ClubOrganization

Pathfindering on ThreeLevels

Preadolescent or Junior-Ages 10-12Adolescent or Teen--Ages 13-15Counselor-in-Training-Ages 14-15 (See page 110)Objective i-.i'' <-;.•,

The objective of the Pathfinder club is to interestand challenge the young people of each age group.

Organization

Where possible, those in grades 5 and 6 (age 10 to12) are organized into a Junior Pathfinder club.Those in grades 7, 8, 9, and 10 (age 13-15) areorganized into a Teen Pathfinder club. Theinterested, active over acheiver in grades 9 and 10should be organized into a Counselor-in-TrainingProgram. (See page 110)

Administration

When there are Junior and Teen Pathfinder clubs,they should be administered independently of eachother under the guidance of a coordinator knownas the administrative director.

Executive Council

When there are two clubs an administrative councilshould be organized with the administrative directoras chairman. The council sets major policies forclub operation, selects counselors and instructors,and approves the program as administered by theJunior and Teen Pathfinder club directors.

Officers and Duties

The Junior and Teen Pathfinder clubs should havetheir own set of officers.

Uniform

All Pathfinders must have a uniform. Uniforms helpto make one feel a part of a well-organized andgroomed program.

Keeping tiie interest ofTeen Patlifinders

Teen Pathfinders are extremely valuable to theorganization now, and in the future. Those who areamong the most capable should continue intoleadership responsibilities. Encourage them toparticipate, and continue as counselors. There is,however, a tendency for members to drop out ofthe Pathfinder club after graduating from the eighthgrade. In the larger clubs this trend begins to showeven in the seventh grade. There are physical andsociological changes taking place in the individualthat challenge the leaders. The followingsuggestions are to aid leaders in meeting thissituation:

1. Program. !t is reasonable to expect that aPathfinder who enters the organization at ageten or eleven will tend to become bored withthe program by the time he/she has had fouryears of nnembership. However, the programcontains elements that are especially suitedto older Pathfinders. Leaders and programcommittees should structure or organize theprogram in such a way that activities that aremore difficult and involve skills that teenagersconsider important are reserved for the oldermembers.

2. Special Events. Teen Pathfinders willrespond to such events as canoe expeditions,trail pack trips, disaster-relief and emergency-rescue training, wilderness survival,community-service projects, ham-radiocommunication, night field problems.Advanced AJY/Pathfinder Honors, andAdvanced AY/Pathfinder classes.

Chapter 3 • Club Organization 37

3. Responsibility. Wise counsebrs willdiscover in these older members certainaptitudes and technical skills that can beuseful in club administration. TeenPathfinders can be selected to aid the club asjunior counselors, assistant craft instructors,projector operators, equipment custodians,buglers, director's messengers or aides, etc.The feeling of being needed will build interestand nrv^rale.

4. Self-government. While regimentation isaccepted and necessary for the ten andeleven-year-olds, teenagers should beencouraged to make decisions forthemselves. They should have more of avoice in selecting and planning activities.Teens should be given opportunity to workout their own ideas.

5. Uniform. As Pathfinders grow older, theymay not care to be identified with those in thejunior club and refuse to wear a uniform.Leaders can do much to keep fourteen andfifteen-year-olds in the club by adoptingspecial uniform features for them.

Ask the Pathfinders

Here are some suggestions to follow should younotice any lagging in the Pathfinders' interest:

1. Tell the club, "We are all interested in havingthe best possible club. What do you think wecan do to make our club better?" Have agood talk about it in your unit meeting so thatin the next staff meeting the ideas can bediscussed. Let the counselors lead a frankdiscussion. Permit free discussion of theproblems, and discuss solutions for solvingthem.

2. Talk with as many individual Pathfinders aspossible. Make these talks friendly, informalchats when opportunities presentthemselves—on a hike, playing ball, beforemeetings.

