By Henry R. Moncur III | ACTU Communication
The second Atlantic Caribbean Union (ATCU) Camporee officially opened on Sunday, July 5, at the Stacy Walter Agricultural Pavilion in Savannah, Grand Cayman, under the inspiring theme “Strong Finish.”
The opening ceremony marked the beginning of what promises to be a spiritually enriching and memorable week for hundreds of Pathfinders, staff, and volunteers from across the Atlantic Caribbean Union. The program commenced with a flag-raising ceremony, symbolizing unity among the participating territories, followed by the official unveiling of the Camporee sign.
Inspiring Messages to Finish Strong
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Kent Price, ATCU president, Roderick Sands ATCU Chief Financial Officer, Marvyn Smith, Inter-American Division Associate Youth Director, and Hon. Heather Bodden, Member of Parliament for the Savannah Constituency.
In her opening remarks, Bodden welcomed the campers to the Cayman Islands and encouraged the young people to persevere through life’s challenges and remain committed to their goals. Drawing from the Camporee theme, she urged them to finish strong in every area of life.
Price commended the Pathfinders for their commitment to Christ and their willingness to live out their faith. He reminded the young people that their presence at Camporee reflects a generation that is choosing to follow God despite the many distractions of today’s world.
Delivering the charge for the evening, Smith challenged the campers through the life of Samson’s story. While acknowledging Samson’s failures, Smith emphasized that God’s grace enabled him to complete the mission for which he had been called. He reminded the young people that whenever God calls someone to a purpose, He also equips them to finish the assignment faithfully. “God has called you not merely to start well,” he emphasized, “but to finish strong.”
Inspiring Messages to Finish Strong
One of the unique traditions of every Pathfinder Camporee is the exchanging and collecting of commemorative pins. During the opening program, Andre Burrows, ATUC youth ministries director, presented the first official Camporee pin to Hon. Heather Bodden in appreciation for her unwavering support and commitment to the youth of the Cayman Islands.
Inspiring Messages to Finish Strong
With the opening day now complete, campers are eagerly preparing for an exciting schedule of activities beginning on Monday. Throughout the week, participants will engage in worship services, honors, drill and knot-tying competitions, community-building experiences, recreational events, and a community service project, all designed to strengthen their faith, develop leadership skills, and build lasting friendships.
As the 2026 Atlantic Caribbean Union Camporee continues, the message remains clear: with God’s strength and guidance, every Pathfinder is called not only to begin the 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.