Pathfinders heading to the “Believe the Promise” International Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, will strive to break four Guinness World Records: the largest postcard collection, the biggest great ball contraption (GBC), the fastest time erecting a four-person tent, and the most backpacks stuffed with school supplies in an hour.

Marilyn Boismier, GBC and postcard record organizer expressed that these events foster socialization between clubs and provide fun activities for campers to look forward to. She added, “People find it exciting to join together and do something difficult.” 

At the 2019 “Chosen” camporee, Pathfinders set two records: the largest human image of a cross and the largest neckerchief and woggle. Here is a sneak peek into how Pathfinders could make history at Gillette from August 5 to 11, 2024. 

Record Attempt 1: Biggest Great Ball Contraption

Science buffs will strive to create the largest great ball contraption (GBC). Participants will bring modules created with LEGO® that can pass balls from one side to another, like a bucket brigade; all the modules will be combined to form a continuous loop. Anyone attending camporee can participate individually, in a group, or as a club. 

[Click here for a video on the current record holders, seven builders from across Europe, whose GBC comprises 259 modules.] 

At Gillette, the six creators with the best-made devices will be awarded $500 in scholarships toward a Seventh-day Adventist school education.

Said Boismier, “The GBC record was chosen because it benefits kids [who] love to build and create things. Attempting the GBC world record will give them a goal where they can play a meaningful part.”

The record attempt will take place in a tent north of Morningside Arena. Click here for more info on check-in times, registration, and requirements. 

Record Attempt 2: Largest Postcard Collection

Pathfinders aim to collect 40,000 unique postcards, superseding the record of 15,553 set by German Michael Schefers in 2019. In the lead-up to camporee, Pathfinders were asked to bring “a postcard or two or hundreds” with them. Postcards can be new or old, mailed or not mailed, provided they are commercially available and unique to the collection. 

This attempt is part of a five-activity “postcard extravaganza,” including a postcard scavenger hunt, postcard trading activity, postcard printing and commemorative U.S. postal cancellation, and postcard honor. 

Boismier noted, “While the world record is the draw, the main benefit to the kids is trading postcards with each other. They need 50 cards from 10 states and two countries to get the postcard honor. And what better place than Gillette?” Postcard trading will be a cost-effective alternative to pin trading, which has grown increasingly expensive for participants.

She concluded, “The [GBC and postcard] records were chosen for basically the same reason: to provide activities and goals for kids who may feel marginalized.” 

All postcards will be collected on the upper level of Spirit Hall. Click here for more info. 

Record Attempt 3: Fastest Time to Erect a Four-Man Tent

Pathfinders in teams of 10 will strive to beat the record of 1 minute 55:58 seconds for erecting a four-person tent set at a Scouts Camp in Thomasburg, Ontario, Canada, in 2014. 

This record attempt will take place in the northeast corner of the nighttime programming area, with tryouts on Wednesday and final attempts on Thursday. 

Organizer Jeff “PJ” Deming, principal of Upper Columbia Academy, said the camporee is an excellent place to break world records because “it’s a large stage, you are with your world family in Pathfinders, and everyone is encouraging.” 

Record Attempt 4: Backpacks Stuffed with School Supplies 

One hundred sixty-six participants will attempt to set a record for backpacks stuffed with school supplies. The backpacks will be given to partner islands in the Guam-Micronesia Mission, unions, the Salvation Army, Gillette’s local school district, and some Pathfinder groups for distribution in their local areas.

Organizer Nicole Mattson, associate superintendent of education at the Lake Union Conference, said, “[We] wanted to help the community, involve the Pathfinders, and show them that Adventist Education is engaging in as many ways as we are able.” With their goal of “touch[ing] the lives of as many students as possible,” providing much-needed school supplies was a natural fit. 

Mattson concluded, “This is very exciting for us as we hope to make a difference and always do ‘Something Better,’ our watchword in Adventist Education!”

This record attempt will take place Wednesday, August 7, in a tent in front of Energy Hall.

Visit camporee.org to learn more about the Guinness World Record attempts and other exciting activities during the Gillette International Pathfinder Camporee. 

Click here for check-in times and contact information for the different records. And click here for site maps of the camporee grounds.