As more than 6,000 Adventurers, Pathfinders, Master Guides, and Youth Ministries leaders gathered for the Atlantic Union’s Conference’s “Climb Higher Camporee,” another milestone quietly unfolded behind the scenes. For the first time since being elected to serve in his new role as vice president for Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Enmanuel Contreras led a Union Camporee, building on years of planning and vision established under his predecessor, David McKenzie.
Rather than marking an ending, the moment reflected something deeper: a ministry strengthened through faithful leadership, shared purpose, and a steadfast commitment to leading young people to Christ.
McKenzie, who served more than a decade in Youth Ministries—first at the Northeastern Conference and then in the Atlantic Union—before being elected executive secretary in 2025, is quick to redirect attention away from himself. While he helped launch the vision for the Camporee and for this year’s historic first joint gathering of Adventurer and Pathfinder clubs, he credits Contreras and the planning team for bringing it to fruition.
“God has a man for every season,” McKenzie reflected. “He uses us at different phases in His ministry. God used me to commence, find these grounds, and put certain things in place. But then came the powerful Vice President Enmanuel Contreras to take it to the finish line.”
Contreras is equally quick to return the praise.
“This Camporee was your vision,” he told McKenzie. “It came out under your leadership. God used your leadership, but it was in the mind of God and in the time of God that it was executed. We have seen the hand of God every step of the way.”
Their mutual respect reveals a leadership philosophy rooted not in personal recognition but in stewardship—receiving a ministry, strengthening it, and preparing others to carry it forward.
That same spirit is reflected in their vision for uniform ministries. Both leaders see Adventurers and Pathfinders as spiritual avenues where young people develop character, discover their gifts, and begin a lifelong journey of discipleship with Jesus.
For McKenzie, one of the greatest joys has been watching Youth Ministries continue to flourish in the Atlantic Union.
“I’m proud to see that Youth Ministries is not dying in this union,” he said. “Youth Ministries is growing. Our Adventurers and Pathfinders have become even more rooted in the Word of God, stronger spiritually, and looking toward the second coming of Jesus Christ. The church is in good hands.”
Contreras shares that confidence while looking toward the future. His prayer is that this generation will continue to “climb higher” in three essential areas: prayer, Bible study, and service. As young people deepen their relationship with Christ and share their faith with others, he believes they will become the next generation of pastors, teachers, healthcare professionals, church leaders, and faithful disciples.
The humble transition between these two servant leaders is a reminder that God’s work continues from one generation to the next.
“It was amazing to see how everyone came together on one team, on one purpose, on one goal—to lift up the name of Jesus and to serve our youth,” Contreras said. “All with a pure heart.”
One leader plants. Another builds. “But God has been making it grow,” 1 Corinthians 3:6, NIV. Together, they point the next generation toward Jesus—and invite them to keep climbing higher.
