thumb|alt=Pathfinder Camp Area: Lake Whitney Ranch, Texas|200x200px|Pathfinder Camp Area: Lake Whitney Ranch, Texas

The Pathfinder Club, or simply Pathfinders, is a department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA), which works specifically with the cultural, social and religious education of children and teens. Children 10 years to 16 are eligible to become members of the club as students. Teens and adults older then 16 can become teachers and assistant teacher.

Though similar in many respects to Scouting, Pathfinders have a stronger religious emphasis. The Pathfinder Club has been an official component of the SDA church's youth ministry since 1950. The current director of the program is Andrés J. Peralta.

An estimated 38% of Adventist youth under the age of 18 "Are members of Pathfinders or a similar church-sponsored youth group", according to a 2002 worldwide survey of local church leaders.

History

The first step towards the organization of the Pathfinders Club within the Adventist Church in 1907 when the Department of Youth Missionary Volunteer (Volunteer Missionary Society) was established under the leadership of Pastor Milton Early Kern.

thumb|200px|right|Pr. Samuthram in 1958, founder of the "Society of Missionary Volunteers" in [[Malaysia]]

In 1909 are the first organized societies Missionary Volunteer Youth (MVY), and in 1914 developed the first lessons to be MVJ's, that would be the precursor of the progressive classes Pathfinder. was founded in Takoma Park, Maryland. Three clubs were formed in Takoma Park in 1911, they were: "Scouts Missions", "Woodland Clan & Pals" and "Takoma Indians". They were characterized by only accepting registration for boys. In 1919 Arthur Spalding founded the club "Scouts Missionaries", in Madison County, Tennessee. Spalding studied the organization, made compatible with the spiritual goals of the Adventist Church (a feature that was not initially adopted by clubs from Takoma Park), rules and created the outline of the movement. The "Scouts Missionaries" developed the fundamental ideals for the current club of pathfinders.

Since the formalization of the movement as the SDA program, it has undergone some upgrades, the most significant being:

  • (1958) Development of progressive classes;
  • (1959) Development of physical classes (gold and silver medals);
  • (1976) Addition of honor "Master Awards" to the curriculum of the club;
  • (1982) The global emblem Missionary Volunteer is replaced by the Pathfinder world emblem, and the name Missionary Volunteer falls into disuse;
  • (1988) A major overhaul of the Pathfinder curriculum to modernize the teaching methods;
  • (2012) The second general review of the Pathfinders curriculum is carried out;

In January 2018, there were more than 1.5 million Pathfinders and 40,000 clubs, spread over more than 150 countries.

Philosophy and objectives

The Pathfinder Club is centered in the "physical-mental-spiritual tripod", which develops activities to meet the needs and interests of children and adolescents between 10 and 15 years old,

Much of the Pathfinder Club program is built around physical activities. According to the philosophy, many of the club activities involve action, adventure, challenge and group activities, which "provide opportunities for the development of new attitudes and skills that produce personal growth, team and community spirit,". These are part of the tripod of the philosophy to work towards "citizenship and loyalty" and that preach respect for "God, His creation, and His church."

While the Pathfinder Club exists primarily for the youth, one of its primary purposes is to also meet parents and church members through an active involvement with the club. The purpose of this involvement is to correct (or suppress) the gap between generations approaching youth and adults. And to work and have fun together in a bond of common experience. The way they see the leaders and parental values is used as a spiritual and social role model.

Leadership role

thumb|200px|Pathfinder Club Scarf|alt=

The leadership role is to "help young people understand and love God and to watch over the church and the next."

  • "Encourage Pathfinders to discover their God-given potential and use their gifts and skills to meet the expectations of the plan of salvation";
  • "Inspire them to give personal expression of their love for God, uniting with other youth in various extension activities";
  • "Becoming number one priority club program the personal salvation of every Pathfinder";
  • "Building on the groundbreaking appreciation for a healthy life (enjoy outdoor activities) and cultivate in them a love for God's creation";
  • "Teach the groundbreaking immersive and interactive skills in order to make the time and talents of the most significant youth";
  • He should "encourage the Pathfinder to keep physically fit, and teaches them to take care of your body and establish habits that will give your health benefits";
  • "Provide opportunities for development of leadership by encouraging club members working together and sharing the responsibilities of leadership.";
  • "And aim to promote the harmonious development of pathfinder, taking care of all necessary aspects, be they physical, social, intellectual and spiritual."

Organization

Each Pathfinder club is run by a director of the club, deputy directors, counselors, instructors, chaplain, secretary and treasurer.

The club is divided into separate units, classified by age. Each unit has an average of six or eight pathfinders, depending on club size, who are accompanied by a counselor. The counselor is the unit leader. The unit functions as a cell of the club, or "micro-club" because it also develops an administrative organization chart with a captain and a secretary, and develops practical and theoretical activities through interaction among its members. Regions usually have the authority to develop longer term activities (e.g. camporees), demanding more effort and planning, also supporting the clubs through the "regional team".

Physical health

As part of the official program, physical activity is valued, per the philosophy of the club stating that "juveniles (between 10 and 15 years)

In spiritual matters, it carries out various activities to engage youth.

One example activity that strengthens both the spiritual and mental realms is known as the Pathfinder Bible Experience. This is a friendly competition that encourages youth to study and memorize entire books of the Bible.

Christian citizenship

Within the spiritual realm there is the notion of Christian citizenship

Specialties and masters

The specials are theoretical and practical activities focused on certain specific theme, like intensive courses. Your goal is to take the Pathfinder assimilate new knowledge from areas related to nutrition and health, to recreational areas so that empower and train to handle many different situations.