3. You may develop a list of questions that willhave a bearing on the situation. Duplicate thelist and use it sometime at a club meeting asa quiz game. Each Pathfinder will check his/her sheet and turn it in unsigned. By tallyingthe answers, you will be able to find the weakpoints of the club and then set out tostrengthen your Pathfinder Club.

4. Set up a suggestion box to find out what thePathfinders want to do.

Talk to the parents of Pathfinders and askwhat the children like to do.

Relating to the Parentsof Pathfinders

Parents are to be recognized as the key "RelationalMinisters," those who nrwre than anyone else cancreate the sense of trust, tove, and concern that isfoundational to the development of 'openness' tofaith. Parents must be seen as the "primaryevangelizers" of their children. No single factorinfluences the faith development o fpersons morethan does the witness and faith life of parents.Those in youth ministry must help parents to fulfillthis vital role by offering programs to the parent inadolescent development.

The Pathfinder leader needs to understand theworld of the Pathfinder parent. (S)he must be ableto relate effectively to the parent's thinking, desires,and emotional or psychological stresses in order towork with the parent for the good of the Pathfinder.(S)he should recognize and understand that thereare at least six different types of parents.

1. Strict disciplinarian

2. Overly permissive

3. Believes child is more important than adult

4. Desires strict supervision of all Pathfinderfunctions (Nothing left to chance)

5. Academic parents-have studied humandevelopment or child psychology, know needsof eager juniors and are prepared to evaluateyour program

6. Loyal orthodox parents-"lf it is an officialprogram of the church, it is all right, and Iwant my child in it".

By understanding the parent, the Pathfinder leadercan more readily understand the reasons parentsput their children in the club. Possible reasons are:

1. To know where the child is for the two hoursor more each week that the child is at themeetings or activities.

2. To prepare for an investiture.

3. To parade in bugle corps.

4. Because other parents have their children inthe club.

38 Pathfinder Staff Manual

5. To teach discipline and respect for leadership.6. To facilitate an only child who needs to

develop friends and diminish tendenciestoward selfishness,

7. To develop certain skills in arts and crafts andlearn to survive in nature.

8. Because the membership in some clubscarries prestige.

9. They hope that the child will succeed whereparents have failed.

10. Because they admire you and secretly wanttheir child to be a Pathfinder counselor ordirector,

11. Because of the spiritual help the club affords.Some proven methods to assure parents of yourinterest in their child are:

1. Telephone call

2. Letter once a month

3. Person-to-person discussions

4. A parent meeting twice per Pathfinderquarter.

The personal touch means much to the parent. Inaddition to the above, leaders (director, deputydirector or counselor) should:

1 Acquaint parents with Pathfinder plans for themonth or year.a. Explain purpose and aims of

Pathfindering.b. Have program to honor parents monthly,

quarterly, or annually.

2. Invite parents to help in spedfic ways, suchas:

a. Driving a car.b. Using talent or skill in club.c. Offering home for party or social.d. Giving money for club expenses.

3. Express gratitude and explain howcontributions help youth.

4. An essential for strong parental support is theorganization of the PPA-Pathfinder ParentsAssociation.

Steps In Organizing aPathfinder Club

1. Counsel with the conference Pathfinderspecialist.The conference Pathfinder specialist isresponsible for guiding all clubs in theconference. A church desiring a club shouldsend an application to the conferencePathfinder spedalist. He will review the clubchari;er application and communicate with thepastor and church leadership. Whenauthorization is given to operate a Pathfinderclub, the conference Pathfinder specialist willsend a Certificate of Operation to the clubdirector (see sample on page 50 ).

2. Present the plan to the church board.Upon the recommendation of the conferencePathfinder spedalist, plans should besubmitted to the church board by a localchurch member for authorization to organize aPathfinder club, and the conference Pathfinderspecialist should be invited. It is important thatthe parents of Pathfinder-age youth supportthe plan to organize a Pathfinder club.

