New Members Booklet
Contents Welcome to Pathfinders.....................................3 What is Pathfinders?.........................................4 Pathfinder Pledge..............................................6 Pathfinder Law...................................................7 Honours................................................................8 Classes.................................................................9 Investiture.........................................................11 Uniform...............................................................13 Activities............................................................14 Conference Expedition.......................................14 Leadership Award...............................................15 Equipment............................................................16 Costs.....................................................................20 Health & Safety.................................................23
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Welcom
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What is Pathfinders? Pathfinders is a church-centred, spiritual-recreational program for young people 10 to 16 years of age. It is filled with action, adventure and challenge. It allows children to develop new attitudes and skills. These are skills that will produce personal growth, team spirit and a sense of loyalty, and respect for God, His creation and His church. The whole philosophy of Pathfindering is built on the premise that children learn best by example rather than commands. As they see leader 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. Foremost, the ideals and objectives of the Seventh-day Adventist Church are taught through an active learning program, which appeals to the learning style of this age group.
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Pathfinder Pledge The Pathfinder Pledge and Law is an important part of Pathfinders. Thousands of Pathfinders each year learn and commit to the Pathfinder Pledge and Law for the sole purpose of growing closer to others and to God.
Loving the Lord my God I will Daily seek His presence, Show friendship to others, Keep the Pathfinder Law, And honour my country.
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Pathfinder Law The Pathfinder Law is for me to Look for 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, And go where He sends.
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Honours Pathfinders derive a great deal of satisfaction in obtaining honours. For a Pathfinder to earn an honour, the leaders expect that person will have done their very best. If you as a parent have a skill in a particular area and have time to share your skill, we would love to hear from you as we are always looking for a new challenge for the Pathfinders. On completion of an honour, the Pathfinder receives a small patch token. This is then sewn onto the dress uniform sash.
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Classes Pathfinders are separated into different class groups based on the age of the child. One class is completed each year. These classes are: Level 1 Friend Companion
10 years old 11 years old
Level 2 Explorer Ranger
12 years old 13 years old
Level 3 Voyager Guide
14 years old 15 years old
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Investiture Investiture takes place during a church service run by the Pathfinders and is usually held in late November or early December each year. Each child is encouraged to achieve the requirements so they can advance to the next level. To be invested, Pathfinders must participate in at least 75% of prepared activities and attend at least 75% of their club’s annual program. Children must complete at least two honours, learn and understand 10 Bible texts and exhibit the spirit of Pathfinders. Attendance in 75% of the class activities includes hall nights (if applicable), campouts, Pathfinder days, camporee, expedition, Pathfinder fair, community projects and fundraising. It is necessary for the leaders to adhere rigidly to this in order to make it fair on those who do attend and put in the required effort. We trust that you will support your child in this endeavour with transport to events, and encouragement and support.
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Uniform Dress Uniform Dress unifom is used for formal occasions like Pathfinder day, investiture day and camporee opening parade. If you were to purchase a full dress uniform, it would cost around $200. We are aware this is an expensive purchase for something that is only worn a few times a year, and that your child may grow out of it quickly. For this reason most clubs have a uniform pool that can cater for most sizes. If you utilise the uniform pool, we ask that you please treat the uniform with care and make sure that it is returned when no longer required. The sash is the only part of the dress uniform that each child will need to purchase new. All honour badges and Conference patches are to be sewn onto the sash.
Field Uniform For all club activities, the field uniform must be worn. This consists of a club T-shirt, comfortable pants, shorts or skirt, and comfortable walking shoes/sneakers.
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Activities All activities for the year are outlined in the Pathfinder Club calendar. Campouts are usually held over both Friday and Saturday nights. They are usually held in a bush setting where Pathfinders cater for and prepare their own meals.
Conference Expedition The Conference Expetition is held once a year over an entire long weekend. Pathfinders are required to be completely self-sufficient on the expedition. They are required to carry a pack with their own gear, food, sleeping bag and tent (shared between two or three). The expedition is divided into varying levels to cater for the different ages and abilities represented.
