News

Over one thousand attendees and nearly one thousand "adventurers" participated in the first Negros Occidental Conference-wide Adventurer camporee held at Negros Occidental Conference Evangelism Center on September 24-27, 2025.

This event, themed "Travel with Faith," is a program of the education department, spearheaded by Jerelyn Orquesta, NOC education director. It opened "with a parade by the 19 participating church schools, featuring colorful balloons.

The Adventurer Club is a curriculum of the General Conference, divided into six levels: Little Lamb for Pre-kindergarten, Eager Beaver for Kindergarten, Busy Bee for first graders, Sunbeams for second graders, Builder for third graders, and Helping Hands for fourth graders.

During the opening ceremony, Pastor Heshbon Buscato, the Adventist youth director for the Southern Asia Pacific Division, expressed his joy at the realization of the camporee.

"This is the first Adventurer Camporee we have ever held," Buscato said, looking forward to similar events in the future.

Pastor Jophone Galanza, NOC president, and Jerelyn Orquesta then declared the camporee officially opened, earning loud cheers from the campers.

"Last year, I observed how much the pathfinders enjoyed the camporee. This made me think about the younger group, the Adventure Club. It was a challenge for me because ever since I began my journey as an educator, I haven't encountered any programs specifically designed for adventurers," Orquesta stated in an interview.

Each day began with morning routines, including devotions and physical fitness, before proceeding to their respective classes to earn honors in various subjects. Their activities included games and workshops titled "My Family," "Jigsaw Puzzle," "Flowers," "First Aid Helper, and Music.

During an interview, Liza Facon, education associate director for the CPUC, expressed gratitude to the NOC for their support and collaborative efforts.

"I believe that this experience is very valuable to the children. They are the future of our church and the community. We praise God for this opportunity that, through NOC, we were able to conduct the first-ever Adventurer camporee in the whole CPUC territory."

More than 2,000 participants, including parents, guardians, and teachers participated in the event. They stayed throughout the camporee's duration despite the torrential rain and wind that disturbed the campers.

"This is my first time witnessing this Adventurer camporee. I am encouraged and inspired to promote this camporee to all," said Lemuel Banday, CPUC education director.

He reminded the congregation of the importance of Adventist education and training. "The pioneers traveled with faith, so remember wherever you go, always take Jesus with you."

A Master Guide investiture was also done during the vespers meeting to collaborate on the camporee's program for the teachers and youth master guide aspirants.

When the event came to a close, Orquesta expressed gratitude to the Almighty for making this program a success and to everyone who participated and offered support.

"We praise God for His protection, guidance, and blessing that this camporee was a success despite the bad weather," Orque concluded.

Stephanie Loriezo ⎹ Head Writer ⎹ Negros Occidental Conference