Day three of the BUC Pathfinder Camporee brings together practical learning, joyful worship, intercessory prayer and a compelling invitation to move from caution to wholehearted commitment to Jesus.
Thursday 30 July, day three of the British Union Conference (BUC) Pathfinder Camporee placed learning and spiritual commitment side by side. Across the South of England Showground, Pathfinders devoted much of the day to activities and practical skills, with many working enthusiastically towards completing as many Pathfinder Honours as possible.
The Honours give Pathfinders opportunities to develop knowledge and ability across recreational, artistic, nature, conservation, vocational and outreach subjects. For others, the day also included recreational attractions such as slides and virtual-reality experiences, adding laughter and variety to a busy programme.
Bringing every need to God
The day reached its spiritual high point when campers gathered for evening worship. Young Pathfinders led praise, while musical and instrumental contributions helped prepare the congregation for prayer and the message.
Pastor Ikwisa Mwasumbi, North England Conference Pathfinder Director, led a special prayer session and invited young people to bring their requests before God. Using the vast distance to the Andromeda Galaxy as an illustration, he contrasted the limits of human travel with the immediacy of God’s response to prayer.
He referred to the biblical account of the angel Gabriel responding to Daniel’s prayer, encouraging campers to trust that no problem is too distant or too great for divine attention. The congregation then prayed for a wide range of needs, including illness, financial difficulties and hearts open to receive God’s answer.
Cautious, curious or committed?
Guest speaker Pastor Damian Chandler then turned to John 3 and the story of Nicodemus. His message traced a journey from caution, through curiosity, to commitment – a progression he said many young people experience in their own relationship with Jesus.
Chandler used a family visit to a swimming pool to make the lesson memorable. Reluctant to enter the water, he stayed at the edge until his son encouraged him to immerse himself fully and discover its warmth. In the same way, he said, faith cannot be experienced fully by merely “dipping a toe in.”
Some people remain cautious because they have been hurt, disappointed or feel that their prayers have gone unanswered. Others become curious after seeing what God is doing in someone else’s life, yet hesitate to make their interest public. Nicodemus first approached Jesus privately, but his encounter with Christ and the message of new birth moved him towards a deeper faith.
A faith that becomes visible
Commitment, Chandler explained, means more than seeking miracles or asking for blessings. It means being present to serve, standing willingly in worship and using one’s gifts, influence and energy for God’s kingdom. He challenged both young people and the adults who lead them to reject a divided faith and model wholehearted devotion.
The story of Nicodemus provided the sermon’s final picture. The man who once came to Jesus under cover of darkness later appeared publicly after the crucifixion, helping to prepare Christ’s body for burial. His actions showed that genuine commitment eventually becomes visible.
Chandler also shared accounts of young people whose commitment changed the atmosphere around them – including one who prayed during a dangerous encounter and another whose offer of prayer deeply affected a fellow passenger on a bus. Pathfinders were reminded that courageous faith can influence homes, schools and communities.
Thousands of cards ready for the response
The evening worship concluded with a direct appeal. “I am calling the cautious. I am calling the curious, and I am calling you to commitment,” Chandler said, inviting young people to make a public declaration of faith without waiting for music or further persuasion.
Large numbers rose from their seats. As pastors moved through the gathering to help distribute commitment cards, BUC Youth Director Pastor Njay Ndlovu explained that the team had initially considered bringing 500 cards but had prepared 4,000. There were therefore enough for every Pathfinder who wished to respond.
Day three began with Pathfinders striving to complete Honours and ended with a different kind of achievement in view: a faith no longer kept at the edge. The invitation was to step forward, become fully immersed in life with Christ and allow commitment to shape both personal choices and service to others.
The BUC Pathfinder Camporee runs from 28 July to 2 August 2026. The evening devotionals can be watched on BUC TV.
