Adventurers & Pathfinders in New Zealand

Pathfinder leader plays an important role in fulfilling the gospel commission to share God’s love with the world through their Pathfinder Club.  The Pathfinder leader is responsible for some or all of the following:

• Understanding and fulfilling the philosophy of Pathfindering.
• Providing meaningful and purposeful activi ties for all Pathfinders.
• Maintaining a positive atmosphere within the club.
• Leading and maintaining a cohesive team.
• Delegating responsibilities to staff and providing the support needed to ensure the successful completion of each task.
• Providing opportunities for staff to develop and practise new skills.
• Be involved in activities within the community.
• Be a positive example to others.
• Providing programmes to meet individuals’ needs and abilities.
• Being respectful of cultural differences.
• Being aware of group dynamics.
• Supporting both staff and Pathfinders.
• Being committed to supporting young peo ple, even through difficult times.
• Being accepting of each young person and providing a programme that is all inclusive.
• Presenting the Pathfinder calendar to the Church Board for approval.
• Communicating the yearly calendar to all families involved.
• Conducting Risk Management analyses for all off-site activities and presenting these to the Church Board and the Conference Youth Department for approval and recommenda- tions.
• Organising and storing permission notes to meet legal obligations.
• Maintaining up-to date health details of all Pathfinders.
• Regularly communicating with parents.
• Ensuring the Child Protection Code of Con- duct is adhered to at all times.
• Ensuring the safe supervision of all activities. 
• Attending conference leadership training weekends.
• Providing a regular club report to the local church.

Time Commitment

The time commitment for Pathfinder ministry is relatively high, but very rewarding.  Clubs meet regularly in club meetings (indoors) or outdoors for activities or camping. It is up to the individual club to set the annual Pathfinder calendar according to their needs and to allow for flexibility for leaders, however it is expected that clubs attend all conference events when hosted.  Your work as a Pathfinder leader may involve preparation during the week.

• Faith and commitment to God
• Active and growing relationship with God
• Passion for young people
• Vision
• Willingness to receive counsel from others
• Respect for and awareness of cultural differences
• Ability to empower and mentor others
• Commitment and perseverance
• Confidentiality
• Honesty and trustworthiness
• Enthusiastic
• Commitment to the ideals of Pathfindering
• Enjoy the outdoors
• Resourceful and creative
• Well organised

Pathfinder clubs operate for young people 10 – 15 years of age.  Studies have revealed that during these formative years most young people will make decisions for life with Christ.  It is vital that this age group in particular are supported by caring adults who love and nurture them.  

The desired outcomes of the Pathfinder programme are to:

• Provide opportunities for Pathfinders to accept God’s invitation of personal salvation.
• Help Pathfinders understand that God loves them, cares for them and appreciates them.
• Encourage Pathfinders to discover their own God-given potential.
• Build lifelong friendships within the local club and between clubs in local Conference/Mission territories.
  
• Develop a healthy appreciation of God’s creation.
• Teach specific skills and hobbies that will better equip Pathfinders in life.
• Teach the importance of health and fitness.
• Foster holistic development – physical, social, intellectual, emotional, aesthetic and spiritual – of each Pathfinder.