How to Organize a Pathfinder Club

How to Organize a Pathfinder Club

1. Counsel with the Conference Youth Ministries personnel.2. Meet with the Pastor and Conference Youth Ministries personnel.3. Present your plans to the Church Board. Church Board autorizes the organization of the Pathfinder Club. Familiarize Board members with the Pathfinder philosophy, aims, and objectives.4. 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.5. Inform congragation during Divine Service about Pathfinder Club, its objectives and program.6. Pathfinder officers elect remaining Executive Committee members. 7. First meeting of Pathfinder Executive Committee to elect remaining Pathfinder staff as needed.8. Pathfinder officers and staff attend Conference Pathfinder Basic Staff Training Course.9. Call Pathfinder Executive Committee meeting to plan yearly program.10. Present all plans at a Pathfinder Staff Meeting.11. Advertise the program at least six weeks before opening night.12. Write letters or personally contact the potential Pathfinder families.13. Enrollment night - completion of Pathfinder Passport applications.14. Home visitation by Pathfinder counselors.15. Induction Ceremony - Pathfinder Passports given out.16. Establishing church and community interest.17. Evaluation.Club Membership Requirements

1. 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 l0 to 12 will join the junior club and those aged l3 to l5 will join the teen club. (In some areas school level is used as the guidelines).2. 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.3. A Pathfinder Passport is available upon application to the club director/secretary. (Optional)4. All members must pay membership and insurance fees as required by the club executive committee.5. 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.6. Members must be faithful in attendance. Many clubs establish limits on absences and tardinesses, and Pathfinders who do not comply with these regulations may be placed on probation or be asked to withdraw from club membership.7. Pathfinders must learn and keep the Pledge and Law.8. Club activities include crafts, outings, regular club meetings and Classwork, fund raising, campouts, outreach activities, Honors, and other activities. The Pathfinder must agree before joining the club to participate and cooperate in these activities.9. The Pathfinders 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 childs membership.10. All elected directors and regular staff are members of the club by virtue of their office.AIM

The Advent Message to All the World in My Generation.MOTTO

"The love of Christ constrains me."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 Godand a friend to man.LAW

The Pathfinder Law is for me to:

1. Keep the morning watch.

2. Do my honest part.

3. Care for my body.

4. Keep a level eye.

5. Be courteous and obedient.

6. Walk softly in the sanctuary.

7. Keep a song in my heart.

8. Go on God's errands.

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 350 Honors lies at the heart of the program. The following objectives can be achieved as the club leaders seek to fulfill these.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Inspire young people to give personal expression of their love for God by uniting them together in various outreach activities.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 useful articles from wood, plastic, steel, clay, felt and yarn and as they discover how things work and operate.

7. 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).

8. 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.

9. 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 an 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 Chart Organization 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 DirectorThe Pathfinder Club has a flag, bearing the Pathfinders 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.The club operates on a 9, 10, 11, or12 month calendar year, with a weekly or biweekly program of at least 1, 2, or 3 hours' duration. Within this 1, 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 - GoldAt the completion of the classwork requirements, the Pathfinder receives insigniaas an award consisting of a pin, Pathfinder Class pocket strip and chevron at aspecial Investiture service.Why Achievement Classes?

Years ago, when your fathers and mothers were boys and girls, there came a c all through the Spirit of Prophecy to organize all the young people into an united group that should help finish the task of carrying the Adven t message to all the world in this generation. It was in response to these and other similar message s that the Adventist Youth Society came to be formed. And so the years have passed and the boys and girls of all lands have met and prayed and studied and gone out from their meetings to work. A great work has been accomplished, and the one-time small band has grown to number many thousands and to stretch round the world.

But how did there come to be Pathfinder classes? As our boys and girls met and worked and became interested in the AY/AJY activities, leaders felt the need of providing additional ways of helping them in their preparation for efficient service and the development of strong Christian character, that they might better know how to pioneer for God when He needs them. During the earnest study given to the question many pointed and helpful suggestions were found in the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy, and a few of these are quoted here for your inspiration and encouragement:

The children are to be trained to become missionaries; they must be helped to understand distinctly what they must do to be saved. {Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, page 168}. And the best preparation is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers. It prepares the student for the joy of service in this world and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come. {Education, page 13}.