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Leadership Award The Pathfinder Leadership Award is training provided for Master Guides, Counsellors and Leaders. They are held over a number of weekends at Yarrahapinni Conference Centre at Stuarts Point (near Macksville). If you are interesed in attending these meetings, please contact the club Director. Application forms, which outline the topics to be covered, are available one month prior to to the weekend.
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Equipment Camping and hiking gear can be expensive. Gear needs to be chosen carefully in order to get best value for money. The following guide takes into account cost and efficiency. Please label clearly (with permanent ink) all your child’s equipment with their name and phone number.
Shoes/Boots A decent pair of sturdy boots or shoes is necessary for both safety and comfort. Thongs or sandals are not appropriate for the Australian bush!
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Backpack It is very important that a proper-fitting, wellconstructed back pack be obtained. You may be looking at around $100 for something that is suitable.
Sleeping Mat Each child should have a sleeping mat that can be rolled up. This is essential for all campouts to insulate against cold ground and to provide a small amount of comfort.
Sleeping Bag Liner/ Inner Sheet Although not complusory, it is wise to have one as they keep the sleeping bag free from dirt, grease and sand, etc. An inner sheet will also add warmth to a sleeping bag.
Sleeping Bag These come in thousands of shapes, designs, materials and temperature ratings. We recommend you consider purchasing a -5o rated bag. Anything lower will be too hot for summer and anything higher will be not keep your child warm in winter.
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Cooking Equipment Wet Weather Gear A nylon-type poncho is cheap, compact and required on all campouts regardless of the forecast.
Each child will need to supply their own cooking equipment, including a stove (eg, Hexalite or gas) and utensils (cooking pot, place, bowl, cutlery, etc.). Don’t forget matches and/or a lighter.
Torch
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Each child must have their own torch. We recommend a compact LED torch that is light for carrying on hikes. Don’t forget spare batteries. Head torches are great for setting up in the dark and for hiking, but are not complusory.
Thermal Underwear Tent The club will supply tents for all campouts including the expedition, but if you would like to buy your own tent, please see the leaders for advice.
These are not compulsory, but make winter camping more comfortable — particularly on cold nights. We recommend polypropylene or woolen thermals (not Kmart/Coles/ Woolworths).
Water Bottle A one litre water bottle is required for all campouts and Pathdinder activities. The club (unless otherwise notified) will supply water in drums for all campouts. The only exception is expedition when each Pathfinder is required to carry all their own water.
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Costs Club Fees The club registration fee covers most of the materials your child will need to carry out class work and honours. It also covers honour and Conference badges.
Uniform A new dress uniform costs about $200, but as stated earlier, most clubs have a uniform pool from which you can borrow uniform items. A new dress sash, costing $15 each, is required for each child. A field uniform club polo shirt is also required for each child. Please check with your club as to the cost.
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Campouts Please check with your club to find out the fee charged for each campout. This is required to be paid before leaving for each campout.
Conference Expedition The annual Conference Expedition cost is determined by the Conference (in 2012 this cost was $28 per person).
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Health & Safety Pathfinder events are designed to be enjoyable and safe for all involved. In the unfortunate case of a child being uncontrollable, the child’s parents/guardian will be notified by phone, and asked to come and pick them up. A number of items are not permitted at Pathfinder camps. If found they will be confiscated and returned at the end of the campout. These include: • • •
Knives and weapons MP3 players Digital games and electronic gadgets
Lollies/sweets in large quantities are not permitted for a number of reasons. They attract ants, they leave a sticky mess in tents, their wrappers tend to be left on the ground and they are not healthy when eaten in large quantities. Mobile phones are permitted, but are only to be used for contacting parents/guardians while traveling to and from the campout. They must remain in packs the remainder of the campout.
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NORTH NSW CONFERENCE YOUTH DEPARTMENT nnswyouth.com.au