Pathfinder Basic Staff Training

By Mark & Sherilyn O’Ffill

Part #1
What is Pathfindering?
History of Pathfindering
in North America
• 1907
– Missionary Volunteer Societies organized
• 1922
– JMV (now AJY) Progressive Classes introduced -
Friend and Companion (ages 10 & 11 or grades 5 &
6) also Comrade & Master Comrade
• 1929
– "Pathfinder" name first used at a summer
camp in Southeastern California
• 1931
– First Master Comrade Investiture
History of Pathfindering
in North America
• 1946
– First conference-sponsored Pathfinder Club
(Riverside, California) Pathfinder Club emblem
designed by John H. Hancock
• 1949
– Henry Bergh writes Pathfinder song
(not copyrighted until 1952)
• 1951
– First Pathfinder Fair,
September 23, Dinuba, California
– Master Comrade changed to Master Guide
– Pathfinder Staff Manual published
History of Pathfindering
in North America
• 1979
– MV changed to AY (Missionary Volunteer -->
Adventist Youth)
– JMV changed to AJY (Junior Missionary Volunteer
--> Adventist Junior Youth
– Pre-JMV changed to Adventurers
(4 yrs. - 4th grade)
• 1982
– New Pathfinder World replaces MV World
– Voyager Class added (age 14 or grade 9) –
between Ranger & Guide
– NAD Pathfinder uniform revised
History of Pathfindering
in North America
• 1985
– First NAD Pathfinder Camporee, Camp Hale,
Colorado
• 1995
– Teen Leadership Training (TLT) Program
established for training High school students (grades
9-12)
– First Pathfinder Web Site established
• 1998
– 1st NAD Master Guide Convention,
Los Angeles, CA
History of Pathfindering
in North America
• 1999
– NAD Pathfinder Web Site established
– “Discover the Power” International Camporee in
Oshkosh WI
• 2000
– Uniform changed from Forest Green skirts, slacks
& sashes to Black skirts, slacks & sashes
• 2001
– Pathfinder Honor Handbook revised,
17 new honors and international honors
added
History of Pathfindering
in Northern California Conference
• By 1950 there were active clubs in:
– Walnut Creek
– Richmond
– Martinez
– Deer Park
– Camino
• Pacific Union Conference Prepares
1st Drill Manual in the early 1950s
– Committee members were:
• Clark Smith
• Henry Bergh
• Glenn Fillman (NCC MV Director)
Pathfinder Club
Emblem
Red
Sacrifice
White
Purity
Blue
Loyalty
Gold
Excellence
Pathfinder Club Three Sides – Completeness
Emblem

Shield
– Protection

Sword
– Bible
Pathfindering
as a Ministry
• Not entertainment
• Not babysitting for parents
• Not simply another youth group
• Not just an outdoor activity based club
THEN WHAT IS

PATHFINDERING?
Pathfindering
as a Ministry
• Spiritual at it’s core
– It is intended to lead members into a growing,
redemptive relationship with God
• Experience-based
– It is organized and led to build members into
responsible, mature individuals who contribute to
their families, their church and their world
• Others Focused
– It is programmed to help members
realize that there is something that each
one can do to help their neighbor
through active, selfless service
Mission of
Pathfindering
To provide a:
• Church-centered
• Recreational-spiritual program
• For both boys and girls
• Ages 10-15
– That offers action, adventure,
challenge and group activities that
produce team spirit and loyalty to
God and the church
Philosophy of
Pathfindering

