08/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/26/2024 13:20
The Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) team had an incredible time at the 2024 Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming! Despite challenges like storms, lightning, wind, and mud, the 60,000+ Pathfinders in attendance displayed remarkable resilience, making this year's camporee truly unforgettable.
The excitement for us centered around the SWAU booth, which quickly became a buzzing hub of activity. With our new life-size, 30-foot-long animatronic Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton as the showstopper, the booth was impossible to miss. The impressive display drew in crowds eager to see what SWAU had brought to the table. "Our booth was designed to impress anyone who walked by," said Josafat Zemluduch, SWAU's Marketing Director. "Hearing people's reactions to all the dinosaurs made all the hard work worth it."
As Pathfinders explored the booth, many were captivated by our exclusive SWAU dinosaur pin, which quickly became a must-have item. Pin trading is a beloved tradition at these events, and our pin rapidly turned into one of the most sought-after collectibles. Enthusiasts showed up at all hours, hoping to add it to their collection. "It made me smile seeing the way these kids' faces lit up when they saw our pin. That kind of excitement is what we were aiming for," Josafat shared.
While the pins were a hit, the real highlight for many was our Dinosaur Honor program. Over the course of four days, we conducted the honor 11 times a day, with each session attracting an average of 70 eager learners. Pathfinders dove into the fascinating world of paleontology, learning how to identify, document, and care for fossils. This badge wasn't just something to earn; it was a chance to create a lifelong passion for science and exploration.