In just five weeks, the International Pathfinder Camporee will have moved west. For the first time in the event’s history, Gillette, Wyoming, will host the camporee’s week of learning, worship, and community service for Pathfinders and their supporters. From August 5-11, 2024, roughly 60,000 young people from 100 countries will transform the Gillette Cam-Plex Facilities into a tent and RV city.

Over numerous site visits since 2020, camporee officials have found significant interest among community members in attending the nighttime mainstage events. However, because minors attend the camporee, background checks would be necessary for these additional guests. Thus, camporee leaders decided to host a “night at the camporee” on August 4. This special event will offer community members a 90-minute sneak peek of the “Believe the Promise” evening program, focusing on the inspiring story of the Old Testament character Moses.

On the 4th, community guests can bring their own chairs to view the action on the 115-foot-deep, 258-foot-wide stage set up on the Cam-plex Park’s amphitheater site. They will enjoy a first-time, history-making presentation of the first night’s production. The show will include a brief praise music set, and a ventriloquist act. Camporee officials will also use this time to thank Gillette and Campbell County leaders for their welcoming spirit and support.

“Night at the Camporee” is a new initiative. “The motivation to offer this community night was because so many individuals from the community were asking to attend the mainstage program. We hope the community enjoys this free, world-class presentation,” said Ron Whitehead, executive director of the International Pathfinder Camporee.

Camporee officials are excited for the evening’s guests to see the fruits of five years of planning for “Believe the Promise,” including extensive work with contractors, artists, scriptwriters, musicians, actors, and thousands of volunteers.

Randy Griffin, Gillette’s nighttime program director, hopes to give the community a taste of the awe and spiritual uplifting young people experience every night at the camporee. “This is not a Sabbath afternoon skit at a summer camp. This is a massive production that is very well thought-out and planned, [inspiring] kids to want to love the Lord,” shared Griffin.

Whatever the turnout on August 4, camporee leaders are ready. Griffin concluded, “We may have 10. If so, great! Ten people will be blessed. If we have 10,000, even better.”

For more information or to watch the camporee’s nightly mainstage programs online, visit https://www.camporee.org/.