PATHFINDERS

For those who are familiar with it, “Pathfindering” conjures up images of marching, camping, curious hobbies, bugs and bats. Enlarging their windows on the world and building a relationship with God are the dual objectives of this club, which is designed for children ages 10-15. With nearly 2 million members around the world, this Seventh-day Adventist Church-sponsored club accepts any youth who promises to abide by the Pathfinder Pledge and Law regardless of their church affiliation.

Leadership

The volunteer leadership, skilled in a myriad of unusual abilities and interests are, first and foremost, strong believers in Jesus Christ and are sure of the road they are taking towards eternal life. They consider the Pathfinder club an experimental laboratory where growth and learning are synonymous with fun. Failure is not expected, but rather all activity becomes a tool for learning.

Activities

The imagination of its leadership and members are the primary limiting factors of a club’s abilities. Activities encourage a range from community/civic service projects in their community and across the globe to nature and environmental conservation studies to camping and high adventure trips. Pathfindering challenges the unique talents of each member. Pathfindering is built on an age-specific curriculum of six levels along with approximately 350 specialized skill development topics covering arts and crafts, aquatics, nature, household arts, recreation, spiritual development, health, and vocational training. These often serve as a launching point for lifetime careers or hobbies.

Aim

The Advent Message to all the world in my generation.

Law

The Pathfinder Law is for me to:

Keep the morning watch.
Do my honest part.
Care for my body.
Keep a level eye.
Be courteous and obedient.
Walk softly in the sanctuary.
Keep a song in my heart.
Go on God’s errands.

Motto

The love of Christ compels us.

Pledge

By the grace of God,
I will be pure and kind and true.
I will keep the Pathfinder Law.
I will be a servant of God
and a friend to man.

How to Organize a Pathfinder Club

Counsel with the Conference Youth Ministries personnel.
Meet with the Pastor and Conference Youth Ministries personnel.
Present your plans to the Church Board. Church Board authorizes the organization of the Pathfinder Club. Familiarize Board members with the Pathfinder philosophy, aims, and objectives.
Second meeting of the Church Board (or Nominating Committee) with Conference Youth Ministries personnel or Pathfinder area coordinator present, to elect Pathfinder director and deputies.
Inform congregation during Divine Service about Pathfinder Club, its objectives and program.
Pathfinder officers elect remaining Executive Committee members.
First meeting of Pathfinder Executive Committee to elect remaining Pathfinder staff as needed.
Pathfinder officers and staff attend Conference Pathfinder Basic Staff Training Course.
Call Pathfinder Executive Committee meeting to plan yearly program.
Present all plans at a Pathfinder Staff Meeting.
Advertise the program at least six weeks before opening night.
Write letters or personally contact the potential Pathfinder families.
Enrollment night – completion of Pathfinder Passport applications.
Home visitation by Pathfinder counselors.
Induction Ceremony – Pathfinder Passports given out.
Establishing church and community interest.
Evaluation

Pathfinder Club Membership Requirements

To be considered for Pathfinder Club membership the applicant must be at least 10 years of age and no more than 15 years of age. Where two clubs exist; children aged 10 to 12 will join the junior club and those aged 13 to 15 will join the teen club. (In some areas school level is used as the guidelines).
Application forms for membership available from the club director/secretary must be completed and returned to the club staff committee for consideration and induction as a club member.
A Pathfinder Passport is available upon application to the club director/secretary. (Optional)
All members must pay membership and insurance fees as required by the club executive committee.
Each Pathfinder should have and regularly wear the complete Pathfinder dress uniform and a club field uniform where applicable.
Pathfinders must come to meetings and club-sponsored events in the uniform as indicated by the club director.
Members must be faithful in attendance. Many clubs establish limits on absences and tardies, and Pathfinders who do not comply with these regulations may be placed on probation or be asked to withdraw from club membership.
Pathfinders must learn and keep the Pledge and Law.
Club activities include crafts, outings, regular club meetings and Classwork, fund raising, camp-outs, outreach activities, honors, and other activities. The Pathfinder must agree before joining the club to participate and cooperate in these activities.
The Pathfinder’s parents must be willing to cooperate with the regulations and activities of the club. At times they will be asked to supply money and time to support their child’s membership.
All elected directors and regular staff are members of the club by virtue of their office.

Philosophy

The Seventh-day Adventist Church is committed to understanding young people and training its youth for leadership and service to humanity.

The Pathfinder Club is a church-centered spiritual-recreational-activity program designed for young people 10 to 15 years of age. Pathfindering appeals to this age group because its program features activities that meet their needs and interests. Much of the Pathfinder Club program is built around physical action. This is because youth from 10 to 15 years of age are in a fast-growing physical stage of development. It is filled with action, adventure, challenge, group activities, and provides opportunities for the development of new attitudes and skills that produce personal growth, team or community spirit and a sense of loyalty and respect for God, His Creation, and His church.

