By Henry R. Moncur III | ACTU Communication
The second Atlantic Caribbean Union (ATCU) Camporee officially began on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at the Stacy Walter Agricultural Pavilion in Savannah, Grand Cayman under the inspiring theme “Strong Finish.” This seven-day event promises to be spiritually enriching for hundreds of Pathfinders, staff, and volunteers from across the Atlantic Caribbean Union.
The opening ceremony featured a flag-raising, symbolizing unity among participating territories, followed by the unveiling of the Camporee sign.
Inspiring Messages to Finish Strong
Notable attendees included Kent Price, ATCU president; Roderick Sands, ATCU treasurer; Marvyn Smith, Inter-American Division associate Youth Ministries director; and Hon. Heather Bodden, Member of Parliament for the Savannah Constituency.
In her remarks, Bodden warmly welcomed the campers to the Cayman Islands and encouraged them to persevere through life’s challenges while staying committed to their goals. She urged them to strive for a strong finish in every area of their lives.
Price commended the Pathfinders for their dedication to Christ, reminding them that their presence at the Camporee reflects a generation choosing to follow God amid today’s many worldly distractions.
Smith, delivering the evening’s charge, used Samson’s story to highlight that despite his failures, God’s grace enabled him to fulfill his mission. He emphasized that God equips those He calls, stating, “God has called you not merely to start well, but to finish strong.”
A Unique Camporee Tradition
An exciting Camporee tradition involves exchanging and collecting commemorative pins. During the opening program, Andrew Burrows, ATCU Youth Ministries director, presented the first official Camporee pin to Hon. Heather Bodden in gratitude for her unwavering support of and commitment to the youth of the Cayman Islands.
Exciting Activities Await Campers
With the opening day completed, campers are gearing up for an adventurous week ahead. Activities include worship services, honors, drill and knot-tying competitions, community-building experiences, recreational events, and a community service project, all designed to enhance faith, develop leadership skills, and foster lasting friendships.
As the 2026 Atlantic Caribbean Union Camporee unfolds, the core message remains: through God’s strength and guidance, every Pathfinder is called not only to embark on a journey of faith but to finish strong.
About ATCU
The ATCU, headquartered in Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas, comprises 29,439 members across four fields: the Cayman Islands Conference, the North Bahamas Conference, the South Bahamas Conference, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Conference. Additionally, Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Jamaica, is co-owned and operated by both ATCU and the Jamaica Union.