About
Pathfinders is a fun, social and hands-on way for your child to learn new skills and discover this world God has created for us.
Junior and teens aged 10 to 15 years can attend camping trips where our experienced, qualified volunteers will teach survival skills, camping craft and guide them towards discovering the exciting wonders of the outdoors.
Much of our yearly program is packed with adventure filled outdoor activities, like camping, abseiling, hiking, downhill bike riding and learning to surf!
Pathfinders will challenge your child, making them stronger physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
You can read more on the official Pathfinder Australia site, which also covers:
Are you ready for adventure? Register today!
The Wahroonga Pathfinder club is the first Pathfinder Club in Australia, established 74 years ago in 1952. It has been run by parent and youth volunteers since.
Club meetings are generally held monthly and run on Saturday afternoons starting around 4pm and go through to the evening, usually finishing around 8-8:30pm.
During club meetings Pathfinders participate in club pursuits (learning games) and class pursuits (crafts, hobbies, devotional activities, honours).
Wahroonga Pathfinders runs the Way to Go program which divides the club into three levels: junior, intermediate and senior. There are six achievement classes, two per level:
| Level | Class | Colour | Age / Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Friend | Blue | Age 10 / Year 5 |
| Level 1 | Companion | Red | Age 11 / Year 6 |
| Level 2 | Explorer | Green | Age 12 / Year 7 |
| Level 2 | Ranger | Grey | Age 13 / Year 8 |
| Level 3 | Voyager | Brown | Age 14 / Year 9 |
| Level 3 | Guide | Gold | Age 15 / Year 10 |
At the completion of each class, Pathfinders receive a pin, pocket strip and chevron at the year-end Investiture ceremony.
Master Guide is available for those aged 16 and older. It's a respected junior leadership and personal development program that equips participants with leadership skills in the context of Pathfinders and the Seventh-day Adventist church.
The investiture program occurs at the end of the Pathfinder year, celebrating the commitment and effort put in by the Pathfinders. Each Pathfinder is encouraged to achieve the requirements for each level during the year, enabling them to be invested.
The Investiture Service is like a "graduation" and is a highlight of the Pathfinder program. It recognises their achievement and helps them feel part of their community.
To qualify for Investiture, the program asks that Pathfinders meet certain requirements for things like attendance, pursuits and honours.
To be invested and receive a class pin, each Pathfinder must complete:
- 75% attendance of all scheduled events.
- 75% of pursuits (30 of 40 hours).
- 2 honours (including compulsory honours).
- 10 Bible Verse Memory Gems (memorised).
- Journal maintained to an acceptable standard.
- Exhibit the spirit of Pathfinders.
Advanced Bar
Pathfinders who go above and beyond can earn an additional ribbon bar by completing:
- 90% attendance of all scheduled events.
- 90% of pursuits (36 of 40 hours).
- 5 honours (including 2 compulsory honours).
- 15 Bible Verse Memory Gems (memorised).
- Journal maintained to a high standard.
A record of each Pathfinder's progress is kept in their journal, which needs to be filled in and signed off for investiture to occur.
Essential equipment
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sleeping bag | We recommend a -5°C rated bag. Anything warmer won't be enough in winter; anything colder will be too hot in summer. |
| Sleeping mat | A rolled sleeping mat to insulate against cold ground and provide cushioning. |
| Hiking boots | Sturdy hiking shoes or boots for safety and comfort on trails. |
| Backpack | A proper-fitting, well-constructed backpack for expedition and hiking camps. |
| Cooking equipment | A portable stove and utensils (pot, plate, bowl, cutlery). |
| Water bottle | 1 litre minimum; more for hiking. |
| Wet weather gear | A poncho or waterproof jacket. |
| Torch | A headlamp is ideal. |
You don't need to buy a tent — the club supplies tents for all camp-outs.
Tips
- Keep an eye out for sales at Kathmandu, Macpac, Snowgum and other outdoor stores.
- The club has some second-hand equipment available.
- Many families are happy to lend equipment — ask your Class Leader or Club Director if you need help.
Pathfinders will require both the standard dress uniform for special occasions, and our club field uniform for all other club events.
To purchase items of dress uniform, please visit the Adventist Book Centre (ABC) at the SAN in Wahroonga, where you are welcome to try on various sizes. Alternatively, you can order online.
There are some dress uniforms available second hand, please contact our uniform coordinator to see what is available.
The field uniform and the Wahroonga club name patch can be purchased during registration.
How much does it cost?
We try to keep costs to a minimum — the club and all activities are run by volunteers.
- Annual membership: approximately $100 per Pathfinder.
- Food levy: approximately $40 per adult volunteer who participates in hall meetings.
- Camp fees: approximately $25 per camp (varies depending on the camp).
What is an honour?
Honours are badges that Pathfinders earn by learning new skills. There are over 300 honours covering a wide range of interests — from art to music, fire lighting to photography, candle making to camping craft.
On completion of an honour, the Pathfinder receives a patch that is sewn onto their dress uniform sash. Pathfinders take great pride in displaying their achievements!
Can we join if we're not Adventist?
Yes! Pathfinders is sponsored by local Adventist churches, but youth of any faith group (or none at all) are welcome to join. We ask that you be respectful of Adventist beliefs and observances whilst participating in Pathfinder activities.
What are Adventist observances?
- Sabbath is from sunset Friday evening until sunset Saturday evening. It's a time to reflect on God and spend time with friends and family (and away from electronic devices). Financial transactions don't occur on Sabbath.
- When Pathfinders have shared meals (at hall meetings and camps), these are always vegetarian.
- Alcohol, smoking/vaping and other drugs are not permitted for Pathfinders or parents attending Pathfinder activities.
A valid/current Working With Children Check is required for all helpers.
- Teaching the Pathfinders a skill so they can get an honour - There are honours on many topics, if you have a particular interest or passion you'd like to share, get in touch with your level leader and let them know.
- Helping at a Camp - Specific tasks vary, contact Level leader and they will advise how you can help out.
- Transport - children and/or equipment - Communication about various activities will alert to the need to assistance, please respond to the emails.
- Equipment care and stocktaking - Contact our equipment coordinator at a Pathfinder hall meeting and they will advise how you can assist.
- Fund Raising Activities - Specific tasks vary and will be communicated, key dates at Dad's Camp Out and Food Stall at SAN Carols at Christmas
If you're able to help, please contact the Club director.