On May 22, more than 300 people, including 130 Adventurers, their parents and volunteers gathered at the Gladstone camp grounds for the annual Adventurer Family Fun Day. More than a dozen clubs were in attendance, including the Valley View Church club which traveled over 4 hours to join in the celebration. The theme this year was Faith and Courage on the Oregon Trail, covering lessons and experiences from the Oregon Trail and lessons about courage based on Joshua 1:9.
After the opening ceremony, families rotated through five stations of interactive learning and hands on experiences about the Oregon trail. The journey began with Jana Lee narrating the trip along the trail through imaginary, but historical difficulties, such as learning about packing the wagon and boarding a “Covered Wagon” created and driven by Matt Ballard. Next, kids got to enjoy some up close and personal time with animals that might have been part of the journey, (horses, goats, sheep and a baby alpaca). At the next station, Laura Paddock and Monica Smith led children in experiencing some of the food on the trail and making their own butter. Continuing to the next station, Pathfinder TLT’s led out in teaching kids how to make a knot that would be used in tying a horse to a hitching post, how to build a fire using faux bison chips, and how to wash clothes and towels trail style––on a washing board. The fifth and final station emphasized faith and courage on the Oregon trail. Leslie Cairns told the story of Tabitha Brown, whose faith in God and courage to press on through difficult situations earned her the title “Mother of Oregon.” To close out the last station, the children learned Joshua 1:9, with a fun activity.
During the closing program kids sang a few songs then shared what they enjoyed most about the fun-filled, sunny day. Directors received their weekend and award patches and were recognized for their dedication to sharing Jesus with children through Adventurer ministry and the Adventurer coordinator team was thanked for their many contributions in the past year including being part of the planning team for Adventurer Family Fun Day.
As reflection was spent on the day, some of the most beautiful sights witnessed during the afternoon were parent and child learning and interacting together. Parents having conversations with their kids and quality time taking place. At its core, Adventurer ministry attempts more than just to provide recreational activities. It strives to provide real life opportunities for parents to be involved and engage with their children in wholesome, interactive activities were learning and exploration are taking place. It gently reminds parents that they are their child’s first teacher and evangelizer.
See photos of the event on our Flickr...
Contributed by Daniel Ortega & Gloria Beerman