Children are to be instructed in the special truths for this time, and in practical missionary work. They are to enlist in the army of workers to help the sick and the suffering. Children can take part in the medical missionary work and by their jots and tittles can help to carry it forward. Their investments may be small, but every little helps, and by their efforts many souls will be won to the truth. By them God's message will be made known and His saving health to all nations. {Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, page 176-177}.

While the Bible should hold the first place in the education of children and youth, the book of nature is next in importance In itself the beauty of nature leads the soul away from sin and worldly attractions, and toward purity, peace, and God. For this reason the cultivation of the soil is good work for children and youth. It brings them into direct contact with nature and nature's God. {Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, page 185-186}.

As a rule, the exercise most beneficial to the youth will be found in useful employment. The little child finds both diversion and development in play; and his sports should be such as to promote not only physical, but mental and spiritual growth. As he gains strength and intelligence, the best recreation will be found in some line of effort that is useful. That which trains the hand to helpfulness, and teaches the young to bear their share of life's burdens, is most effective in promoting the growth of mind and character

It is essential for every youth to have a thorough acquaintance with everyday duties. If need be, a young woman can dispense with a knowledge of French and algebra, or even of the piano; but it is indispensable that she learn to make good bread, to fashion neatly-fitting garments, and to perform efficiently the many duties that pertain to homemaking

Since both men and women have a part in home-making, boys as well as girls should gain a knowledge of household duties. To make a bed and put a room in order, to wash dishes, to prepare a meal, to wash and repair his own clothing, is a training that need not make any boy less manly; it will make him happier and more useful. And if girls, in turn, could learn to harness and drive a horse, and to use the saw and the hammer, as well as the rake and the hoe, they would be better fitted to meet the emergencies of life. {Education 215-216}.

It was from the study of these and other similar messages that the AY/Pathfinder classes were developed and all requirements for these classes are based on this instruction. They include, therefore, Bible and nature study, the learning of useful and helpful things to do about the home, out-of-door activities, first aid, and personal and home hygiene. All of which are to help the boys and girls find true happiness in missionary service.

Community AssessmentCategory: ADRA

Level: Level 1

Year Introduced: 2005

Item Number: YOU7500

Originating Institution: General Conference

Requirements:

1. Select a community or urban area that youre familiar with and describe to the best of your ability the following information: location on a map, economic conditions, demographical description of residents (age, gender, most common jobs, etc.), degree of health access, crime rate, and education.

2. List the needs you see in your community. This can include better support for low-income families, assistance for lonely or elderly people, and better clean up of public areas, etc.

3. Listen to a community leader, teacher, church pastor, or police officer talk about ways that someone like you can make a positive impact in a community. Remember to takes notes.

4. Report in your own way to your Pathfinder Club about your findings and describe what you have specifically learned about the community you chose. Be creative.

5. Describe the most important improvements your community needs and what you can do to help.

Community DevelopmentCategory: ADRA

Level: Level 1




Requirements:

1. Define community development.

2. Explain to your instructor why some countries are considered developing while others are referred to as developed.

3. Name 5 developing countries and list three things that ADRA is doing in these countries that would be considered development and two things that would fall under relief.

4. Read about why there are poor people among us in the book Desire of Ages written by Ellen G. White (Chapter 70, "The Least of These My Brethren.") Describe to your instructor what you learned.

5. Describe at least one need in your community that requires attention.

6. Write a short community development plan that your Pathfinder group can implement (planting trees, cleaning parks or yards, repainting public walls, etc.). The plan should describe the activity, group size, transportation logistics, and materials.

7. Spend at least four hours in one of the following field trips as a participant observer:

Participate with a group that provides assistance to the homeless in your community.

Participate with a work team that is repairing or building housing for the poor.

Work in a food distribution center, soup kitchen, or homeless shelter in your community.

Community ServiceCategory: ADRA

Level: Level 1




Requirements:

1. Read the following Bible texts and explain what do you think God is asking us to do to help the poor and suffering in our communityIsaiah 58:3-12Luke 10:25-37Matthew 25:31-46

2. Explain to your instructor 1) what the letters ADRA stand for and the difference between development and relief; and talk about 2) a local organization that serves the poor and disadvantaged in your community and what services it provides.

3. Meet with a community leader in your area and ask about projects that your Pathfinder unit could accomplish to help meet needs in your community.