“Train a child in the way he should go,

and when he is old
he will not turn from it.”
Proverbs 22:6 NIV
Philosophy of
Pathfindering
• Proverbs 22:6
– Training them while they are young is
important because 70% of Christians make
their decision for Christ before the age of 14
(christianitytoday.com)
– Because of changes in society such as:
• divorce causing single parent homes,
• 50% of our kids not attending Christian
schools,
• Fewer families in society have any contact
with Christianity
Philosophy of
Pathfindering
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true,
whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy
think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8 NIV
Philosophy of
Pathfindering
• Phil. 4:8
– Pathfindering is fundamentally principles-
and experience-based training so that
young people can more easily transfer the
learning to other areas of life.
– Everything (honors, classwork,
example) must be affected by Biblical
truth because we are painting a picture
of God for our kids
Philosophy of
Pathfindering
A Song by Ponder, Harp & Jennings goes:
You’re the only Jesus some will ever see
You’re the only words of life
some will ever read
So let them see in you the
One in whom is all they’ll ever need
For you’re the only Jesus
some will ever see
Goals of
Pathfinder Leadership
• Help Pathfinders to understand that the
church loves, cares for and appreciates
them.
• Show Pathfinders that God has a plan
for their lives.
• Train Pathfinders for Christian
service.
Goals of
Pathfinder Leadership
• Work for the salvation of each individual
Pathfinder.
• Assist in developing the Pathfinder’s
appreciation for nature and a concern
for the environment.
• Teach Pathfinders specific skills
and hobbies that will make their
life meaningful and will occupy
their time profitably.
Goals of
Pathfinder Leadership
• Help keep Pathfinders physically fit.
• Give opportunities for the development
of leadership.
• Assist Pathfinders in developing a
balanced physical, mental, social,
and spiritual life.
Pathfinder Basic Staff Training
By Mark & Sherilyn O’Ffill

Part #2
Outreach Ministry
 Spot
The
Sheep
 Spot
The
Sheep
 Can
You
Spot
the
Sheep
Now?
Outreach
Ministry
“Therefore go and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey
everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age.”
Matt. 28:19-20 NIV
Outreach
Ministry

“Don’t let anyone look down on you

because you are young, but set an
example for the believers in speech,
in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”
2 Timothy 4:12 NIV
Outreach
Ministry
“The greatest want of the world is the want of
men (and women). Men (and women) who will
not be bought or sold. Men (and women) who
in their inmost souls are true and honest, men
(and women) who do not fear to call sin by it’s
right name, men (and women) whose
conscience is as true to duty as the needle
to the pole. Men (and women) who will
stand for right though the heavens fall.”
Education pg. 57
Outreach
Ministry
“The world needs today what it needed
nineteen hundred years ago -- a
revelation of Christ. A great work of
reform is demanded, and it is only
through the grace of Christ that the
work of restoration, physical, mental,
and spiritual, can be
accomplished. . . .”
Outreach
Ministry
“Christ’s method alone will give true
success in reaching the people. The
Savior mingled with men as one who
desired their good. He showed His
sympathy for them, ministered to their
needs, and won their confidence.
Then He bade them, “Follow Me.”
Ministry of Healing pg. 143
Outreach
Ministry

What Does This Mean?

How does this effect the way we:
• Do counseling?
• Do programming?
• Do outreach?
Outreach
Ministry
• The Pathfinder Club Itself Makes a
Wonderful Outreach Tool
– How many kids do you have in your club
who don’t come from Adventist families?
(That does not mean that our programs are not
Adventist, it simply means that we need to be
sensitive to where they are coming from.)
Outreach
Ministry

Young People have always been the

movers and shakers in the Church
throughout history because they are
not afraid to think new thoughts and
try new ideas.
Outreach
Ministry
• Ages of Some Famous Bible Heroes
– Joseph -- 15 or 16 when he was
sent to Egypt
– David -- teenager when he killed Goliath
– The Disciples -- mostly teenagers (the only
married one was Peter and he would have
been in his early twenties)
– Mary (mother of Jesus) -- 15 at the
oldest when she gave birth to Jesus
(Jewish girls were married off soon
after their 13th birthday)
Outreach
Ministry
• Ages of Some Famous Church Leaders
– Joseph Bates -- 53 – Annie Smith -- 23
– James White -- 24 – Uriah Smith -- 21
– Ellen Harmon White -- 17 – Hiram Edson -- 39
– J. N. Andrews -- 21 – Joseph H. Waggoner -- 32
– J. N. Loughborough -- 20 – Stephen N. Haskell -- 21

These are NOT the ages at which

they became Advent believers.
They are the ages at which
they became church leaders.
Pathfinder Basic Staff Training
By Mark & Sherilyn O’Ffill

