At first, LaToya Austin was just a supportive parent, attending events and helping where she could. But at the 2019 Chosen camporee in Oshkosh, her involvement became more intentional.
At first, she was just a supportive parent, attending events and helping where she could. But at the 2019 Chosen camporee in Oshkosh, her involvement became more intentional.
As she rode through the sprawling Oshkosh, Wisconsin, camporee grounds on a golf cart beside Lake Region Pathfinder coordinator Robert Jackson Jr., she watched in awe as he greeted nearly everyone they passed. It seemed like every few feet, another young Pathfinder would call out to him, and he would stop, exchanging stories, jokes, and, most importantly, pins.
"Seeing Robert in action that day and how he used pin trading to form bonds was inspiring," she said. "It opened my eyes to the depth and community within Pathfindering."
"I had no pins to start with and didn’t even know how to begin," LaToya laughs. "But Robert guided me. I bought a few pins, and soon I was walking around, trading and meeting new people. It was amazing."
Pin trading became more than a hobby; it was a way to connect deeply with others. LaToya recalls a particularly memorable trade with a 10-year-old boy from England.
"We kept in touch for years after that camporee. He would tell me about his life in England, and I’d share about Michigan. It was incredible how a simple pin could create such lasting friendships."
As LaToya delved deeper into pin trading, her collection grew. She now has more than 1,000 pins and had set herself a goal to collect a pin from each of the North American Division (NAD) conferences.
"I mapped out all the conferences and attended various tents to find their pins. It was like a treasure hunt," she said. Her collection expanded to include international pins, like the highly coveted Cayman Islands pin, which took her two years to find.
Inspired by her experiences and the rich history she encountered, LaToya decided to start a collection dedicated to Pathfindering in the Lake Region Conference. The idea took shape after attending a camporee in 2022, where she spent hours in the NAD Pathfinder Museum.
"I was thrilled by the displays and wanted to create something similar for our regional conference," she said.
LaToya began by procuring material, reaching out to Robert Johnson Sr, the longest-serving LRC Pathfinder coordinator,. With his help, and support from the conference, LaToya started curating her collection.
"Brother J, as we called him, had boxes full of old booklets, uniforms, scarves, and patches. It was like discovering a treasure trove," she recalls. “He was the first person to donate items to the museum."
Brother J’s influence in the procurement of the historical memorabilia can’t be overstated.
"We would get together every week for many months,” LaToya shares. “He had old Pathfinder magazines, booklets, camporee booklets, camp meeting events, pictures, and he donated them all. This museum would not be possible without him."
In addition to Robert Johnson Sr., Mrs. Gayle Kimmy, an 86-year-old Master Guide, played a significant role.
"Mrs. Kimmy would meet with me monthly to discuss different topics and provided the history of LRC’s first youth directors. She donated her mother’s Master Guide uniform, her husband’s Missionary Volunteers hat, and her daughter’s hat," LaToya shares. "When the museum was open, she was there almost every day to talk to the children as they visited the museum."
The project was a labor of love. LaToya meticulously researched Pathfinder history, sourced rare books from the early 20th century, and organized the artifacts. She bought display cases and printed educational materials. "It took a few months, but by the next camp meeting, we had a substantial exhibit ready," she said.
The display of important club ministries artifacts quickly became beloved by those who visited. The vast pin collection was a major attraction. LaToya strategically placed the collection at the end of the exhibit, encouraging visitors to first learn about the rich history of Pathfinders, once known as Missionary Volunteers.
"Adults would walk through, reminiscing about the old Missionary Volunteer days, singing songs from their youth," LaToya shares. "Seeing their faces light up with memories was incredibly rewarding."
The exhibit also features a map of the United States and Canada, where LaToya has collected patches from nearly every state and region. "When people visit, I ask if they have any patches from places we’re missing. It’s become a collective effort to complete the map," she said.
LaToya’s journey with Pathfinders deepened even as her daughters grew older. Her older daughter, Siobhan, and younger daughter, Sinead, both flourished in the club and participated in Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) competitions. "My involvement actually blossomed after my kids left for university," LaToya notes. "I continued with PBE because I have a thirst for knowledge and love the detailed study of the Bible."
In addition to her work with PBE, LaToya pursued her Master Guide certification, which required study of Adventist history. "The museum project helped me fulfill the requirements, and I’ll be receiving my Master Guide at the next camporee," she said proudly.
Looking ahead, LaToya envisions a permanent location for the historic artifacts. She also plans to take the collection to various regional and union events, sharing the history and spirit of Pathfindering with a broader audience. "My goal is to help the kids know their history. It’s important for them to understand the roots of Pathfindering."
Danni Thaw is a freelance writer.
