The Pathfinder Story:
Pathfinders in the UK & Ireland
The Pathfinder Club
For young people aged 10-15 years.
The club exists to develop the life skills and abilities of the children. Pathfinders wear a uniform and have a pledge and law which serves as their code of conduct.
Sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the UK & Ireland, Pathfinders are part of a world-wide organisation with over 2.5 million members!
Life Skills
Pathfinders are encouraged to become responsible members of their community, to be willing to take on challenges, to be individuals, to work with others, to develop leadership skills and abilities, to care for their body and mind and to keep away from harmful substances.
The Pathfinder programme is centred around strong, ethical, moral and spiritual values based on the Christian faith.
However, young people from all faiths are attracted to the club and are encouraged to participate.
Curriculum
The course takes the children through a curriculum of learning: 10 years - Friends; 11 years - Companion; 13 years - Ranger; 12 years - Explorer; 14 years - Voyager; 15 years - Guide.
Many go on to become Master Guides at which point they take on local and regional leadership roles.
Activities
The honour system is the opportunity to develop skills and crafts in around 350 activities. A badge is awarded which is sewn onto a sash.
Camping
Campouts are ever popular with the children and give the opportunity to learn and develop skills such as: map and compass work, camp craft, stars, pioneering, rope work, camp fires and outdoor cooking, nature studies, health and fitness and serving the local community. Every year there is a Pathfinder Camporee planned at a regional, national or international level. This is a time when Pathfinders have fun meeting with others within this country or abroad.
Please see the Pathfinder event links on the right hand menu for more information.
