Guyana to host “Greatness 2” Caribbean Adventist Youth Camporee at Loo Creek

Guyana is set to host the Greatness 2: The Rise of an Empire Camporee, a gathering of Seventh-day Adventist Youths from all across the Caribbean. Eight years after the inaugural camporee in 2018, thousands of Pathfinders and Master Guides are set to come to these shores at the Loo Creek Campsite from March 31 to April 5, offering a unique blend of faith, fun and fellowship in the great outdoors. For the Caribbean Union Conference (CARU), hosting the camporee in Guyana is a recognition that Guyana can deliver an event that is seamless, inspiring and memorable. Eld. Lennox Jason, the Youth and Public Campus Ministries Director of the Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (GUYCON), told this publication that with direct collaboration with CARU’s Youth Ministry Department, the country has once again been tasked with planning, coordinating and executing the programme, the accommodation for the international guests, overseeing activities and ensuring that every detail reflects the excellence expected from a regional event of this magnitude. “The experience that we had in hosting the first “Greatness” camporee is being used to produce something better than what was accomplished in 2018; what worked well, we are building on it and what did not work, we are discarding. Therefore, the blueprint is being used as a guide,” the Youth Director said. Preparation of the Loo Creek campsite is well underway, with expanded facilities, improved water storage, additional toilets and baths, fully equipped stage and auditorium to host a diverse range of events. From morning devotions, to the nightly worship services, from drama presentations about the life of King David, to pure SDA Youth talent, seven exciting honours and challenges to keep them active. Greatness 2 promises to meet the physical, social, mental and spiritual needs of every Pathfinder, Master Guide and Visitor in attendance. Director Jason encouraged in his message to all in attendance, “A camporee of this magnitude would only happen once in the lifetime of a pathfinder, since it is scheduled to occur every 4 – 5 years. Therefore, I encourage you all to make lots of friends from every country, participate in as many events/activities that you are able to, attempt all seven honours, enjoy the story of King David and prepare to be drawn closer to God. Have fun!”

S.A.W Marching Band
Adding to the excitement is the Salcah and Webmaays (SAW) Marching Band, a youth led and youth dominated band chosen to represent the Guyana Conference with pride and precision. For the band members, being selected is both an honour and a tremendous responsibility. Band member Dneka Williams expressed the responsibility that lies on the band’s shoulders, noting that they aren’t only representing themselves but their country and conference. She explained that band rehearsals for such a momentous occasion differs from that of regular weekly practice. She emphasised that much more work is being put in to greatly represent the nation. “We’re not just representing ourselves at CARU, we’re representing Guyana, we have a strong sense of pride and responsibility because beyond our musical talent we are aiming to show that Guyana has talent in the drum corps world, in the musical world. And we plan to carry ourselves just as we perform. So, on and off of the drill square, the performing set, we know we’ll be representing Guyana. So, it will reflect our culture and values,” said Williams. Band Commander Kenford Lewis, a veteran of the first Greatness camporee, described the honour of being chosen as a testament of the band’s growth and dedication.
“Greatness 1 is where I would have been given most of my exposure as a musician, as a band member,” Lewis explained. “Being selected as part of the band for Greatness 2 means a lot to me. It shows that all the hard work we’ve put in over the years has paid off. After being out of order for so long, we really got ourselves back on track about three years ago at STAND Camporee. From then until now, everything we’ve accomplished has been amazing. To be chosen for Greatness 2 is truly an honour.” The SAW Marching Band will play key roles during the camporee, including the opening parade, ceremonial presentations and band displays, adding colour, rhythm and excitement to every moment. Their performance is not just music; it is a declaration of national pride and the talent of Guyanese youth on a Caribbean stage.

Moment to remember
With anticipation building and preparations in full swing, the excitement is palpable. From the carefully planned campsite to the disciplined SAW Marching Band, every aspect of Greatness 2 reflects dedication, pride, and the joy of fellowship. As Pathfinders and Master Guides arrive from across the Caribbean, they will participate in challenges and ceremonies as well as they will experience friendship and faith be guided by the values of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The camporee also aligns with President Irfaan Ali’s call for greater involvement of religious organisations in shaping the nation’s youth and producing well-rounded students and responsible citizens.