Club, or to find a club near you, click here.
By Rangi Eiao, Ashley Smith, Moses Depaz, Blair Lemke, Trent Keegan, Dejan Stojkovic
