Stories & Commentaries

Moses Reenactment Touches the Hearts of Camporee Attendees, Actors, and Personnel

August 28, 2024 | Gillette, Wyo. | John Simon

Ricardo Peña, who played Moses’ father, Amran, was one of the actors whose participation in the 2024 “Believe the Promise” International Pathfinder Camporee became a cherished memory and strengthened his walk with God. He is pictured here in Act One, standing, center, as the Israelite slaves cry out to God for rescue. Photo by Cerron Pollard

Dozens of young people with a flair for performance arts and a love for Scripture poured their talents and labor into making much of the Pentateuch come to life, not only for camporee attendees and those watching the nightly livestream, but also, before the event’s official August 6 start, for residents of Gillette, Wyoming, the host community.

During the camporee, one-hour meet-and-greets were carved out of afternoon programming for the Moses cast to engage with attendees. Pathfinders, leaders, and parents were understandably eager to shake hands, take pictures, ask questions, and soak in the moment with the talented performers.

Talking With Amram

Ricardo Peña, a native of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, spared a few moments to share his experience. Peña played Amram, Moses’ father. He mentioned that awareness of the talent search is publicized through churches, conferences, etc., beginning early within the camporee’s five-year cycle, and interested individuals audition for the different parts.

Another actor was initially selected to play Amram. “The one who played [Amram] first was learning the lines, but something happened with him, and he could not continue. Then, that door opened for me. And I was like, ‘I’ll take it,’” said Peña. He cherished the honor yet anticipated the stress. Twelve-hour days are common in the rehearsal process.

As in Peña’s case, those who immerse themselves in inspired historical accounts of God accomplishing redemption for His people are apt to experience a sense of spiritual invigoration. “The message has enlightened my spiritual life. And I've been connected more with Christ,” Peña affirmed.

Throughout the 2024 camporee, an appreciative audience enjoyed the skillful performances of actors bringing the story of Moses to life. Pictured are community members at a special preview of the evening programming on Sunday, August 4. — At the 2024 camporee, an appreciative audience enjoys the skillful performances of actors bringing the story of Moses to life. Pictured are community members at a special preview of the evening programming on Sunday, August 4. Photo by Cerron Pollard

Preparation, Preparation!

Heidi Littell, director and assistant producer of Moses, also shared her perspective. Her connections to camporee altogether are as thick as blood. “My father is Ron Whitehead,* so I’ve been a part of it since I was a little girl. I was the narrator in Joseph; I was the emcee for Esther; and then I've just been a part of the Bible stories ever since,” she said.

Littell verified Peña’s assessment of how the reenactment preparation spans from event to event. “I've been involved with this story for [more than] four years: the script writing process, the music writing process. … [Before camporee], we met with the cast at Andrews [University] for two weeks, and then we came here and rehearsed for two weeks.”

She also discussed actor selection. “About 80 to 85 percent of our guys are chosen from summer camps, and then about 80 to 85 percent of our girls are chosen from online auditions. … that’s how we created our cast.”

Littell’s faith was refreshed along the way. “This is a very amazing cast. We’ve had ups and downs with the weather, and they’ve just kind of gone with the flow. And we’ve seen God work … the impact we [provided] for the community and the impact it’s had on our actors … and everybody in general, has just been such an amazing gift!” Littell exclaimed.

All five acts of Moses are available for viewing at https://www.camporee.org/camporee-vod-2024/. You can also see the baptisms of hundreds young people, and watch other portions of the camporee’s nighttime program.

* Pastor Ron Whitehead is director of the Center for Youth Evangelism and executive director of the International Pathfinder Camporee.

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Networking in the Disabilities Ministries Community

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NAD Continues its Commitment to NextGen Leaders at Gillette Camporee

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Moses Reenactment Touches the Hearts of Camporee Attendees, Actors, and Personnel

One of the prominent features of the International Pathfinder Camporee is dynamic biblical reenactment. The 2024 dramatic presentation that fueled the theme “Believe the Promise” was highlighted by a host skilled actors portraying the life experience of Moses. During the camporee, one-hour meet-and-greets were carved out of afternoon programming for the Moses cast to engage with attendees. Pathfinders, leaders, and parents were understandably eager to shake hands, take pictures, ask questions, and soak in the moment with the talented performers.

Wish of a Lifetime

“Camporee is the zenith of experiences for every Pathfinder,” says Vernon Norman of Huntsville, Alabama. That’s why it was his dream for almost 40 years to attend an International Pathfinder Camporee. This past August in Gillette, Wyoming, his dream came true.