Part #3
Teaching the
AY Classes
&
Honors
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
1. Conchology is the
A. Study of trees
B. Study of shells
C. Study of measurements
D. Study of People
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
1. Conchology is the
A. Study of trees
B. Study of shells
C. Study of measurements
D. Study of People
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
2. Geology is the
A. Study of trees
B. Study of caves
C. Study of shells
D. Study of books
E. Study of the earth
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
2. Geology is the
A. Study of trees
B. Study of caves
C. Study of shells
D. Study of books
E. Study of the earth
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
3. Theology is the
A. Study of words
B. Study of the Bible
C. Study of God
D. Study of computers
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
3. Theology is the
A. Study of words
B. Study of the Bible
C. Study of God
D. Study of computers
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
4. Paleontology is the
A. Study of prehistoric life
B. Study of cells
C. Study of rocks & minerals
D. Study of shrubs
E. Study of marine invertebrates
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
4. Paleontology is the
A. Study of prehistoric life
B. Study of cells
C. Study of rocks & minerals
D. Study of shrubs
E. Study of marine invertebrates
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
5. Herpatology is the
A. Study of herbs
B. Study of small mammals
C. Study of lichens
D. Study of reptiles
E. Study of God
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
5. Herpatology is the
A. Study of herbs
B. Study of small mammals
C. Study of lichens
D. Study of reptiles
E. Study of God
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
6. Metrology is the
A. Study of meteors
B. Study of measurements
C. Study of heavenly bodies
D. Study of cells
E. Study of music scores
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
6. Metrology is the
A. Study of meteors
B. Study of measurements
C. Study of heavenly bodies
D. Study of cells
E. Study of music scores
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
7. Lithology is the
A. Study of emotions
B. Study of insects
C. Study of fruit growing
D. Study of rocks
E. Study of prehistoric life
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
7. Lithology is the
A. Study of emotions
B. Study of insects
C. Study of fruit growing
D. Study of rocks
E. Study of prehistoric life
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
8. Cetology is the
A. Study of whales
B. Study of insects
C. Study of dogs
D. Study of cacti
E. Study of seeds
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
8. Cetology is the
A. Study of whales
B. Study of insects
C. Study of dogs
D. Study of cacti
E. Study of seeds
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
9. Cytology is the
A. Study of cats
B. Study of cacti
C. Study of the internet
D. Study of human life
E. Study of cells
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
9. Cytology is the
A. Study of cats
B. Study of cacti
C. Study of the internet
D. Study of human life
E. Study of cells
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
10. Dendrology is the
A. Study of trees
B. Study of orchids
C. Study of stars
D. Study of environmental conservation
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
10. Dendrology is the
A. Study of trees
B. Study of orchids
C. Study of stars
D. Study of environmental conservation
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
11. Agrology is the
A. Study of microscopic plant life
B. Study of basket making
C. Study of lichens
D. Study of mushrooms
E. Study of soil for crops
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
11. Agrology is the
A. Study of microscopic plant life
B. Study of basket making
C. Study of lichens
D. Study of mushrooms
E. Study of soil for crops
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
12. Speleology is the
A. Study of caves
B. Study of soil for crops
C. Study of modern communications
D. Study of the Northern Lights
E. Study of stars
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
12. Speleology is the
A. Study of caves
B. Study of soil for crops
C. Study of modern communications
D. Study of the Northern Lights
E. Study of stars
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
13. Pomology is the
A. Study of God's creation
B. Study of fruit growing
C. Study of Tree rings
D. Study of human origins
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
13. Pomology is the
A. Study of God's creation
B. Study of fruit growing
C. Study of Tree rings
D. Study of human origins
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
14. Oology is the
A. Study of birds eggs
B. Study of zoo life
C. Study of small mammal pets
D. Study of fish raising
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
14. Oology is the
A. Study of birds eggs
B. Study of zoo life
C. Study of small mammal pets
D. Study of fish raising
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
15. Mycology is the
A. Study of words
B. Study of microscopic life
C. Study of tropical fish
D. Study of fungi
E. Study of cells
“Ology” Quiz
Pick the Correct Answer
15. Mycology is the
A. Study of words
B. Study of microscopic life
C. Study of tropical fish
D. Study of fungi
E. Study of cells
Teaching Pathfinder
Curriculum
• Objective of this Section
– To discover the importance and value of creative
approaches to teaching the Pathfinder curriculum.
• Philosophy
Look at the requirement and ask,

