Day Two of the BUC Pathfinder Camporee combines spiritual commitment, more than 100 activity and Honour options, creative ministry and an appeal to pray and praise through life’s most difficult moments.
Day Two of the British Union Conference Pathfinder Camporee began with a clear invitation: make a stand for God. During the morning devotional, guest speaker Pastor Damian Chandler challenged Pathfinders to move beyond simply hearing about faith and to make a personal commitment to live it. Several young people responded, indicating that they were ready to stand for God.
The response set a spiritual tone for a full day of learning, creativity and fellowship at the South of England Showground. Across the site, Pathfinders could choose from more than 100 activities and Honour options designed to develop practical knowledge, confidence and skills. The programme gave campers opportunities to explore new interests while working alongside friends and leaders.
Creativity and collective worship
After the day’s activities and the evening meal, clubs gathered again for collective worship. Praise, important instructions and musical talent combined to create an energetic atmosphere in the main worship space.
One memorable moment came when Pastor Chandler introduced young creative artist Lebo and encouraged the audience to support his ministry through social media. Lebo’s rap performance quickly lifted the energy of the gathering, with Pathfinders responding enthusiastically before the evening message began.
Finding purpose in “The Press”
Pastor Chandler’s sermon, “The Press”, drew on Jesus’ experience in the Garden of Gethsemane, described in Luke 22:39-44. Using the image of an olive press, he explored what can happen when people feel crushed by circumstances, disappointment or fear.
Olives are pressed to release oil used for nourishment, light and healing. In the same way, Chandler suggested, seasons of pressure can reveal character, deepen faith and bring out what God has placed within a person. The pressure itself is painful, but it need not be purposeless.
To make the message personal, Chandler recounted being refused entry at the Canadian-United States border after an officer tore up his paperwork. Stranded and facing the apparent collapse of his plans, he experienced the fear and frustration of circumstances beyond his control. His first response was the question many people ask in a crisis: “Why?”
Practice, purpose and partnership
From that experience, Chandler offered three principles for facing pressure. First, practise prayer before the crisis arrives, building a relationship with God strong enough to sustain difficult moments. Second, remember one’s purpose: a hard place may still be part of a larger calling. Third, seek partnership and praise – someone who will offer encouragement and continue worshipping when personal strength is low.
Chandler recalled how his sister continued praising God during their border crisis even when he felt angry and defeated. Her persistence changed the atmosphere and helped redirect his attention towards God. In the final minutes, another border officer intervened and granted entry – an unexpected answer that Chandler described as an example of help arriving at precisely the right time.
The message returned to Christ’s prayer in Gethsemane: “Not my will, but Yours be done.” Pathfinders were encouraged to replace the question “Why is this happening?” with a prayerful search for how to remain faithful through the pressure. The practical call was simple: pray in the press, praise through the pain and remain alert to the unexpected people God may use to bring help.
Young people respond
The evening concluded with an appeal for those choosing to follow Christ as their personal Saviour. BUC Youth Director Pastor Njay Ndlovu led a spiritual commissioning and invited participants to record their decisions on response cards. Options included requesting Bible studies, preparing for baptism and strengthening their connection with the church.
As the cards were completed, the wider congregation was asked to pray silently for those making life-changing decisions. The follow-up process will involve families, local churches and regional leaders, helping ensure that each decision is supported beyond the Camporee.
From the morning invitation to stand for God to the evening appeal, Day Two placed personal commitment at the centre of the Camporee experience. Alongside the enjoyment of activities, Honours, music and friendship, Pathfinders were reminded that pressure does not have to define or defeat them. With prayer, purpose, partnership and praise, they can remain anchored in Christ.
The BUC Pathfinder Camporee runs from 28 July to 2 August 2026. Daily updates will continue throughout the Camporee, and evening devotionals can be watched on BUC TV.