4. Plan, organize, and complete a community service project with your Pathfinder unit or class in your community. This project should target a certain need that your community has. Total time from planning to completion of this project should be approximately 10 hours.

Conflict ResolutionCategory: ADRA

Level: Level 3


Item Number: 7515


Requirements:

DISCUSSION GROUP (Adult Facilitator Required)1. Explain how Christ encouraged people in conflict in the following Bible stories. Identify the nature of the conflict or human needs in each story that you explain.a.John 8:1-11 (Mary Magdalene)b.Matthew 18:1-6 (Disciples Greatest Kingdom in Heaven)c.1 Kings 3:16:28 (Solomon and the Baby)

2. Discuss relationship, identity, racial, and cultural conflicts that teenagers in your community face today. (i.e. Relationship with parents, self esteem, friendships).

3. Describe the types of human needs and give a real-life example of each.

4. What is active listening? Practice active listening by role playing conflicts noted in #2.

5. Apply the following method of conflict resolution to an example in #2.a.Set the sceneb. Gather informationc.Identify the problemd.Brainstorm solutions

6. Negotiate a solution.

7. Explain how to make a referral to a professional counselor or pastor.

8. Discuss your own motives for wanting to help your friends when they face conflict. What about strangers?

Disaster ResponseCategory: ADRA

Level: Level 1




Requirements:

1. Explain the type of damage most likely to occur to homes, individuals, and communities for each of the following major types of disaster, and indicate for each in which parts of the world does it occur most frequently:Hurricane/Typhoon/CycloneTornadoFloodsEarthquakeTsunamiFiresWar/Civil conflict2. Describe briefly the types of services that are provided to survivors of disasters in your country by ADRA, the government, or local emergency responders.

3. Read a newspaper or ADRA news report (go to www.adra.org) concerning a recent disaster and discuss what are some important things to keep in mind when responding to a disaster or emergency.

4. Explain what the letters ADRA stand for and which letter describes ADRAs role as a disaster responder.

5. Describe at least one of these disaster response organizations and how it can work with ADRA during an emergency:Red CrossAdventist Community Services (ACS) in the U.S.United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)World Food Programme (WFP)

6. Explain the role of the government when a disaster occurs and identify the key government agency in your nation that manages emergency response.

Disaster Response AdvancedCategory: ADRA

Level: Level 2


Item Number:


Requirements:

1. Describe the underlying causes of each of these disaster scenarios and give a recent example of at least six and its impact on a community or country. Point to at least one in which ADRA responded. Hurricane/Typhoon/CycloneTornadoFloodsDroughtEarthquakeTsunamiFiresVolcanic eruptionWar/Civil conflict

2. The four stages of managing a disaster or emergency include: 1) Planning and Mitigation, 2) Preparedness, 3) Response, 4) Recovery. In your own words, describe to your instructor what each of these terms mean and why they are important.

3. Preparedness is key during a disaster. If you were to build a home disaster kit, describe to your instructor what items you would include. Discuss the advantages of choosing battery- over electricity-powered items, and non-perishable over perishable foods.

4. Draw the floor plan of where you live. Think about what you should do in three of the disasters listed on question 1. Design an escape route for your house and discuss it with your instructor and family.

5. Find three stories in the Bible that involved natural disasters or political emergencies. Put yourself in the place of the people in the stories and describe how those events would affect you. Also, briefly discuss how the people in the stories got through the difficult times.

6. Give a short report at your Pathfinder Club about what you learned about disasters and disaster preparedness. You can do this through a presentation, skit, short video, or any method that will best convey what you learned.

Hunger ReliefCategory: ADRA

Level: Level 1




Requirements:

1. Find a news report on the topic of world hunger and discuss with your Pathfinder Club unit what steps are being taken to reduce hunger in the area featured in the story.

2. Listen to a person who directs food distribution in your area, including a church, community center, soup kitchen, etc. Find out about the people they serve, what are some causes of food needs in the community, and how they meet these needs. Share your findings with your instructor.

3. Describe the causes of hunger in your country. You can do this by writing a short essay, doing a presentation, skit, or producing a one-minute video. Present this at your school, civic group, Pathfinder Club, or at church.

4. Collect food items for the local community food bank or food distribution center, or if this is not possible select a family that needs assistance and bring the items to them.

