GILLETTE, Wyo. — The 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee made history by setting the world record for the most people filling backpacks with school supplies simultaneously on Wednesday.
The record was set by 255 people on Aug. 7, who filled backpacks with notepads, pens, markers, pencils and other essential school supplies in less than five minutes.
According to Hannah Ortman, an adjudicator for Guinness World Records, the number to beat was 250 people with each participant packing at least one backpack with five items by themselves.
“It’s been very inspiring to see all of the hard work, the dedication, and the collaboration by all of you. It’s been wonderful to see,” Ortman said ahead of unveiling the results. She said everyone there cares deeply about doing something with a lasting impact and doing something kind for others.
When Ortman unveiled the results, the tent set up outside CAM-PLEX’s Morningside Park exploded with cheers and applause. Pathfinders exchanged hugs and smiles as they congratulated each other on their achievement.
The official record for the most people filling backpacks with school supplies simultaneously is now held by the Office of Education for the North American Division of the Seventh-Day Adventists, according to Ortman.
Event organizer Nicole Mattson, associate superintendent of education at the Lake Union Conference, said the world-record attempt was intended to help the community, involve the Pathfinders and show them that Adventist Education engages in many ways.
“Our goal is to touch the lives of as many students as possible, so providing much-needed school supplies was a natural fit,” Mattson said in a statement.
According to Mattson, the world record would not have been possible without the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, the support of the North American Division, Adventist unions and other private entities.
For the attempt, the ADRA donated 6,200 backpacks to the Pathfinder Camporee, all of which will be on their way to help disadvantaged school children, according to an Aug. 7 press release.
Pathfinders and nonprofit groups will distribute the backpacks throughout the Campbell County School District, the United States, territories like Guam-Micronesia, and other parts of the world where children lack educational resources, per the release.
