Duties:
There are various elements that make up the Pathfinder Club program. The main ones are listed below.
- Programming. A large share of the Pathfinder Club’s time is involved in organizing Pathfinder Club programming. These include a wide variety of activities such as regular club meetings, Pathfinder Sabbath each year, social events, campouts, and outreach projects. The programming of the Pathfinder Club is designed to provide varied and interesting opportunities for children. The goal is to lead each child to a relationship with Jesus.
- Planning. The Pathfinder director develops a yearly calendar of activities and a budget. The Pathfinder Club staff gets involved by giving suggestions that might improve and expand on the ideas already presented. Major plans must pass the approval of the church board and it must coordinate with the program of the local conference.
- Recruiting and supervising. The Pathfinder director is responsible for recruiting staff to help with club activities. The Pathfinder Club staff is made up of volunteers: adults and youth. All staff are under the supervision of the Pathfinder director.
- Teaching. The Pathfinder director assists the young people in learning outdoor skills; developing spiritual values (which of course is of prime importance to us as a church), and serving in ways which could be beneficial in saving lives in their communities. Crafts are always an enjoyable part of the meetings and the Pathfinder director should be right there (along with her or his staff) to answer any questions pertaining to completing various projects assigned.
- Listening to parents and children. The effective Pathfinder director enjoys young people and can relate to them in a way that makes them feel comfortable around him. He or she should let them know by their actions and words that he/she is their friend and is there to listen to them when they have any problems, especially those of a spiritual nature.
- Communication. The Pathfinder director should make sure the children, parents and the entire church are made aware that there is a viable Pathfinder Club. The program should be promoted in all departments since there are areas of interest to all ages.
- AY Class Instructors Manual. Requirements and teacher helps for Friend, Companion, Explorer, Ranger, Voyager and Guide classwork.
- Honors Handbook. Requirements for all honors.
- Pathfinder Staff Manual. Complete operating guide for your Pathfinder club.
- We Are the Pathfinders Strong, by Willie Oliver with Pat Humphrey. Illustrated history of Pathfindering.
Background Check and Online Child Safety Training:
Anyone working in Children’s ministries at Cicero Church is required to complete Shield the Vulnerable which is a background check and an online training seminar (approx. 45-60 minutes to complete) before assuming role. You may contact church office or pastoral staff to arrange for training
Time Commitment:
Time will vary depending on the programming and amount of help.
Resource Materials:
Randy Griffin – Pathfinder Director