LOUD cheers, pitched tents and uniformed delegations present at Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium on Tuesday were the clearest signs that the Inter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventists fifth Pathfinders Camporee started off with excitement.

Waving flags from the stands, thousands of people from about 24 countries across North America, Europe, and Africa and other areas were unable to contain their joy about the five-day event geared towards social, physical, mental and spiritual development.

The day’s activities started with camp preparations as people constructed their tents, followed by marching, acting and musical performances on stage. The attendees were also greeted by Jamaican political leaders such as Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange and Opposition Senator Gabriela Morris.

Cheering loudly from her seat was Kerry-Ann Joiles who was a part of the Jamaican delegation; the largest group consisting of approximately 5,631 people.

“This is my first international camporee,” a cheerful Joiles exclaimed.

“I am looking forward to all the activities taking place such as the drilling and marching, the evangelism class and getting the honours and seeing the different cultures, meeting new people, learning new language; it is just exciting,” she added.

Joiles, who became a pathfinder officer two years ago, said she would usually attend to her children who have been pathfinders for about 10 years. She said over the years, she has recognised the benefits of the camporee.

“My children have been coming since they were about four years old. I was a pathfinder parent for about 10 years and an officer for two years. It is awesome, it is one of the best experiences that moulds young minds,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

“A lot of persons have the misconception that it is just about building Christian values — don’t get me wrong it is important but when your children learn about different skills that aren’t necessarily in school in terms of sewing, camping skills, how to start a fire, what you do when you’re lost, it is simply incredible, it is second to none,” she added.

Looking on attentively at the stage performances, Edmond Seneque, who is a part of the Haitian delegation, was just as elated.

He was especially excited to share his wish of visiting parts of Jamaica, especially since it was his first time being in the country.

“For us it is always an excitement and the entire division, especially with the other countries gathering for this celebration. I attend every four years,” said Seneque who has been a pathfinder for 40 years.

“I don’t expect to visit places around the country because we have so many activities right here at the camporee but I would love to visit Montego Bay, we have heard so many things about it,” he said.

A Dominican woman, Nulucrecia Peña, told the Observer that she is excited to share the experience with her 15-year-old son.

“It is a wonderful experience. It is the first time I’m coming to an Inter-American camporee and it is just exciting. I think the Jamaican people are wonderful and everybody here is very kind. I am so happy to be in this island,” said Peña.

“I am the mother of a pathfinder, who is going to participate in different activities in the camporee. I am glad I can do the activities with him,” she said.

Andrea Sierres who is also from the Dominican Republic added, “This is my first time in Jamaica. I feel very well. This country feels like home and I enjoy the activities. I feel very good.”