At Camporee, Pathfinders Trade in Pins and Dreams

April 6, 2023 | Trelawny, Jamaica | Royston Philbert and Inter-American Division News

Pathfinders know that there is one thing which must always be in pristine condition — the uniform. From the white top, brown khakis, belt, scarf, and sash to the honors patches, pins, bars, and stripes, everything must be perfectly placed as outlined in the Pathfinder Manual.

And, as at every camporee, Pathfinders will seek something extra special at the 2023 Camporee to help them stand out. This year, the Inter-American Division (IAD) has made a commemorative patch and pin available for those attending. Some items related to the uniform can be only obtained during camporees, so many Pathfinders trade in these collectible items to get that coveted pin to complete their special collection.

It could be seen, for instance, with Edier Gil, from the Ebenezer Church in Colombia, wearing his overcoat decked with pins from three international Pathfinder Camporee and three IAD Camporees. “I have more, many more — 300 pins and 300 patches” he said, eagerly displaying his many pins. I did not bring them because they will take them at the airport.

“It’s become a frenzy in the last few years,” said Edier as he stands with his brother Edgardo Gil. Today he is selling pins at the Camporee.

Several clubs and Pathfinders brought personal pins. Some designs incorporate elements of the logo for the “Pathfinder in Mission” theme, which illustrates the biblical story of Gideon blowing the victory horn.

Traditionally, unions and conferences create their own pin design or collection. In addition, traders are given the opportunity to mingle with the Pathfinders on the campground as a part of their pin distribution.

Local clubs also create pins for their Pathfinders to trade or keep as souvenirs. Pathfinders collect these pins through purchasing or trading, but mostly through trading, which is greatly encouraged by Pathfinder leaders. The process of trading gives Pathfinders opportunities to develop interpersonal skills and identify with other territories.

“We live in a world where we’re all disconnected from each other, even though we have devices to stay connected. Trading requires that you make eye contact, lose your nervousness, and get a little courage to approach others,” Edier said.

Once pins have been exchanged, Pathfinders will either wear them on their uniform sashes or place them on hats or vests they purchased solely to hold their pins. Others keep their pins in booklets. “By collecting pins, Pathfinders are collecting memories,” one of them explained.

Pins first appeared at camporees in the early 1990s. The production and subsequent trading of the pins have grown exponentially since then. In 2014, a “Pin Trading” honor was developed to help Pathfinders understand the principles that should govern the trading process in an effort to help them grow spiritually.

The honor explains the pin culture. It gives Pathfinders and staff an idea of how to approach pin trading. Pathfinders learn how to measure the value of a pin and how to have a good interaction. The honor is also designed to help them understand the community aspect of exchanging something of value. It’s not just about taking a pin just because you like it. It’s a partnership.

“We want them to have fun, but we don’t want them to lose sight of the true value of trading,” said Pastor Durwin Clarke from the South Caribbean Conference in the Caribbean Union. The goal “is gaining a richer camporee experience by getting to know each other,” he said.