Pathfinders Trading in Pins and Dreams
Pathfinders know that one thing always must 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.
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Cover Photo: Edier Gil and his brother Edgardo Gil continue the tradition of trading and selling pins. They are both from Columbia and come from a family of pin traders. Image by CARU media
Pathfinders know that one thing always must 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 available a commemorative patch and pin for those attending the Jamaica camporee. Because some items related to the uniform can only be obtained during camporees, many Pathfinders trade in these collectible items in order to get that coveted pin to complete their special collection.
The culture was observable with Edier Gil from the Ebenezer Church in Columbia 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 IAD 5th Camporee here in Jamaica.
Several clubs and pathfinders brought personal pins that will be made available during the camporee. Some designs incorporate elements of the logo for the “Pathfinder in Mission” theme, which illustrates the biblical story of Gidden blowing the victory horn.
Hayden Rhiney from the Andrews Memorial Church in Jamaica said that he has six pins already but agreed to trade his Jamaican Bun for two pins. The trader was willing to the trade because of his determination. He sold the bun for two pins worth USD$20.00. Image by CARU media
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 the Pathfinders opportunities to develop interpersonal skills and identifying with other territories.
Young Hayden Rhiney from the Andrews Memorial Church in Jamaica is is a trader here for the first time at the camporee. With minimal savings he managed to acquire six pins. With the determination to extend his collection he traded a Jamaican bun for two pins-a value worth USD$20.00.
“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. “It also teaches them about business practices.”
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, the Pathfinders are collecting memories.
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.
Members of the Gauterio family from Brazil occupies offers a variety of pins at the camporee. From left to right are son Lucas, father Jose and mother Jussara. A member of team on campus took the opportunity to share the joy. Image by CARU media
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.
In Skill Level 1 for the Pin Trading honor, the Pathfinders get a deeper understanding of pin placement, where they can trade pins, and the “three F’s of pin-trading etiquette” — fun, fair, and friendly — which are the principles Pathfinders are encouraged to follow while trading.
In Skill Level 2, or Pin Trading Advanced Honor Star, Pathfinders learn the factors that affect the cost and value of a pin, the different types of pins, and the various ways pins can be accessorized or embellished with elements such as blinkers, bobble heads, spinners, and sliders. The Pathfinders are also encouraged to share the “fun, fair, friendly” pin-trading etiquette with new traders.
“We want them to have fun, but we don’t want them to lose sight of the true value of trading, which is gaining a richer camporee experience by getting to know each other,” Pastor Durwin Clarke from the South Caribbean Conference in the Caribbean Union
For this year’s camporee, IAD produced a pin that will help pathfinders understand the victory that is possible when our self-esteem is heightened and we allow God to fight the battles of life and help them grow its Pathfinder ministry.
Pastor Durwin Clarke from the South Caribbean Conference in the Caribbean Union is using a makeshift table to display and trade his pins. Image by CARU media
Pins are curated to help raise awareness of the mission depicted at the camporee. Each pin and patch represent a specific place in the territory. Pathfinders use them for trading.
It’s very expensive to travel to and from every part of the territory. Many make great sacrifice to make the trip happen. Through trading many have the opportunity to still be part of the family of the territories represented at the camp.
As thousands of Pathfinders prepare for the Inter-American Pathfinder Camporee in Jamaica many double check websites for the schedule of activities, camping logistics and FAQs on the list of islands and countries represented.
At least, its known around the world that Pathfinders is an organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that works for the cultural, social, and religious education of children and teens. Boys and girls across the territory aged 10-16 years come to follow the tradition of that comes once every five years.