– “What are the kids expected to gain

from this requirement?”
– “What is the best way I can help
them get there?”
Teaching Pathfinder
Curriculum
• Different Learning Styles
– Auditory 6%
– Visual 45% Do You See Why We Have
Trouble Teaching AY Classwork
– Kinesthetic 23% the Way it is Written?
– Verbal 26%
• Each Pathfinder Learns Differently
– Discover how your Pathfinders learn
best and you will discover the best
way to keep their attention.
Teaching Pathfinder
Curriculum
• Curriculum Overview
Teaching Pathfinder
Curriculum
• Personal Growth Section
Teaching Pathfinder
Curriculum
• Personal Growth Section
– How Can We Help The Pathfinders Learn
What They Are Needing to Know?
– HOW CAN WE MAKE THIS FUN!!?
Teaching Pathfinder
Curriculum
• Personal Growth Section
– Voyager
• Pathfinder Aim: The Advent message to all the
world in this generation.

– Guide
• Pathfinder Motto: The love of Christ
constrains us all.
Teaching Pathfinder
Curriculum
• Spiritual Discovery Section
– How Can We Help The Pathfinders Learn
What They Are Needing to Know?
– HOW CAN WE MAKE THIS FUN!!?
Teaching Pathfinder
Curriculum
• Serving Others Section
– How Can We Help The Pathfinders Learn
What They Are Needing to Know?
– HOW CAN WE MAKE THIS FUN!!?
Teaching Pathfinder
Curriculum
• Serving Others Section
– Friend -- Adventurer for Christ
(small club – Friend/Companion)
– Companion – Advanced
(small club – Explorer/Ranger)
– Explorer -- Personal Evangelism
(small club – Explorer/Ranger)
– Ranger -- Junior Witness
These can help you in planning your
monthly Outreach activities
Teaching Pathfinder
Curriculum
• Making Friends Section
– How Can We Help The Pathfinders Learn
What They Are Needing to Know?
– HOW CAN WE MAKE THIS FUN!!?
Teaching Pathfinder
Curriculum
• Health & Fitness Section
– How Can We Help The Pathfinders Learn
What They Are Needing to Know?
– HOW CAN WE MAKE THIS FUN!!?
Teaching Pathfinder
Curriculum
• Youth Organization Section
– How Can We Help The Pathfinders Learn
What They Are Needing to Know?
– HOW CAN WE MAKE THIS FUN!!?
Teaching Pathfinder
Curriculum
• Nature Study Section
– How Can We Help The Pathfinders Learn
What They Are Needing to Know?
– HOW CAN WE MAKE THIS FUN!!?
Teaching Pathfinder
Curriculum
• Outdoor Living Section
– How Can We Help The Pathfinders Learn
What They Are Needing to Know?
– HOW CAN WE MAKE THIS FUN!!?
Teaching Pathfinder
Curriculum
• Honor Enrichment Section
– How Can We Help The Pathfinders Learn
What They Are Needing to Know?
– HOW CAN WE MAKE THIS FUN!!?
Pathfinder Basic Staff Training
By Mark & Sherilyn O’Ffill

Part #4
Club Leadership
&
Organization
Definition of
Leadership
• Leadership is Influence