While the Pathfinder Club exists primarily for youth, one of its basic purposes is to also bring together parents and church members through active involvement with the club and its members. Here the so-called generation gap disappears as young and old worship, work, and play together in a bond of common experience. Meaningful relationships are forged as leaders and counselors join with Pathfinders in sharing, building confidence, and working together.

The whole philosophy of Pathfindering is built on the premise that “children learn best by example, rather than precept.” As they see leaders and parents model spiritual and social values, they too will aspire to develop high moral principles, loving and caring attitudes, and determination to excel in all their various pursuits.

Young people learn most effectively in a positive, happy, and secure atmosphere. The attitude of the club leaders is therefore a vital ingredient in guaranteeing the success and effectiveness of this ministry to youth. A failure to listen to and understand the needs of the young people will only erect barriers to real spiritual growth and development and may prove to be a contributing factor in making the church and its mission unattractive to the youth.

Objectives

This philosophy is an integral part of the club. The Pathfinder Club curriculum of six classes and nearly 250 Honors lies at the heart of the program. The following objectives can be achieved as the club leaders seek to fulfill these.

Help the young people to understand that God and His church love them, care for them, and appreciate them. As Pathfinders are accepted and affirmed they will begin to appreciate the love of God revealed through the church and its ministry, and feel a need to be more committed to and involved with its program.
Encourage Pathfinders to discover their own God-given potential and to use their gifts and abilities to fulfill God’s expectations for them and the part they can play in the great plan of salvation.
Inspire young people to give personal expression of their love for God by uniting them together in various outreach activities.
Make the number one priority of your club program the personal salvation of every Pathfinder. The Pathfinder age is a time when many decisions are being made that will affect the youth’s future relationships and his or her own personal development. The peak time for discovering and making a relationship with God seems to be around 12 years of age.
Build into a Pathfinder’s life a healthy appreciation and love for God’s creation by enjoying outdoor activity (campouts, nature walks, nature honors, etc.). Pathfinders will experience a sense of wonder and worship as they observe and explore the beauty, the majesty, and the creative power in nature. Fellowship with God will become more meaningful.
Teach Pathfinders specific skills and hobbies that will make their lives more meaningful and will occupy their time with profitable accomplishments. Young people experience satisfaction and delight as they use their hands to fashion 5 useful articles from wood, plastic, steel, clay, felt and yarn and as they discover how things work and operate.
Encourage the Pathfinder to keep physically fit. This is one important way to safeguard against idleness and boredom. Teach children to care for their body and establish habits that will provide for their future happiness and usefulness (cf. 2T 536, 537; Educ. 195).
Give opportunity for the development of leadership by encouraging club members to work together and share in leadership responsibility. This will teach them to learn the lessons of obedience, discipline, resourcefulness, patriotism and the processes of group dynamics.
Seek to foster the harmonious development of the physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual life of the Pathfinder. The invigoration of mind and body, the fostering of an unselfish spirit, the attention to recreational and cultural activities, will provide stimulus for personal growth and act as an outlet for that restless energy, which is so often a destructive source of danger to the young person.

PATHFINDER CLUB STRUCTURE & ORGANIZATION

The Pathfinder Club is a worldwide program organized and directed by the Youth Department of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It offers a wide range of learning experiences for young people 10 to 15 years of age and is operated by the local Seventh-day Adventist church under the direction and control of the local conference youth director. Each Pathfinder Club is administered by a club director, deputy directors, counselors, instructors, chaplain, secretary, and treasurer. The club is divided into separate units, each unit averaging between six to eight Pathfinders, including a captain and scribe.

Pathfinder Club Members
Counselors & Instructors
Deputy Directors & other support staff
Club Director
Local Church Board
Area Coordinators
Local Conference Pathfinder Director
Union Pathfinder Director
Division Pathfinder Director
General Conference Pathfinder Director

The Pathfinder Club has a flag, bearing the Pathfinder’s Club Emblem. The flag is flown at local and conference Pathfinder programs and activities. There is a specially designed full-dress uniform and also a field uniform. The Pathfinder Club has a Pledge and Law, highlighting the spiritual basis on which the club is built.

PATHFINDER CLUB

The club operates on a 9, 10, 11, or 12 month calendar year, with a weekly or biweekly program of at least 1½, 2, or 3 hours’ duration. Within this 1½, 2, or 3 hour period the Pathfinders perform drill and marching, crafts and/or hobbies and games, as well as taking part in devotional activities and class work. There are six classes, with given names, which begin at 10 years of age and conclude at 15 years. Each class is represented by a chosen color as listed.

Friend – 10 years – Blue
Companion – 11 years – Red
Explorer – 12 years – Green
Ranger – 13 years – Silver
Voyager – 14 years – Burgundy
Guide – 15 years – Gold

At the completion of the classwork requirements, the Pathfinder receives insignia as an award consisting of a pin, Pathfinder Class pocket strip and chevron at a special Investiture service.

PATHFINDER CLASSES

Click on the image to download the Achievement Class.

