Nearly 3,000 Adventurers, Pathfinders, and youth leaders from the Central Madagascar Conference (CMC) have gathered at Vontovorona for the official opening of Camp'Aura, a ten-day gathering centred on the theme "Seek God."

The camp began on 13 August 2026, with the formal opening ceremony held on Sabbath, 15 August. The theme draws on Exodus 33:7, the account of those who sought the Lord going out to the tent of meeting outside the camp, and frames the ten days as an opportunity for participants to leave their "own tent" and seek God directly.

The opening ceremony drew significant civic and church support. Attendees included the Mayor of Alakamisy Fenoarivo, the municipality hosting the camp, the local community leader, and a Member of Parliament from Midongy Atsimo, who announced support for the participants. The Indian Ocean Union Conference (IOUC) was represented by a large delegation led by President Pastor Michael Bijoux, alongside representatives of Camp'Aura partner organisations.

Proceedings opened with the Malagasy national anthem, followed by the anthems of the various Adventist Youth clubs and the camp theme song, "Atrehinao ry Mpahary." A troop inspection was conducted by the CMC President and the Conference Youth Ministries Director.

The Sabbath sermon was delivered by the CMC President, who drew on the image of the tent of meeting that Moses set up outside the Israelite camp. Just as the Israelites left their place of residence to meet with God, he told participants, Camp'Aura attendees are invited to leave their own tents to seek Him.

He recalled the words of Isaiah, "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near" (Isaiah 55:6), making a direct appeal to the young people that the time to seek God is now. Drawing also on Luke 6:47, he said that seeking God means coming to Jesus, listening to His Word, and putting it into practice.

Following the worship service, IOUC President Pastor Michael Bijoux formally declared Camp'Aura open, encouraging the young people to become "a spark that will illuminate the community", taking seriously the call they have received and placing their youth at the service of God and those around them.

The CMC Youth Ministries Director then handed over command of the camp to its three principal leaders, followed by a review of participants in which clubs from across the CMC's regions marched past the flag bearers.

Over the coming days, Camp'Aura will run Bible conferences, Bible studies, games, technical instruction, skills tests, and discovery activities designed to develop participants' knowledge, fellowship, and spiritual life.

Camp'Aura forms part of a coordinated season of Adventist youth camps across Madagascar. The South East Madagascar Conference recently concluded its first-ever Camporee at Sahambavy, drawing approximately 1,700 young people. The South West Madagascar Conference is holding its camp at Ifaty, the East Madagascar Conference has planned its gathering at Manompana, and the North West Madagascar Conference is preparing a camp at Antsohihy.

Together, the camps reflect a shared commitment across Madagascar's Adventist Conferences to give children and young people spaces to develop their talents, strengthen fellowship, serve, and deepen their relationship with God.