23 Jul 2026, 14:29Sam O Davies, BUC Communication and Media Director
BUC Pathfinder Camporee 2026: Preparing a Generation of Image Bearers
Excitement is building as more than 2,500 Pathfinders, leaders, volunteers, and families from across the British Union Conference (BUC) prepare to gather for the BUC Pathfinder Camporee 2026, taking place from 28 July to 2 August at the South of England Showground, Ardingly, West Sussex.
More than simply a camping experience, the Camporee is one of the largest youth events in the British Union Conference calendar, bringing together young people for a week of spiritual growth, worship, outdoor adventure, skills development, fellowship, and service. This year’s event promises to be especially significant as participants explore the inspiring theme, ‘Image Bearers’, with guest speaker Pastor Damian Chandler.
As anticipation grows ahead of this landmark gathering, BUC News spoke with the BUC Youth and Camporee Director, Pastor Njay Ndlovu about the vision behind this year’s event, what participants can look forward to, and the lasting impact he hopes the Camporee will have on the lives of young people across the British Union Conference.
Sam Davies – The theme for this year’s Camporee is ‘Image Bearers’. What is the significance of this theme, and what do you hope Pathfinders will take away from it during the week?
Njay Ndlovu – Before I am anything else – before my nationality, ethnicity, or profession – I am a child of God, created in His image and redeemed through Christ. That truth shapes how I see myself and how I relate to others.
Our theme, Image Bearers, reminds every Pathfinder that their identity is rooted in God, not in appearance, achievements, or the opinions of others. Every person possesses inherent dignity and worth because we are created in God’s image.
We want our young people to leave Camporee knowing that nothing can diminish God’s love for them. While sin distorts God’s image in us, His grace restores it. As image bearers, we are called to reflect God’s love by treating others with compassion, respect and grace, celebrating diversity as one of God’s gifts, and allowing our lives to mirror Christ in everything we do.
Sam Davies – The BUC Pathfinder Camporee is much more than a camping event. What can Pathfinders, leaders, and families expect from this year’s programme, and what makes the 2026 Camporee a unique experience?
Njay Ndlovu – This Camporee is especially significant because it is the first British Union Camporee since 2016. Although several were planned in the intervening years, circumstances – including the Covid-19 pandemic – prevented them from taking place. That makes this gathering even more special, and we are incredibly grateful that God has brought us to this point.
We are expecting more than 2,500 attendees, with well over half being Pathfinders and Rovers. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to create a programme that is exciting, engaging and spiritually enriching.
Participants will be able to choose from around 70 honours and activities, including Drone Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Digital Photography, Social Media, Archery, Cultural Diversity, roller skating, kayaking, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and even ice skating in the middle of summer!
One exciting innovation is our Virtual Reality experience, developed in partnership with Adventist Discovery Centre (ADC) and the BUC IT Department, which brings this year’s theme to life in a unique and interactive way.
Another first is Roverland, a dedicated experience for more than 200 young people aged 16-19. It has been designed to affirm this important stage of life, strengthen their identity in Christ, and support them as they navigate the challenges of young adulthood.
Alongside all of this, we’ve developed a range of Camporee merchandise – including scarves, pins, woggles and four T-shirt designs. I’m especially grateful to Renatella lunac, our Youth Department Secretary, whose hard work has been instrumental in bringing many of these ideas to life.
Sam Davies – As Camporee Director, what are your hopes and prayers for this gathering, and what message would you like to share with the thousands of Pathfinders, volunteers, and supporters as they prepare to attend?
Njay Ndlovu – My greatest prayer is that every young person leaves Camporee with a stronger relationship with Jesus and a clearer understanding of their identity as one of God’s image bearers.
Many of our young people are second- or third-generation immigrants, growing up between cultures and often navigating questions of identity, belonging and purpose. These realities can sometimes create misunderstandings within families and communities.
Camporee provides an intentional space where young people are affirmed, understood and encouraged. We want to strengthen relationships across generations, foster meaningful conversations, and remind every Pathfinder that they are deeply loved by God and valued by His Church.
If our young people leave knowing who they are in Christ and committed to following Him, then Camporee will have achieved its greatest purpose.
Sam Davies – For those who may be unfamiliar with Pathfinders, why is an event like the BUC Camporee so important in shaping the faith, character, and leadership of young people?
Njay Ndlovu – A Pathfinder Camporee is far more than a camping holiday. It is a life-changing spiritual experience where young people worship together, study God’s Word, develop practical and leadership skills, enjoy outdoor adventure, build lifelong friendships, and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
For many Pathfinders, Camporee becomes a defining moment in their spiritual journey. It is often here that decisions are made – or reaffirmed – to follow Christ and to serve Him wholeheartedly.
I would ask our church family to keep the Camporee in prayer. Please pray for God’s protection, favourable weather, safety, spiritual renewal, and that every Pathfinder, volunteer and leader will encounter Christ in a meaningful way.
Finally, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Camporee Steering Committee, our Conference and Mission Pathfinder leaders, fellow directors, the BUC Executive Committee, our staff, parents and guardians for their unwavering commitment. I also wish to thank Tamara Lawrence, whose dedicated support in the Youth Department has been invaluable as we prepare simultaneously for Camporee and the upcoming Youth Congress in Valencia.
