New Pathfinders

Information for Parents and Carers

If your child is new to Pathfinders, the information below explains how registration, costs, camps, uniforms, and parent involvement work at Wallsend Pathfinder Club.

Registering for Pathfinders

All Pathfinder-aged children must complete an annual online registration. Parents who intend to help with the club or attend camps must also complete registration for themselves.

We strongly encourage parents to read the club policies in the Parents area before registering.

Join or Renew

Annual Fees (per Pathfinder)

Financial Assistance

If these costs are likely to cause financial hardship, please contact the Pathfinder Director. We do not want the cost of joining to prevent your child from enjoying Pathfinders.

Camping Fees

Registered Members

Camping fees vary depending on the type and length of the camp, but are generally around $38 per camp per Pathfinder.

Camp applications are made online prior to each camp via the Wallsend Pathfinders website. Camp information will clearly indicate whether costs apply only to the Pathfinder or also to any attending adults.

Non-Members

A child who is not annually registered may attend one camp only. The cost is usually around $50.

In this case, the child must complete:

• Online registration and medical forms
• The camp attendance registration form

Camp Information and Online Registrations

Camp details and online permission forms will be available via the Member Jungle App approximately 2–3 weeks before each camp.

The email address and mobile phone number you provide at registration will be used as your primary contact details.

Camp information will include:

• Departure and arrival times
• Emergency contact details
• The name of the camp first aid person

Any medical conditions, medications, or recent illnesses must be noted on the permission form so they can be discussed prior to departure.

Registrations close at 11:59pm on the Sunday one week before the camp. This deadline is strictly applied to allow safe planning and transport arrangements.

If you expect difficulty getting your child to the departure point on time, please notify a leader in advance so alternative arrangements can be discussed.

Online registration for each Pathfinder and Leader must be completed before departure. This is an insurance requirement.

Parent, Adult and Teen Helpers

Medical and Emergency Details

Any person attending a Pathfinder event in any capacity (parent, adult helper, or teen helper) must register for the event.

Registrations must be completed using a login in your own name. You must not register yourself using your child’s or another person’s login.

Annual registration is required before you can register for a camp or event. This ensures your medical and emergency contact details are available during the activity.

First Camp for Parents

Parents of first-time Pathfinders may attend their child’s first camp if needed. All adults attending must meet the general expectations for parents and the Child Protection requirements outlined below.

While we discourage “helicopter parenting”, we recognise that both children and parents go through a transition when attending camps for the first time.

Parents can help by practising basic camp skills, such as camp cooking, with their child before the first camp.

Our club is supported by experienced and committed parent leaders who prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all children.

General Expectations for Parents Attending Camps

• Discuss attendance with the camp organiser in advance
• Register for the event using your own login
• Meet all Child Protection requirements before the event
• Be actively engaged in club activities during the camp
• Camp in the same way as the rest of the club (generally in tents)
• Support and encourage your child to fully participate
• Assist with transport when requested (petrol costs may be reimbursed)
• Attend all leader briefings during the camp

Parents with relevant skills or experience that may benefit the club are encouraged to discuss this with the Club Director.

Child Protection Requirements

All adults attending Pathfinder events must understand and follow Child Protection principles. These protect both Pathfinders and adults.

Our Child-Safe Code of Conduct outlines these requirements and can be downloaded from the website.

All Pathfinder Events

Any adult attending a Pathfinder event must hold a current Working With Children (WWC) number.

WWC applications are completed online via: NSW Working With Children Check

Once received, the WWC clearance email (including your date of birth) must be forwarded to the Child Protection Coordinator at wallsendpfcp@gmail.com.

Overnight Pathfinder Events

In addition to a WWC number, adults attending overnight events must:

• Sign the AdSafe online Code of Conduct
• Complete AdSafe Safer Churches Training
• Forward confirmation emails to the Child Protection Coordinator

If all requirements are not received in time, adults will not be permitted to stay overnight at the event.

Uniforms

Wallsend Pathfinder Club has two uniforms:

• Field Uniform – worn at most meetings and camps
• Dress Uniform – worn at special events such as ANZAC Day, Camporee, Fairs and Investiture

The Field Uniform is a green and black polo shirt with the club logo.

The Field Shirt and sash are included in the New Pathfinder registration. Additional shirts ($30) and sashes ($15) may be purchased if needed.

The Dress Uniform shirt is provided as part of the initial registration fee.

Award Ceremony

The annual Award Ceremony is called Investiture. Investiture is held during a church service on a Saturday morning, usually in late November or early December.

To receive awards for their year level, Pathfinders must participate in at least 75% of the annual program.

This includes activities such as camps, camporee, expeditions, community projects and fundraising.

Awards and honour patches earned throughout the year are presented at this ceremony.