Pathfinder Staff Training Course Unit 1 Introduction • • • • What is Pathfindering? History of Pathfindering Goals of Pathfindering Pathfinder Pledge, Law, Aim, Motto & Song • Financing a Pathfinder Club • Meaning of Pathfinder Emblem What is a Pathfinder Club? • It is a worldwide program organized by the SDA church for the benefit of youths • It offers a wide range of wholesome learning experiences for youth (10-16 yrs of age) that test both their mind and muscle • It develops boys and girls into the fullness of manhood & womanhood • It prepares youth not just for this world but for eternity to come History of the Pathfinder Club • Club forerunners MV societies, Boys’ Clubs, Mission Scouts • First club started 1946 • First director Francis Hunt • First club Riverside, California, USA • Logo designer John Hancock • Flag designer & song composer Henry Bergh • Recognition by G.C. 1950 • Pathfinder Day first celebrated 1957 Jean Scully & daughter relatives of Pathfinder pioneer John McKim Jean Scully (daughter of John McKim) & Maurine Fackett (daughter of Dr. Johnson) children of Pathfinder pioneers Goals of the Pathfinder Club • Lead youth to Christ and hold them loyal to Him and the church. • Demonstrate the attractiveness of Christian ideals. • Guide our boys and girls into active missionary service and community service. • Develop good character and citizenship as well as physical fitness. • Teach a variety of practical skills and recreational pursuits. • Guide them in their physical, mental, social and spiritual growth. (Luke 2:52) Pathfinder Pledge (7 parts) • • • • • By the Grace of God, I will be pure, and kind, and true. I will keep the Pathfinder Law. • I will be a servant of God • And a friend to man. Pathfinder Law (8 parts) • • • • • Keep the morning watch Do my honest part Care for my body Keep a level eye Be courteous and obedient • Walk softly in the sanctuary • Keep a song in my heart • Go on God’s errands Pathfinder Song (composer - Henry Bergh) Oh! We are the Pathfinders strong. The servants of God are we. Faithful as we march along, in truth and purity. A message to tell to the world. A truth that will set us free. King Jesus our Saviour is coming back, for you and me. Pathfinder Aim The advent message to all the world in this generation Pathfinder Motto For the love of Christ constraineth us Pathfinder Club Sources of Income • Club dues • Church subsidy • Pathfinder Day offering • Sponsorship by church members • Fund raising Meaning of the Pathfinder Emblem § § § § § § § Emblem Meaning Colour Red Colour White Colour Gold Colour Blue Shield Sword Three sides Sacrifice Purity Excellence Loyalty Protection Bible Trinity & Tripod of Education
