On 16 January 2021 Pathfinders and Adventurers in the South England Conference (SEC) embarked on another new innovative journey, owing to the Covid pandemic that has landed on our shores. Instead of meeting in the large meeting halls we moved to our computer screens as we endeavoured to produce the Adventurer Bible Experience (ABE) and Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) test for the first time on a virtual platform.
When something had never been done before, the best plans often bring in some challenges, as was experienced with some of the technology both with the coordinating team and in some of the children's homes. However, I believe God was with us, and by His grace and the help of our many volunteers we managed to Area Level Virtual event successfully.
To give you an idea of the scale of the task allow me to share some statistics. In total we had 664 individuals who pre-registered on Microsoft Teams (40 PBE teams and 29 ABE teams). On the day we had 385 individuals connected to MS Teams at one time for ABE and just under 400 for PBE. 117 Graders and Observers assigned to individual teams were working in tandem as the Test event was happening, Observers were given the task to continually oversee the smooth running of procedure and report issues on a separate 'Zoom' room. Graders tirelessly concentrated by accurately typing in the answers they receive from the children into a program called 'Nearpod'. While this was happening 20 Pathfinder Area Coordinators were working on various platforms, assisting participants online, as well as standing in as Observers and Graders at times. To make the technology run smoothly, 5 technical support volunteers were working over 8 hours, standing by to assist individuals with technical issues, and dealing with them in record amounts of time. In the end, we had a large team all pulling together for the success of this amazing programme. All the while, internet structures held up; 'Microsoft Teams' did not crash; Nearpod held steady; two Zoom platforms kept up with the pace until the test was completed with just over half an hour delay.
An exciting day, a new experience, and a renewed commitment by all concluded the day, assured that although we are challenged by external circumstances, we are resilient to trying new ways to minister to our children. The results were that all the teams progressed to the Conference Level to be held February.
By 13 February 2021, we were ready for the Conference Level. The weeks before, we prayed, reviewed our systems, reconsidered how we did things, and retrained the volunteers. And then we did it all over again. None of the teams were lost in the process since the previous test, and no one was discouraged by doing a test on screen, again. By the time of the Conference Level test, we were ready. Everyone logged in early, Observers and Graders were prepared and a larger nine-person technical team were up for the job. As a result, the programme started on time for both ABE and PBE Tests and finished with time to spare. Once again, we testified that God is good, because the event went off without a hitch. At Conference Level, usually the standard is high and teams had to achieve 90 per cent to qualify for the next round. We can proudly announce that 15 PBE teams and 14 ABE teams made it through to the next level. However, all the other teams performed well, scoring more than 75 per cent. We look forward to the British Union Conference Level Test.
As a Pathfinder and Adventurer movement in the SEC we continue to innovate, try new things and never allow any challenge, even like a Covid pandemic hold us back. I am proud of the team, because we are not afraid to think outside the box and by God's grace, we will continue to innovate and improve our ministry in a challenging world for the blessing and benefit of God's children.