• Leadership means you have people

who follow you otherwise you’re just
out taking a walk
– John C. Maxwell
Qualities of a
Pathfinder Leader
In Your Groups,
• Draw & Define the ideal
Pathfinder leader
Include Written:
• Qualities
• Skills
• Attitudes
Qualities of a
Pathfinder Leader
• Lives a Christ-centered life
• Loves young people
• Has a vision (knows WHY they’re involved)
• Has a mission (knows HOW they’re doing it)
• Has integrity (keeps commitments)
• Understands the developmental
characteristics of pre-adolescents
and adolescents
Qualities of a
Pathfinder Leader
• Enjoys learning new skills
• Develops the ability to organize
• Maintains good working relationships
with fellow staff
• Radiates a dignity of presence that
assures order
• Possesses emotional stability
• Enjoys being outdoors
Qualities of a
Pathfinder Leader
• Maintains good relations with parents
• Is able to delegate responsibility and
authority
• Has a sense of humor
• Is resourceful and creative
• Enlists a spirit of cooperation
• Is optimistic and enthusiastic
• Chooses capable helpers & staff
Qualities of a Successful
Team Player (all staff)
• Be likeable
• Be generous with praise
• Ask people’s advice
• Make people feel important
• Never embarrass anyone
• Lead instead of drive
• Remember names
• Keep promises and commitments
Qualities of a Successful
Team Player (all staff)
• Be happy and optimistic
• Do not brag
• Don’t make decisions when emotionally
upset
• Heal hurts quickly
• Be a person of action
• Be cooperative
• Be early
Qualities of a Successful
Team Player (all staff)
• Be prepared
– Plan 1 hour of activity for each 30 minute of
meeting time
Six Styles of
Leadership
• Authoritarian (Autocratic) Leader
– Retains as much power and decision-
making authority as possible.
– Does not consult staff, nor are staff
allowed to give any input.
– Staff & Pathfinders must obey orders
– Motivation is produced by
creating a structured set of
rewards and punishments.
Six Styles of
Leadership
• Advantages of an Authoritarian (Autocratic)
Leader
– Lots of things get done
– Things are very organized
– Poorly managed becomes highly managed
Six Styles of
Leadership
• Disadvantages of an Authoritative
(Autocratic) Leader
– Creativity & staff involvement is low
– If leader leaves vacuum of leadership is
left behind.
– Can create “soldiers” instead of
involved Pathfinders and staff
– LOTS of TURNOVER!
Pathfinders is a VOLUNTEER
organization
Six Styles of
Leadership
• Authoritative (Empowering) Leader
– Also called visionary leaders
– Approach leadership like a mentor
guiding a mentee
– Involve self in the scenario and utilize a
“come with me” approach
– Have a firm understanding of the
challenges to overcome and the
goals to reach, & have a clear
vision for achieving success.
Six Styles of
Leadership
• Authoritative (Empowering) Leader
– inspire motivation
– offer direction, guidance, and feedback
– maintain enthusiasm and a sense of
accomplishment throughout a project or
endeavor
– depends on a thoroughly developed
sense of emotional intelligence
Six Styles of
Leadership
• Emotional Intelligence of an Authoritative
(Empowering) Leader
• Godly Confidence, to develop a vision and inspire
others to follow it
• Empathy, to understand and anticipate the emotions felt
by team members at key junctures during a project
• Ability to Adapt, to identify and remove barriers to
change that may be required for success
Six Styles of
Leadership
• Advantages of an Authoritative
(Empowering) Leader
– Brings Clarity and Transparency
– Provides Direction and Vision
– Breeds good will

– Consider more the welfare of his

subordinates and people-group
Six Styles of
Leadership
• Dis-Advantages of an Authoritative
(Empowering) Leader

– Can Appear Over-bearing

– Must own the mistake of the team
Six Styles of
Leadership
• Evaluative
– Similar to Authoritarian, except that the
leader asks for input and MIGHT include that
input in the decisions, but will usually not
acknowledge the involvement of others in
the process
Six Styles of
Leadership
• Bureaucratic (Political) Leader
– Everything done “by the book,”
according to procedure or policy.
– If it isn’t covered by the book, the
leader refers to the next level above
him or her.
– Police officer -- He or she
enforces the rules.
Six Styles of
Leadership
• Advantages of Bureaucratic (Political)
Leadership
– Rules are clearly understood and
defined
– Staff & Pathfinders know what to expect

– Discipline is easily handled

Six Styles of
Leadership
• Disadvantages of Bureaucratic (Political)
Leadership
– Low involvement of Pathfinder staff
– Little room for adaptability
– Rules may not apply to current situation
Six Styles of
Leadership
• Democratic (Participative) Leadership
– Staff are part of the decision making.
– Communicates what is happening and
expects involvement and responsibility
of staff.
– The “coach” leader has the final
say, but gathers information
from staff members before
making a decision.
Six Styles of
Leadership
• Advantages of Democratic (Participative)
Leadership
– Staff are involved -- buy-in
– Somewhat adaptable to match situation
– If leader leaves things usually continue