5. Visit a food bank, food distribution center, or soup kitchen and volunteer to assist the staff. This can be done with your Pathfinder group or unit. Talk with the staff to find out how the food is gathered and what are some of the challenges of finding food to distribute.

LiteracyCategory: ADRA

Level: Level 2




Requirements:

1. Define the term literacy.2. Research and briefly describe how 2 or 3 organizations in your community or country promote literacy or provide literacy services to children and adults.3. Write a paragraph explaining why literacy is important.4. Complete three of the following activities:Help someone read a small book or short story.Read a short story to a group of young children and discuss it with them afterward.Make 10 flash cards with simple words and illustrations or pictures and give them to someone who is learning how to read.Read several chapters from the Bible to an elderly person you know who is blind or unable to read. This can be done in one visit or several visits.Give a five-minute presentation in your school or Sabbath school or church on what you learned about literacy.5. Choose three words and explain to your instructor how you would teach someone what the words mean and how to spell them.Refugee ResettlementCategory: ADRA

Level: Level 2




Requirements:

1. Describe some general causes why refugees move to other countries. Also, define the terms refugee, internally displaced person (IDP), and immigrant, and explain how these words are similar or different.

2. List the immediate needs that a refugee may have when they arrive in their new country. Describe how you would feel if you were suddenly faced with a new language, culture and environment.

3. Find out what organizations in your community, country, or the world assist refugees and IDPs.

4. Describe in a short paragraph how you would help a refugee or IDP in your community.

5. Ask a person from another country that lives in your community how they adjusted to their new environment. Have that person describe the challenges and contrasts they experienced during the process of settling into their community.

6. Give a short report at your Pathfinder Club, church, school, civic group about what you learned about refugees and IDPs and the challenges they face. You can do this through a presentation, skit, short video, or any method that will best convey your findings. Discuss why it is important to be aware of the refugee situation and to try to find solutions to this issue.

Aboriginal LoreCategory: Arts & Crafts

Level: Level 1

Year Introduced:

Item Number:

Originating Institution: South Pacific Division: SPD

Requirements:

1. Who are the Aborigines and where did they come from? How many tribes were there when European colonization commenced?2. Discuss the tribal system. What are totems?3. Discuss the food of the Aborigines:a. Kindsb. How obtainedc. How prepared4. Discuss their homes. Of what are they made and why are they not permanent? Where do the young men and boys sleep?5. How do they communicate with other tribes who may not understand their language? How do they send signals within the tribe? What is the purpose of the Tjuringa (or Churinga)?6. What are some of the articles of trade and exchange? What domestic utensils do they use.7. Describe some of the weapons used in hunting and warfare.8. What is a corroboree? Explain its purpose. What are clap sticks and the didgeridoo?9. What games do children play? How are young men trained? How are they initiated? What is the bora ground? What is a bull roarer?10.Discuss the two main types of Aboriginal art.11.Briefly relate the history of the Aborigines since the white man arrived in Australia, mentioning the government policies through the years and the work of missions.Africa LoreCategory: Arts & Crafts

Level: Level 1


Item Number:

Originating Institution: East Central Africa Division: ECD

Requirements:

1. Be able to name and locate at least ten different African tribes of the present day and name several outstanding features of each.2. Do the following:a. Select for study an African Tribe. (If you belong to an African Tribe, select one other than your own.)b. Find out detailed information on the tribe selected, in the following areas: i. Eating habits ii. Initiation ceremony iii. Witch doctors iv. Living and worship conditions v. Education vi. Burials vii. Money viii. Dress ix. Industry3. Tell an African folk story bringing out its moral.4. Make a collection of at least 15 objects manufactured by African tribes (other than your own).Airplane ModelingCategory: Arts & Crafts

Level: Level 2




Requirements:

1. Build and successfully fly an airplane from a kit made of balsa wood and tissue paper, and rubber or gas powered.2. Build a balsa wood glider from a kit and observe its flying characteristics as related to the variable positions of the wings.3. Make and successfully fly two different styles of airplanes using sheets of paper between 8 and 14 inches (20-35 cm) in width and length.4. Define, locate, and explain the usage of the following basic items:a. Fuselageb. Wingc. Airlerond. Ruddere. Horizontal stabilizerf. Strutg. Cockpith. Enginei. Landing gearj. Propeller

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How to Organize a Pathfinder Club