The Hernández Medina family show off illustrations from in front of their tent at home during the island-wide Adventurer Virtual Camporee, held in Puerto Rico, April 16-18, 2021. [Photo: Puerto Rican Union]
May 5, 2021 | Mayagüez, Puerto Rico | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News

There was nothing but smiles across hundreds of children’s faces throughout Seventh-day Adventist homes in Puerto Rico as Adventurer Clubs across the island joined together for an online camporee last month. The island-wide Adventurers Camporee drew more than 550 children ages 4-9 for a weekend at home to study the bible, take part in spiritual, physical and missionary challenges, earn dozens of honors and more.  Several clubs pitched socially distanced tents on their church’s grounds for several hours during the day for safe interactivity during the three-day event held Apr. 16-18, 2021.

Guerreros de Jesus de Esperanza Adventurer Club from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, campout a few hours during the day on church grounds. [Photo: Puerto Rican Union]
“It was important to let this young generation, already boggled down in a routine in the midst of a lingering pandemic, that each one of them has a mission to share the gospel to those around them,” said Pastor David Sebastian, youth ministries director for the church in Puerto Rico and main organizer of the event. “We didn’t want them to miss out on the scheduled event set years ago, and having them take part from home is the best we could offer,” he said. It was the first time that the church in Puerto Rico organized a virtual camporee. The previous national Adventurer Club Camporee was held in 2012.

Themed on the life of John the Baptist, the camporee let every Adventurer know that every child has a mission when he or she is born on this earth and that God can equip them just like He did for John the Baptist to fulfill it.

“Our mission is the same as John The Baptist, who prepared the way for the coming of Jesus, so that many can be ready for His Second Coming and take part in the grand heavenly camporee face-to-face,” said Sebastian as he addressed hundreds of children on the closed zoom platform program.

Kiriam Muñíz, leader of the Juana Díaz Adventurer Club of south Puerto Rico prays alongside two club members and another club leader for a police officer on the street as part of a missionary activity during the weekend camporee. [Photo: Puerto Rican Union]
“Kids were so excited and happy that they had a special event just for them and their family members,” said Sebastian. “Parents sent photos of their physical activity challenges, their spiritual projects they worked on, and even got dressed up like in biblical times to imitate the ministry of John the Baptist,” said Sebastian. “I even saw videos of Adventurers pretending they were baptizing their siblings and their dogs, so they really got into it,” said Sebastian.

“Keep on being active in your club and continue sharing your faith with others,” said Pastor Luis Rivera, president of the church in Puerto Rico, as he greeted the delegation of Adventurers. Rivera also highlighted the importance of such uniformed clubs run by the church as a great tool to keep youngsters participating in fun recreational activities that teach values for life.

Adventist World Church Associate Ministries Director for Junior Youth Pastor Andres Peralta, greeted the youngsters during the online program. “I’m so proud that you want to prepare the way for when Jesus comes to this earth, and we want you to know that we are here to support you in that mission,” said Peralta.

An Adventurer club member in Zona Nordeste B in East Puerto Rico, jumps rope during a physical challenge during the camporee. [Photo: Puerto Rican Union]
Pastor Al Powell, youth ministries director for the church in Inter-America, reminded Adventurers that God is also relying on them to share God’s love to others. “We are the light in this world and that means that you too can shine the gospel to others around you,” said Powell.

The event was run from the studios of the union headquarters in Mayagüez, through some pre-recorded presentations, musical segments, animated stories, a virtual parade of each club, an honors fair which featured 19 different honors taught during live portions of the weekend program. The event also featured online bible trivia games, praying for others in their neighborhoods, recognition to club leaders, an investiture ceremony, and arts and crafts.

Lessem. Bethesda 1 San Sebastian Adventurer Club from West Puerto Rico takes part in the virtual parade. [Photo: Puerto Rican Union]
To learn more about the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Puerto Rico, its initiatives and activities, visit adventistas.pr

David Sebastian contributed to this article.