– Everyone feels like part of the

team.
– Creativity is HIGH
Six Styles of
Leadership
• Disadvantages of Democratic
(Participative) Leadership
– Rules may not be as well defined,
known, or understood
– Structure is usually “looser”
– Discipline may be a problem if
“consequences” aren’t clearly
defined.
Six Styles of
Leadership
• Laissez-faire Leadership
– “Hands-off¨ style.
– Leader provides little or no direction
and gives staff (& Pathfinders) as much
freedom as possible.
– All authority or power is given
to the staff (& Pathfinders) and
they must determine goals,
make decisions, and resolve
problems on their own.
Six Styles of
Leadership
• Advantages of Laissez-faire Leadership
– Highly skilled staff flourish (for awhile)
– Lots of creativity
– Staff with drive make lots of things happen
– Lots of adult involvement (though not
particularly committed.
Six Styles of
Leadership
• Disadvantages of Laissez-faire Leadership
– Disorganization is a danger
– Quality can decline over time
– Discipline can be an issue
– Rules may not exist or be followed thru
– Pathfinders can take advantage of
individual staff member’s strengths
and weaknesses
– Long term membership involvement
often declines
WHAT IS THE BEST STYLE OF
LEADERSHIP FOR YOU?

“There is no such thing as best

style in leadership, but all styles
can become the best style to be
used, depending on the situations
or circumstances of which our
leadership are encountering.”
General Job Description
for All Staff
• Baptized member of SDA Church
• Good example to Pathfinders in their
conduct and Christian commitment
• Willing to commit the time required to
prepare and attend Pathfinder meetings
& activities
Job Description of
A Club Director
• Serve on Church Board as Pathfinder
Representative
• Responsible for the planning of the overall
calendar of events for the club
• Organizes regular club meetings & events
• Resource person for counselors &
instructors who need assistance
• Responsible for communication with
Conference on a regular basis
Job Description of
A Deputy Director
• Assist Director in their duties
• Responsible to be sure that the AY
Classwork is being completed by units
• Responsible for communication &
coordination with instructors & chaplain
• May serve as Secretary/Treasurer
• May have a special area of
responsibility related to the overall
Pathfinder program
Job Description of
A Club Secretary/Treasurer
• Responsible for record keeping including:
– Conference Forms – Registration
& Reporting – Supply ordering
– Attendance
• Responsible for club finances including:
– Income from dues, fundraising,
outings, donations, uniform
– Payment & recording of expenditures
– Coordinate with Church Treasurer
Job Description of
A Unit Counselor
• Leads unit of 4-8 boys or girls
• Closest contact with kids and parents
• Works with unit throughout Pathfinder
program & events
• Prepares unit for investiture
(Classwork, AY Honors)
• Develops friendship &
understanding with unit members
Job Description of
An L.I.T. (Leader In Training)
• High school student who commits to
learning more about leadership in the
Pathfinder organization
• Assists staff members in all functions of
the club
• During 4-year program, is trained in
club administration, counseling,
classwork & honors, finances,
outreach, camping, & security
Job Description of
An Instructor
• Teaches specific skills or subjects such as
Bible, personal growth, outdoor skills,
honors, or crafts
• May come from church or community to
assist temporarily with club
• Is well acquainted with subject
matter and matches it with club
curriculum
 Local Pathfinder Organizational Chart

Church Board

Club Director

Deputy Director S ecretary/T reasurer

Instructors Counselors Parents

L.I.T .s

Pathfinders
 Local Pathfinder Organizational Chart

C hurch Board

Pathfinder C lub Executive C om m ittee

Includes:
Administrative Director, Club Directors & Deputy Directors,
Secretary/Treasurers, Chaplains, & Parent-at-large

Adm inistrative D irector

Junior C lub D irector Te en C lub D irector LIT D irector

Boys D eputy D irector Girls D eputy D irector

Boys D eputy D irector G irls D eputy D irector

C ounselors C ounselors
C ounselors C ounselors

Pathfinders Pathfinders
Pathfinders Pathfinders

Instructors Secretary/Treasurer C haplain

Instructors Secretary/Treasurer C haplain
Certificate of
Operation
Club
Membership
• When do young people join your club?
– Once per year
– Once per semester
• NOTE: Having open registration ALL the time
makes it hard for counselors & instructors to
do quality work in preparation if they don’t
know how many and who they will have
through a stated period of time.
Club
Membership
• Do You Have an Attendance Policy?
• How Do You Motivate the Pathfinders to Continue Coming?
– Point System
– Outing Privileges

