Despite Event Cancelation, SASDAC Sentinels Attempt Guinness World Record for Tent Setup
Story by Mabel Samuel
Wanting to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest setup of a four-person tent at the International Camporee in Gillette, Wyo., this summer, members of the Potomac Conference Southern Asian church’s (SASDAC) Sentinels Pathfinder Club in Silver Spring, Md., were disappointed when the planned competition didn’t take place.
But once the group returned to Maryland, the group tried to break the record again.
A 10-person team, comprised of three Pathfinder counselors and seven Pathfinders, aged 11–15, recently achieved an impressive feat by pitching a tent in a time faster than the current Guinness World Record of 1 minute and 58 seconds. This remarkable achievement highlights their teamwork and dedication as they worked seamlessly together to surpass the existing record for tent-pitching.
While the official Guinness World Record verification is still pending, the significance of this event went beyond the task of pitching a tent. It represented the Sentinels' commitment to service, preparedness and overcoming challenges as a community, says John Daniel, pastor of SASDAC.. The event also highlighted the club’s readiness to help others during camping situations and reinforced the strength of their bond as a group.
Over the years, the Sentinels have faced countless rainy campouts in which quickly pitching a tent was essential for staying dry and protecting their gear. This constant battle against the elements became more than just a camping routine; it became a defining experience for the Pathfinders.
The most recent experience of this was in August at the International Pathfinder Camporee.
Pathfinders Sydelle Fernando, Faith Janine Robinson and Liana Samantha Pandian faced heavy rain that soaked their sleeping bags and belongings, forcing them to switch tents multiple times. Jonathan Sam had a similar experience when his gear was drenched after someone accidentally left a tent window open.
This ongoing battle against rain and wet gear inspired the Sentinels to again pursue the Guinness World Record back at home—not just as a test of speed and precision, but to transform their past hardships into a moment of triumph. For the Sentinels, this attempt represented their growth in leadership, teamwork and preparedness.
During a team worship before practice, team leader Mabel Samuel said, “[If someone] searches for ‘Seventh-day Adventists or Pathfinders’ and learns about who we are, then this tent world record team will have fulfilled our mission of 'Making HIM known.'" Team member Jordon Yadla added, “As young teens, we don’t often get the chance to preach on the stage, but this is our ministry—showing God’s love through action.”
By participating in such an event, the Sentinels aimed to inspire others, living out the core principles of preparedness, teamwork and service. Their record attempt showed that young people—driven by faith—can make a powerful impact, say club leaders.
Each Pathfinder had a specific role—whether it was handling tent poles or securing guy lines— they worked with precision, care and respect for one another.
As Director Lovella Fernando explains: "Camping teaches our Pathfinders grit, resilience and true teamwork. Stepping out of their comfort zones, facing challenges like cleaning up after storms and helping each other stay dry aren't setbacks—they’re opportunities. These experiences bring us closer as a club and instill valuable lessons in survival, kindness and unity."
As the SASDAC Sentinels await official verification from Guinness World Records, their mission remains unwavering. Whether they achieve the title or not, they have already demonstrated the true essence of the Pathfinder spirit: leadership, teamwork and service. This attempt is a reflection of their growth—not just as campers, but as young people committed to making a lasting, positive impact on the world, says Nalini Kumar, a Sentinels counselor and parent of Adriel Kumar.
As Samuel Pandian aptly put it, "We’re not just pitching tents—we’re sharing our faith."
The team was comprised of three adults and seven SASDAC Pathfinders:
Mabel Samuel (leader), West Chester, Pa.
Jesudas Sam, West Chester, Pa.
Jaydon Jesudas Sam, West Chester, Pa.
Jonathan Jesudas Sam, West Chester, Pa.
Samuel Durai Pandian, Jessup, Md.
Liana Samantha Pandian, Jessup, Md.
Adriel Ivan Suresh Kumar Tenali, Ellicott City, Md.
Sydelle Fernando, Laurel, Md.
Jordon Yelda, Beltsville, Md.
Shaan Masih, Burtonsville, Md.
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