Like the boy or girl scouts, Pathfinders and Adventurers learn about nature and life skills. But what makes these clubs special is their purpose to bring young people closer to Jesus.
If you’ve wondered about Pathfinder or Adventurer clubs and what makes them different, here’s an easy introduction to these popular year-round programs.
You’ll learn all about:
So put on your sash and strap on those hiking boots! Let’s learn what it means to be a member.
The history of Pathfinders
Pathfinders began way back in the 1920s when Willa Steen and John McKim decided the Adventist Church needed a youth ministry program. They organized and held the very first Pathfinder club.
Elder Guy Mann was the first youth director to support the club. Although it broke off after a couple of years, a man by the name of John H. Hancock started it up again by 1946. And by 1950, the Pathfinder club was recognized by the General Conference. Later on in the 1980s, the Adventurer program was formed as a ministry for elementary-aged children.
The result?
The church was able to pave the way for young people to get involved in ministry and community service early on in life.
Operating on a worldwide scale, Adventurers and Pathfinders continues to guide children, tweens, and teenagers today!
What Pathfinders is like
The Pathfinder club is for children ages 10–15 (or fifth – tenth graders). The members meet about once a week at the local Adventist Church. The meetings last from September to May. Although Pathfinders normally don’t meet over the summer, they might decide to induct new members in the summer months with a special induction ceremony.
They might begin the meeting by reciting the club pledge, marching, and singing the club anthem. From there they may start a group activity to win their patches – which are small embroidered badges they win for each course they complete.
The members are divided into different class levels depending on their age. They often split into their age groups once they start the group activity. Each class level has their own program with tasks they must complete before going to the next level.
The different class levels include:
- Friend: Fifth Grade
- Companion: Sixth Grade
- Explorer: Seventh Grade
- Ranger: Eighth Grade
- Voyager: Ninth Grade
- Guide: Tenth Grade
Because Pathfinders is for older children, the courses are more challenging and specific.
In order to earn the patch, members have to follow the instructions of Pathfinder activity books.
For example, the Guide activity book explains how to earn the community outreach badge.
The member can choose between visiting someone who’s stuck in their house, helping someone in need, or another leader-approved outreach activity. From there, they must describe their experience in a paragraph, and discuss how to witness to teenagers. Then they must try to witness using the techniques they discussed.
With each course they complete, they receive a patch to add to their sash. They are given all of the patches they earned at the end of the year at an investiture ceremony where members get to display their marching skills and knowledge of the Pathfinder law and pledge.
And the achievements don’t stop there!
Members could win the Pathfinder Excellence Award at the end of every year, This is given to the member that goes above and beyond in his/her responsibilities as a Pathfinder.
But beyond earning awards and patches, Pathfinders is all about teaching its members to follow Jesus. These guidelines are in their law and pledge.
The Pathfinder 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.
The Pathfinder Law:
- 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.
These principles help members enjoy a club that is friendly, fun, and Christ-centered.
Pathfinder activities
These activities teach practical skills that will help young people later on in life. On top of that, they are fun and engaging, enabling children to try new hobbies and work together with others.
The courses themselves include the following subjects:
- Bible (spiritual lessons, general Bible knowledge, denominational history)
- Culture (art and history)
- Home economics
- Crafts
- Nature (botany, biology, and wildlife)
- Survival skills
- Recreation (sports and camping)
- Vocational development ( like accounting, teaching, car manufacturing)
Pathfinder activities are more advanced and specific. Examples of Pathfinder courses include Christian citizenship, origami, archery, and journalism (click Pathfinder Honors for the full list).
Beside these activities, members can also go on field trips and or camping trips where members get to enjoy the great outdoors, learn about God, and meet other Pathfinders from other churches. There are also larger camping trips called Camporee's for the local Area, regional Conference, and larger multi-state Union.
International Camporee
The biggest camping event occurs every five years, where Pathfinders from around the world have the chance to attend the International Pathfinder Camporee.
Every five years, the camporee has a theme based on a specific Bible character (Joseph, Esther, David, Daniel, Moses, etc.). They also feature guest speakers and opportunities to earn special patches. Pathfinders get to meet members from around the world, try food from international vendors, and watch skits that portray the year’s theme.
While on site, Pathfinders can participate in earning new honors, explore outreach opportunities, and participate in outdoor activities. A favorite activity of many pathfinders at camporee it pin trading. The International Pathfinder Camporee is especially beneficial as many members use the camporee as an opportunity for baptism!
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