• NOTE: Allowing Pathfinders to just come

whenever they feel like it, lowers the quality
of the program you can offer.
Club
Membership
Club
Membership
Club
Membership
Conference
Operating Policies
• Uniforms
– For Honor Club Class “A” Uniforms must be
worn once a month
• Finance
• Reporting
– Once a month there is a report form is
submitted to the conference by the
director or secretary
Conference
Operating Policies
• Insurance
– Pathfinder activities must be on the church
calendar and voted by the board BEFORE
they happen in order to be insured by Risk
Management (Conference Insurer)
• Membership Regulations
– Child must be age 10 by September
– This year only -- age 10 by August 2004
Pathfinder Basic Staff Training
By Mark & Sherilyn O’Ffill

Part #5
Programs
&
Planning
Yearly
Program
• Mission and goals
– Remind each other why you’re doing
Pathfinders
– Ask -- What are our goals for the year?
• Based on ten-month calendar
– Matches school year, usually
August/September - May/June
Yearly
Program
• Calendar
– Regular Meetings
– Outreach activities
– Campouts
– Conference activities
• Adventist Youth classes
– Organize and plan HOW to complete
– Plan unit & group activities to make it fun
• Parent Ministry
Club Meetings Staff Manual pp 58-59

Program Components
• Opening Exercises
– Pledge of Allegiance, Pledge & Law,
Pathfinder Song
– Prayer & Devotional
– Unit inspection / dues
• Unit Time
– AY Classwork
– Honors / Activities
Club Meetings
Program Components
• Club Components
– Club honors / activities / drill
– Guests
• Closing Exercises
– Announcements
– Dismissal
Club Meetings
Program Guide
• Short attention spans = change activities
often
• Active learning works better
• 20 - 40 minute components
• Involve Pathfinders in as many
aspects of programming as possible
• Give LITs opportunities
to learn to lead
• Stick with time schedule
AY
Honors
• Introduce kids to a variety of interests
– Arts & Crafts, Household Arts, Nature,
Outdoor Industries, Outreach Ministries,
Recreational, Vocational
– Provide opportunities for kids to discover
new hobbies or even find careers
• Contain Information and
Experiential components
AY
Honors
• Make the AY Classwork worthwhile & fun
• Provide tangible rewards for learning --
honor patches
• Should be done with integrity
• Should be done actively, not as bookwork
• Do you really need to
test to discover what
they’ve learned?
Club
Morale
• Encourage & support positive staff morale
which happens through communication
and mutual support
• Provide clearly stated rules and
procedures that are administered equitably

• Make club meetings active,

organized, and fun
• Help Pathfinders feel welcome
Club
Morale
• Involve Pathfinders in activities with their
friends
• Provide opportunities for meaningful
feedback (and follow through)
• Make sure each Pathfinder has at
least one significant adult they can
relate to on personal & spiritual
issues
Conference
Events
• Camporee -- October (yearly)
– Lake Mendocino
• Bike-A-Thon -- April (yearly)
– Solono College
• Teens Only Events
– Caving -- fall
– Rock Climbing -- spring (2 weekends)
– Mission Trip -- spring break (not 2004)
Special Staff Manual pp 48, 121

Programs
• Annual Advertising
– Letters to last year’s members
– Announcements at church and/or school
• Enrollment Program
(parents must attend with their prospective Pathfinder)
– Registration & Medical Forms
– Orientation (attendance & behavior policies)
– 10 Month Calendar
– Uniform Fitting or Ordering
Special Staff Manual pp 121-123

Programs
• Pathfinder Day (Pathfinder Sabbath)
– Pathfinder Club leads out in the church
service taking charge of ALL aspects
• Flag Processional & Pledges
• Doing Special Music
• Calling for & Picking up the Offering
• Leading in Congregational Prayer
• Asking a Speaker in for the Sermon or
Someone(s) in the Club presenting the Sermon
NOTE: The order of varies by church
Special Staff Manual pp 124-126

Programs
• Induction Ceremony
– Happens at the Beginning of the Year
– It is a ceremony to formally welcome new
Pathfinders to the organization
– Typically happens as a vespers or evening
service with Pathfinders, staff, & parents in
attendance
– The service typically includes a candle
ceremony which helps to explain the
symbols and meaning of Pathfindering
Special Staff Manual pp 124-126

Programs
• Club Formal Inspection
– Director Calls Area Coordinator to Schedule
– Happens December - February
– EACH COORDINATOR DOES IT DIFFERENTLY
(Ask your’s what their expectations are)
– Entire Club Dresses in Class “A” Uniform
– Written Meeting Schedule Followed
• Includes AY Classwork & Honors
– Drill & Marching Demonstration
(standing movements & basic marching)
Special Staff Manual pp 124-126