Friend – 1st Achievement Class (16 MB)

Companion – 2nd Achievement Class (18 MB)

Explorer – 3rd Achievement Class (17 MB)

Ranger – 4th Achievement Class (17 MB)

Voyager – 5th Achievement Class (18 MB)

Guide – 6th Achievement Class (19 MB)

PATHFINDER DOCUMENTS DOWNLOADS

Click on images to download the document

Basic Staff Training (1.54 MB)

Administrative Manual (6.20 MB)

The Pathfinder Story (4.69 MB)

Bible Truths Manual (3.28 MB)

Church Heritage (5.40 MB)

The Happy Path (4.28 MB)

PATHFINDER HONOR BOOK DOWNLOAD

Click on image to download the document

Honor Book 2014 (9.29 MB)

MEANING OF THE PATHFINDER CLUB EMBLEM

Red (Sacrifice)

Reminds us of Christ. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
“Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (Rom. 12: 1).

Gold (Excellence)

“I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich” (Rev. 3:18).
Standard of measurement. The Pathfinder Club has high standards to help build strong character for the kingdom of heaven.

Three sides

Completeness of the Trinity — Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
Tripod of education: Mental Crafts and Honors Physical Campouts, work bee, health focus Spiritual Outreach and personal spiritual development.

White (Purity)

“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment” (Rev. 3:5).
We desire to have the purity and righteousness of Christ’s life in our lives.

Shield (Protection)

In the Scripture God is often called the shield of His people.(Protection) “Fear not… I am thy shield” (Gen. 15:1)
“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” (Eph. 6:16)

Sword (Bible)

The sword is used in warfare. A battle is always won by offense. We are in a battle against sin, and our weapon is the Word of God.
The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. (see Eph. 6:17)

Blue (Loyalty)

It is the purpose of the Pathfinder Club to help teach us to be loyal to: Our God in heaven. Our parents. Our church.
Loyalty is defined as a reflection of the character of our True Master Guide.

Inverted Triangle

The inverted order of importance Jesus taught which is contrary to that taught by the world.
Sacrificing of one’s self by placing the needs of others ahead of our own.

THE PATHFINDER CLUB

The Pathfinder Club is one of the organizations of the world youth ministry of the Seventh-day AdventistChurch.

PATHFINDER SONG

Click on image to download sheet music

Download Pathfinder Song Music

PATHFINDER EXCELLENCE AWARD

PURPOSE

While Pathfindering is designated to help youth appreciate the value of group participation, it should not be forgotten that there is scope for the development of the youth as an individual. A major part of Pathfinders is group activity. This is vital in learning the art of cooperation, which is a necessary ingredient in the make-up of a well balanced Christian.

The Pathfinder Excellence Award has been developed to recognize individual achievement over a one-year period of time. As in the class investiture pins and Honor tokens the Pathfinder Excellence Award should be awarded only to those who have reached a high standard of Pathfinder efficiency as outlined in these criteria.

SELECTION PROCESS

Toward the close of the Pathfinder year the Pathfinder Club executive committee acts as the awards-recognition-selection group for their club. They will compare each Pathfinder’s record of achievement with the criteria to establish who in the club qualifies for this award. (More than one way may qualify as well as none may qualify.)

CRITERIA

The following criteria must be applied by the Pathfinder executive committee when deciding whether a club member is entitled to the Pathfinder Excellence Award:

TH PATHFINDER

Is an active member of the Pathfinder Club and has been for two or more years.
Is an example in uniform requirements, is on time for all meetings, and actively works as a leader in their unit.
Believes in and lives up to the Pathfinder Pledge and Law. Displays a loyalty to these Pathfinder ideals and holds them as a sacred honor.
Willingly accepts assigned responsibilities and demonstrates initiative and leadership in carrying them out simply or in a team effort.
Maintains personal equipment in the best possible condition.
Relates to all races and entire groups in a positive Christian manner.
Annually completes the current Pathfinder Class and, in addition, earns the offered Honors.

When the Award Should Be Presented and Who Should Present It

The Pathfinder Excellence Award is preferably to be made at a Pathfinder Day program in the church by the ranking Pathfinder leader or at the annual Investiture program by the investing leader or at the Conference camporee or fair by the conference youth leader.

How Should it be Worn?

Above the advanced class ribbon awards during the year following the award presentation. If the Pathfinder does not re-qualify, then it must be placed in the Pathfinder’s inventory of mementos. The award may only be worn during the year following recognition

When Should it be Worn?

The award becomes an integral part of the dress uniform and may be worn for 1 year from the date of presentation. After the close of each year, the wearer is reevaluated to determine continuance of privilege or loss of privilege. Once a Pathfinder leaves the club, he/she may keep the award for permanent usage only if he/she qualified during his final year. Adults not having been Pathfinders should not wear it.

THE PATHFINDERS FLAG

The Pathfinder Club has a flag, bearing the Pathfinder’s Club Emblem. The flag is flown at local and conference Pathfinder programs and activities.