Eleven rooms bursting with Pathfinder history, fun activities and passports are all part of the package at the Pathfinder Heritage Museum in hangar D at the International Pathfinder Camporee held in Oshkosh Wis., Aug. 11–15.

            Started and maintained by volunteers Arnold and Dixie Plate, Pathfinder Heritage Museum historians/curators, from Central Point, Ore., the first exhibit was at Camp Hale in Colorado, in 1985. Their love of memorabilia actually brought this couple together according to Arnold. Dixie was collecting patches and Arnold Pathfinder manuals when they met and were married in the early 1980s. To this day the couple travels the world on request sharing Pathfinder history.

            “Our dream for young people is for them to see how God has led,” says Dixie.

            The Pathfinder Heritage Museum is on display at each International Pathfinder Camporee. Rooms of the museum are carefully labeled by date or location and offer information and interactive activity including dressing up in Pathfinder uniforms, chopping a log to create a boat, milking a cow and a Bible Sword game. There is even a storytelling section that features Charles Edwards, son of Josephine Cunnington Edwards, member of the University Church, College Place, Wash.

            Historical items that can be found in the museum include trading pins, Pathfinder patches, manuals, Pathfinder uniforms, sashes and more. There are Pathfinder banners with signatures that line the walls, tents and camping sites, Union and youth camp information and details on who’s who in Pathfinder history. For example: the first Pathfinder club was established in Santa Ana, Calif. in 1930.

            “The church was established by young people,” says Arnold of the historical information. “We want to show where and how God has led to what we are today.”

            “Everything is set to help you get to know the Bible,” says Steven Gonzalez, a member of the Spanish American Church in Los Angeles, Calif..

            “Upper Columbia Conference helps make the museum interactive to make it more interesting,” says Tracy Anne Nickless, a member of the Tri-Cities Church in Richland, Wash.. Upper Columbia Conference Pathfinders can be found throughout the museum assisting visitors.
            Arnold and Dixie are thrilled to receive any Pathfinder related donations. You can contact them at 541-664-5611, or just mail them your donation at 4995 Lane Creek Road, Central Point, OR 97502.

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