Excitement is building as more than 2,500 Pathfinders, leaders, volunteers, and families from across the British Union Conference (BUC) prepare to gather for the BUC Pathfinder Camporee 2026, taking place from 28 July to 2 August at the South of England Showground, Ardingly, West Sussex.
More than simply a camping experience, the Camporee is one of the largest youth events in the British Union Conference calendar, bringing together young people for a week of spiritual growth, worship, outdoor adventure, skills development, fellowship, and service. This year’s event promises to be especially significant as participants explore the inspiring theme, ‘Image Bearers’, with guest speaker Pastor Damian Chandler.
As anticipation grows ahead of this landmark gathering, BUC News spoke with the BUC Youth and Camporee Director, Pastor Njay Ndlovu about the vision behind this year’s event, what participants can look forward to, and the lasting impact he hopes the Camporee will have on the lives of young people across the British Union Conference.
Sam Davies – The theme for this year’s Camporee is ‘Image Bearers’. What is the significance of this theme, and what do you hope Pathfinders will take away from it during the week?
Njay Ndlovu – Before I am anything else – before my nationality, ethnicity, or profession – I am a child of God, created in His image and redeemed through Christ. That truth shapes how I see myself and how I relate to others.
Our theme, Image Bearers, reminds every Pathfinder that their identity is rooted in God, not in appearance, achievements, or the opinions of others. Every person possesses inherent dignity and worth because we are created in God’s image.
We want our young people to leave Camporee knowing that nothing can diminish God’s love for them. While sin distorts God’s image in us, His grace restores it. As image bearers, we are called to reflect God’s love by treating others with compassion, respect and grace, celebrating diversity as one of God’s gifts, and allowing our lives to mirror Christ in everything we do.
Sam Davies – The BUC Pathfinder Camporee is much more than a camping event. What can Pathfinders, leaders, and families expect from this year’s programme, and what makes the 2026 Camporee a unique experience?
Njay Ndlovu – This Camporee is especially significant because it is the first British Union Camporee since 2016. Although several were planned in the intervening years, circumstances – including the Covid-19 pandemic – prevented them from taking place. That makes this gathering even more special, and we are incredibly grateful that God has brought us to this point.
We are expecting more than 2,500 attendees, with well over half being Pathfinders and Rovers. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to create a programme that is exciting, engaging and spiritually enriching.
Participants will be able to choose from around 70 honours and activities, including Drone Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Digital Photography, Social Media, Archery, Cultural Diversity, roller skating, kayaking, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and even ice skating in the middle of summer!
One exciting innovation is our Virtual Reality experience, developed in partnership with Adventist Discovery Centre (ADC) and the BUC IT Department, which brings this year’s theme to life in a unique and interactive way.
Another first is Roverland, a dedicated experience for more than 200 young people aged 16-19. It has been designed to affirm this important stage of life, strengthen their identity in Christ, and support them as they navigate the challenges of young adulthood.
Alongside all of this, we’ve developed a range of Camporee merchandise – including scarves, pins, woggles and four T-shirt designs. I’m especially grateful to Renatella lunac, our Youth Department Secretary, whose hard work has been instrumental in bringing many of these ideas to life.
Sam Davies – As Camporee Director, what are your hopes and prayers for this gathering, and what message would you like to share with the thousands of Pathfinders, volunteers, and supporters as they prepare to attend?
Njay Ndlovu – My greatest prayer is that every young person leaves Camporee with a stronger relationship with Jesus and a clearer understanding of their identity as one of God’s image bearers.
Many of our young people are second- or third-generation immigrants, growing up between cultures and often navigating questions of identity, belonging and purpose. These realities can sometimes create misunderstandings within families and communities.
Camporee provides an intentional space where young people are affirmed, understood and encouraged. We want to strengthen relationships across generations, foster meaningful conversations, and remind every Pathfinder that they are deeply loved by God and valued by His Church.
If our young people leave knowing who they are in Christ and committed to following Him, then Camporee will have achieved its greatest purpose.
Sam Davies – For those who may be unfamiliar with Pathfinders, why is an event like the BUC Camporee so important in shaping the faith, character, and leadership of young people?
Njay Ndlovu – A Pathfinder Camporee is far more than a camping holiday. It is a life-changing spiritual experience where young people worship together, study God’s Word, develop practical and leadership skills, enjoy outdoor adventure, build lifelong friendships, and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
For many Pathfinders, Camporee becomes a defining moment in their spiritual journey. It is often here that decisions are made – or reaffirmed – to follow Christ and to serve Him wholeheartedly.
I would ask our church family to keep the Camporee in prayer. Please pray for God’s protection, favourable weather, safety, spiritual renewal, and that every Pathfinder, volunteer and leader will encounter Christ in a meaningful way.
Finally, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Camporee Steering Committee, our Conference and Mission Pathfinder leaders, fellow directors, the BUC Executive Committee, our staff, parents and guardians for their unwavering commitment. I also wish to thank Tamara Lawrence, whose dedicated support in the Youth Department has been invaluable as we prepare simultaneously for Camporee and the upcoming Youth Congress in Valencia.
