Allegheny West Conference Invests Largest Group of Master Guides

Story by Anthony Chornes II

The Allegheny West Conference (AWC) made history at the first North American Division (NAD) Master Guide Camporee held earlier this year by investing the largest group of Master Guides of any conference in attendance. A total of 30 new Master Guides were invested, marking a significant milestone in AWC’s commitment to leadership development and service.

This achievement reflects the vision of Nixon Francois, general coordinator of the AWC Master Guides, who recently launched the “100 Master Guides Initiative.” This initiative seeks to recruit, train and invest 100 Master Guides across the conference and to strengthen leadership within the Adventurer and Pathfinder club ministries of local churches. To accomplish this goal, area coordinators are actively planning training workshops, supporting the establishment of new Master Guide clubs, mentoring club directors and counselors and equipping Master Guide candidates to complete their investiture requirements.

In total, 126 Master Guides from AWC attended the NAD camporee, contributing to the vibrancy of the event. Each morning, AWC held devotionals as a conference and different clubs led inspiring devotionals that reminded Master Guides of their sacred calling to serve. Throughout the week, AWC participants engaged in seminars, honors, outdoor activities and team challenges designed to enhance leadership, resilience, physical fitness and community service.

The spirit of excellence extended into competition as well. Johnny Soria, an invested Master Guide, area coordinator and assistant treasurer for AWC, placed third in the Master Guide Race Individual Super Sprint Triathlon, proudly representing the spirit of AWC.

One highlight at the camporee occurred on Sabbath when the traditional parade of clubs filled the grounds with unity and purpose. That afternoon, the newly invested Master Guides received their scarves, certificates and pins in a moving ceremony, officially marking their pledge and readiness to serve as leaders in their local churches and communities. Among the invested Master Guides were Pastor Stanley Hood and Elder Alisa Hood, senior pastor and first lady of the Southeast church in Cleveland.

The NAD Master Guide camporee was more than an event; it was physically energizing and spiritually motivating for the AWC Master Guides. Club directors and counselors say they returned to their local churches inspired and equipped to serve Adventurer and Pathfinder clubs with renewed passion and dedication.