GILLETTE, Wyo. — The 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee pulled out all the stops Sunday night, premiering a world-class production while unveiling a special gift to the community.
On Aug. 4, Gillette residents gathered by the hundreds at CAM-PLEX Park in response to a community-wide invitation to see a part of this year’s Pathfinder Camporee production, “Believe the Promise,” set in biblical Egypt.
For nearly an hour, actors danced across the stage while reciting carefully scripted lines and singing original musical numbers in a never-before-seen take on the story of Moses and Miriam. When it was over and the stage lights came on, cheers and applause echoed throughout the park.
Pastor Ron Whitehead, executive director of the International Pathfinder Camporee, took the stage with a smile, expressing his hope that the community enjoyed their exclusive premier of a world-class production — the culmination of five years’ effort bringing the show from script to stage.
It was also an opportunity for the Pathfinder Camporee to express its gratitude by unveiling a statue depicting the story of Moses, crafted under the expert hands of Colorado sculptor Victor Issa.
The statue shows a grief-stricken Moses, Issa’s interpretation of what the Hebrew prophet could have looked like upon discovering the Israelites worshiping a golden calf as told in Exodus. At its base were other versions of Moses, from his journey as a baby in a basket to the story of him striking a rock to provide water for his people.
While the main statue is bound for Mt. Pisgah Cemetery, Whitehead gifted several smaller versions to community leaders for their indispensable efforts in bringing the Camporee to Gillette — Mayor Shay Lundvall, Commissioner Del Shelstad, Fire Chief Jeff Bender, Police Chief Chuck Deaton, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau CEO Jessica Seders and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Gail Lofing.
From facility and business offerings to safety and youth outreach efforts, Gillette boxed well above its weight, Whitehead said, adding that he was honored to bring the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee to the city.
The Camporee will kick off in earnest starting Aug. 6. For residents interested in watching all five programs depicting the story of Moses and Miriam, they will be made available for viewing on the Camporee website.
Correction: A previous version of this story stated an incorrect date for the 2024 Pathfinder Camporee community event. The event occurred on Aug. 4
