Introduction
The Pathfinder Club is a church-centred spiritual-recreational-activity program designed for young people 10 to 15 years of age. The Pathfinder Club 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 (Pathfinder Administration Manual, 2004).
Pathfinder Club Objectives
The Pathfinder Club curriculum of six classes and nearly 250 Honours lies at the heart of the program. The following objectives can be achieved as the club leaders seek to fulfil these:
i) Help the young people to understand that God and His church love them, care for them, and appreciate them.
ii) Encourage Pathfinders to discover their own God-given potential and to use their gifts and abilities to fulfil God's expectations for them and the part they can play in the great plan of salvation.
iii) Inspire young people to give personal expression of their love for God by uniting them together in various outreach activities.
iv) 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 / her own personal development. The peak time for discovering and making a relationship with God seems to be around 12 years of age.
v) Build into a Pathfinder's life a healthy appreciation and love for God's creation by enjoying outdoor activity (campouts, nature walks, nature honours, 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.
vi) Teach Pathfinders specific skills and hobbies that will make their lives more meaningful and will occupy their time with profitable accomplishments.
vii) 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).
viii) 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.
ix) Seek to foster the harmonious development of the physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual life of the Pathfinder.