Programs
• Parent Education
– Pathfinder Clubs traditionally
don’t do this well
– This programming section is intended for
the club to help the parents understand
their children better and be the best
parents possible for their child
– Have you done anything interesting
or helpful in your club?
Special Staff Manual pp 126-128

Programs
• Investiture (Award Ceremony)
– Concludes the Pathfinder Year
– Is usually held in the church or meeting place
– Is a showcase opportunity for Pathfinders to
demonstrate their accomplishments
– Contains a song service & worship thought
– Each club turns in a form to the
conference this weekend giving their 1st
& 2nd choice of dates in order to have a
conference representative in attendance
Special Staff Manual pp 126-128

Programs
• Investiture (Award Ceremony)
– Master Guides present Progressive Class Rank
pins & insignia
– Honors earned during the year are presented
or read off if distributed earlier
– Supplies are ordered from AdventSource
• BE SURE TO ORDER 4-6 weeks BEFORE your
Investiture Date
 Staff Manual pp 126-128

Teen Leadership
Training
Teen Leadership Staff Manual pp 126-128

Training Purpose:
• The Teen Leadership Training (TLT) program is
designed to train and mentor youth in service and
leadership skills.
• The TLT vision encompasses a core of youth fulfilling
meaningful and responsible Pathfinder leadership.
• TLT youth will experience acceptance,
achievement, and responsibility in developing
self-efficacy, self-respect, and identity through
adult-teen mentoring in a “shared service
experience” in developing a redemptive
relationship with God.
Teen Leadership Staff Manual pp 126-128

Training
Goals:
• To help teens experience their developmental needs by
making them feel:
A. A sense of achievement
B. A sense of responsibility
C. A sense of respect for authority
D. A sense of acceptance in adult leadership circles
E. A sense of life skills
Teen Leadership Staff Manual pp 126-128

Training Requirements
A. Be in grades 9-12, and submit application which has
been:
1. processed and signed by the sponsoring
Pathfinder Club Director
2. recommended by the church pastor
3. registered with the Conference Pathfinder Director.
B. Application to be renewed, accepted, and registered annually.
C. Actively participate in leadership skill
development assignments.
D. Personality traits promoted by Christian ethics and
the TLT Pledge must be an integral part of the participant’s
lifestyle.
Teen Leadership Staff Manual pp 126-128

Training The TLT Program & PF Club

- The TLT program is for those in grades 9-12 who wish
to advance into leadership positions. The program is
optional, and some teen Pathfinders may choose not to
take part.
- TLTs are not to form a separate club. They are
members of a Pathfinder club.
- In club formation, TLTs should join a regular teen unit,
or if numbers allow, they could form a
separate unit.
- In parades or other dress formations, TLTs
should form at the rear of columns, between the
Pathfinders and the staff.
Teen Leadership Staff Manual pp 126-128

Training
Leadership Skill Development Program
A. Pathfinder Club Leadership Skill Development
1. attend staff meetings
2. accept leadership responsibilities
a. club programming
b. associate staff member
c. teach AY Pathfinder curriculum
Teen Leadership Staff Manual pp 126-128

Training
Leadership Skill Development Program
B. Conference Leadership Skill Development
1. assist in Conference Pathfinder Camporee
2. assist in Conference Pathfinder Fair
3. assist in Conference special events
4. assist in marketing Pathfinder ministry
5. attend Conference Pathfinder leadership
training
6. assist in Union/Conference special events
Teen Leadership Staff Manual pp 126-128

Training
Leadership Skill Development Program
C. Union Leadership Skill Development
1. attend Union Pathfinder leadership training
2. assist Union special events
Teen Leadership Staff Manual pp 126-128

Training
Operational Dept. for TLT
A. Administrative Operations
B. AY Classwork/AY Operations
C. Outreach Operations
D. Camping/Activity Operations
E. Counseling Operations
F. Financial/Clerical Operations
Teen Leadership Staff Manual pp 126-128

Training
TLT Pledge

“Loving the Lord Jesus, I promise to take

an active part in the work of the Teen
Leadership Training program, doing what
I can to help others and to finish the
work of the gospel in all the world.”