About Wallsend Pathfinders
What is Pathfinders?
Pathfinders is a church-centred, spiritual and recreational program for young people aged 10 to 16 years.
With more than 1.1 million members across 80% of the countries of the world, Pathfinders is a global movement that combines faith, adventure, service and personal growth.
The program is filled with action, adventure and challenge. It supports young people to develop new attitudes and practical skills that encourage personal growth, teamwork, loyalty, and respect for God, His creation, and His church.
While Pathfinders is sponsored by local Seventh-day Adventist churches, young people of any faith background are welcome to join.
The Philosophy of Pathfindering
The philosophy of Pathfindering is based on the belief that children learn best through example rather than command.
As children observe leaders and parents modelling strong spiritual and social values, they are encouraged to develop high moral principles, loving and caring attitudes, and a determination to excel in their pursuits.
The ideals and objectives of the Seventh-day Adventist Church are taught through an active learning program that is designed to suit the learning style of this age group.
Activities
Pathfinder Club activities are wide-ranging and designed to challenge the unique talents of each participant.
Activities include community and world development projects, as well as a wide variety of outdoor and recreational experiences such as:
- Parades and community events
- Backpacking and camping
- Park clean-ups
- Caving and abseiling
- Mountain bike riding
- Surfing and canyoning
When camping, Pathfinders even plan and cook their own meals.
The Pathfinder Pledge
Loving the Lord my God I will
Daily seek His presence
Show friendship to others
Keep the Pathfinder Law
And honour my country
The Pathfinder Law
The Pathfinder Law is for me to:
- Look for the good in others
- Aim to do my best
- Love and respect my family
- Be thankful for what I have
- Preserve God’s creation
- Take care of my health
- Be involved in my church
- Go where He sends
Wallsend Pathfinder Club – Pathfinder Philosophy
- Help Pathfinders understand that God loves them, cares for them, and values them. As they are accepted and affirmed, they grow in appreciation of God’s love revealed through the church and its ministry.
- Encourage Pathfinders to discover their God-given potential and use their gifts and abilities in fulfilling God’s expectations and their role in the plan of salvation.
- Inspire Pathfinders to express their love for God through participation in outreach and service activities.
- Make the personal salvation of every Pathfinder the highest priority of the club. The Pathfinder age is a significant time for decision-making and spiritual growth, with many discovering a relationship with God around twelve years of age.
- Build an appreciation and love for God’s creation through outdoor activities such as campouts, nature walks and nature Honours. Through these experiences, Pathfinders develop a sense of wonder, worship and fellowship with God.
- Teach practical skills and hobbies that enrich life and encourage productive use of time, including hands-on activities using materials such as wood, plastic, steel, clay and yarn.
- Encourage physical fitness and healthy living habits to support future wellbeing and usefulness.
- Provide opportunities for leadership development by encouraging cooperation between Pathfinders, parents, youth, church and community members.
- Foster balanced development of the physical, social, intellectual and spiritual life of each Pathfinder, following the example of Jesus who grew in wisdom, stature and favour with God and man (Luke 2:52).
Wallsend Pathfinder Club – Code of Conduct
The purpose of Pathfindering is to support the spiritual, physical, mental and social development of young people. This is achieved through the guidance and example of dedicated leaders who help Pathfinders live out the Pathfinder Pledge and Law.
Pathfinders are expected to:
- Have respect for God
- Participate in all activities
- Live according to the Pathfinder Pledge and Law
- Respect their own dignity and the dignity of others
- Wear suitable and modest dress
- Refrain from offensive language
- Show respect to all Pathfinders and leaders
- Act responsibly at all times, recognising that their words and actions are an example to others and the community
- Exercise good judgment in all relationships, both within and outside Pathfinders
- Respect personal privacy, especially during sleeping, changing, bathing and ablutions at Pathfinder activities
- Understand that bullying, abuse, neglect or any form of mistreatment is unacceptable
- Refrain from bringing electronic devices, including phones and games, to Pathfinder events unless prior permission is given by the Director
- Refrain from the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs
This Code of Conduct is expected of all Pathfinders.