The British Union Conference (BUC) Youth Department is celebrating a remarkable act of generosity from Go Outdoors, who donated 318 four-person tents to Adventurer and Pathfinder Clubs across the territory.
At the heart of the BUC’s mission is the value of Transforming Lives – creating opportunities that nurture young people spiritually, socially, and personally. This donation will enrich outdoor experiences for children and youth, giving them better resources to enjoy nature, fellowship, and faith.
Go Outdoors has also pledged wider support to Club Ministries, Senior Youth, Master Guides, Teens Ministries, and Public Campus Ministries, making their range of products more accessible through discounted sales and tailored group quotes.
How It Works
Following discussions between Rachel Chinn, Go Outdoors Group Sales and Partnership Manager, and Pastor Njabulo “NJay” Ndlovu, BUC Youth Director, a system has been set up to simplify orders. Pathfinder leaders, together with Renatella lunac (BUC Youth Department Secretary) and Pastor NJay, can contact Go Outdoors directly. Quotes often exceed standard partner discounts of 10% for participants and 15% for leaders, with flexible delivery and payment options across the UK.
Leadership Reflections
Pastor NJay, recently appointed Youth Director, expressed his gratitude:
“I am humbled to have inherited this engagement with Go Outdoors. Abigail Wright-Stephenson played a key role in liaising with those who facilitated the venture, and our BUC President, Pastor Eglan Brooks, identified this partnership as a priority. I am glad we have received and distributed all tents to our five entities: the South England Conference, North England Conference, Irish Mission, Scottish Mission, and Welsh Mission.”
He added:
“These tents are more than shelter. They are symbols of hope, adventure, unity, fun, and well-resourced access to outdoor exploration.”
Impact on Young People
During the recent summer camps, many children – particularly those from global majority heritage – enjoyed new opportunities to explore nature, make friends, and encounter God in meaningful ways. The tents were fully utilised, enhancing the camping experience and helping leaders create safe spaces for growth.
At Pathfinder Camporees across the UK and Ireland, young people engaged in nature walks, team-building games, storytelling, and creative workshops. Alongside earning honour badges, they received daily spiritual messages that connected outdoor learning to their faith. These experiences not only taught practical skills, such as pitching tents and compass reading, but also strengthened character – encouraging courage, kindness, and a reliance on Christ.
Shared Values
This partnership reflects a welcome alignment between the BUC and Go Outdoors, whose commitment to inclusivity, community engagement, and youth development aligns with the Church’s values. By investing in children and youth – especially those from underserved backgrounds – Go Outdoors is helping plant seeds of transformation that will bear fruit for years to come.
Gratitude and Recognition
Special thanks go to all who made this possible, including Rowen Dumokuye Mahlangu, a Go Outdoors employee and member of Huddersfield Seventh-day Adventist church. His vision and initiative sparked the collaboration that has now blessed hundreds of children.
We pray God’s blessing on Go Outdoors and on every young person who, under starry skies and around campfires, finds joy, friendship, and faith in these outdoor experiences.
Together, we are transforming lives – one camp, one child, and one opportunity at a time.
