In early August of this year, Pathfinders from all over the world gathered in Gillette, Wyoming at the Cam-Plex Multi-Event Facility for the quadrennial International Camporee (formerly held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin).
One of the Camporee’s most significant traditions is hosting a theatrical musical every night, with each Camporee themed after a notable biblical story or character. This year’s theme was “Believe the Promise” and centered on the story of Moses. Themes like courage, repentance, faith, and love of family only touch the surface of this man’s incredible journey.
The production faced many challenges in regards to weather. Heavy rains and blustery winds shook the campground both metaphorically and literally. Because of this, what was typically a five-night performance was compacted into three nights while the same amount of content was maintained. The actors deserve the utmost respect for persevering through these difficult conditions.
Despite the drawbacks, there were many positives. The set, with artwork that mimicked ancient Egyptian paintings, was spellbinding, referencing mythological figures like Osiris and Anubis. The stage was enormous and included many “locations” such as Pharaoh's chambers, a river, a house and more. Costumes were vibrantly colored and fairly historically accurate, especially Pharaoh’s crown, which was modeled after Egyptian archaeology. Among the best aspects of the show were the actors who performed superbly, maintaining the high quality that the Camporee is known for.
The music was another eagerly anticipated component of the Camporee. However, the Camporee’s soundtrack sounded different this time around, and not necessarily for the best. There were some amazing songs, the most notable standouts being the brooding opening number “Brick by Brick,” the phenomenally renditioned “Strength,” and the exuberant “This Is The Life.”
However, compared to music from previous Camporee plays, “Believe the Promise” felt more cinematic and less indie. Technically speaking, the music was the most polished and professional of all the plays but it felt as though the music was a veneer masking a loss of innocent, catchy, and more child-like soundtracks that had been executed very well in years past. The Camporee’s music felt less wide-eyed, which may be because of the retirement of musician and composer Brian Sitler, who had composed the magnificent music and soundtracks for all Camporees from 1994 on. The play had its fair share of eyebrow-raising decisions, but nothing was as major as the music’s stylistic switch.
Do not let these critiques dampen what was an amazing life experience for many Pathfinders around the globe. Many Andrews University students, myself included, had a wonderful experience at Believe the Promise. Despite the storms and winds making for a camping and working experience that was far less than ideal, God’s providence shone through and His love was apparent. On to the next Camporee: “Stand Strong” 2029!
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.