3. Inform the congregation during the worshipservice.

It is important that all church members beinformed about the Pathfinder club's objectivesand its program. Someone qualified byexperience to speak in behalf of the Pathfinderclub and the needs of junior youth shouldpresent this information to the entire church,preferably during the worship hour onSabbath. It might be the conference or unionPathfinder spedalist, the local church pastor, aPathfinder area coordinator, or some otherqualified person as guest speaker.

4. Call a special organizational meeting.A spedal meeting, preferably on Sabbathafternoon, should be scheduled to bringtogether those who would be interested in theorganization of a Pathfinder club. Invite allMaster Guides, all parents of primary or juniorage children, all school teachers (either publicor church school), all teachers in the primaryor junior Sabbath school divisions, all adultswho would be interested in teaching hobbiesand skills to the boys and girls, and othersinterested in junior youth. During this meetingexplain the details in regard to the Pathfinderorganization. A few Pathfinders visiting fromsome neighboring club might demonstratesome of their accomplishments and display theuniform. An appeal should be made forvolunteers to help in the Pathfinder club, and

Chapter 3 • Club Organization 39

o Junior -Teen Pathfinder Clubs Organizationi

General Conference Pathfinder DirectorI

North American Division Pathfinder DirectorI

Union Conference Pathfinder DirectorI

Local Conference Pathfinder DirectorI

Conference Pathinder Council

Church Board

c

2.

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AJY Society

-Junior Club Diredor-I

Instructors and

Chaplain

Boys Deputy Director

Unit1

Counselor for 4-8 Pathfinders

Captain

Scribe

Unit 2

Counselor for 4-8 Pathfinders

— Captain

-Scribe

Pathfinder Club Executive Committee

Administrative Director___________I___________

Girls Deputy Director

Unit 1Counselor for 4-8 Pathfinders

— Captain

-Scritje

'— Unit 2Counselor for 4-8 Pathfinders

— Captain

-Scribe

Boys Deputy Director

AY Society

Teen Club Director -I

Instructors andChaplain

Counselor in TrainingDirector

-- Unit 1

Counselor for 4-8 Pathfinders

— Captain

-Scribe

I— Unit 2Counselor for 4-8 Pathfinders

- Captain

'—Scrilje

Girls Deputy Director

UnitiCounselor for 4-8 Pathfinders

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Counselor for 4-8 Pathfinders

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an informational questionnaire should becirculated.

5. TeachthebaslcsofPathfinderlng.A basic Pathfinder staff training course asoutlined in this manual, should be taught in^r!.n h''^K?."'"'^"^y- 0"® °f ^^^ conditionsupon which the successful operation of thePathfinder club depends is an adequatenumber of trained staff. The conferencePathfinder specialist should conduct thiscourse and bring in as many instructors aspossible.

6. Elect director and deputy directors.At the close of the training course, the churchboard should become familiar with those whoare best qualified to lead out in the Pathfinderclub and recommend to the church a director,deputy directors and Pathfinder clubexecutive director.

7. The Pathfinder Club Executive Committee.The Pathfinder club executive committeeconsists of the pastor, senior AY leader,superintendents or teachers of the upperchurch school grades, club director anddeputy directors. The director is chairman.This group sets major policies for theoperation, goals, and objectives of the cluband selects counselors and instmctors.

8. Build the program.This may be the most important step in theentire organization. Program building consistsof long-range planning. The objectives of theclub over a pertod of months and yearsshould be brought into focus. The clubactivities should conform to these overallobjectives. Each meeting should be plannedin detail weeks in advance. Recognition ofthe characteristics of junior youth will lead thestaff to break the year's program into three orfour segments, each with distinct activitiesand objectives. These segments giveflexibility to the year's program, allowing newideas and features to be introduced fromperiod to period.

9. Guest Night.Guest night is on a general activity nightapproximately two or three weeks beforeenrollment night. Each Pathfinder may inviteone of his special community friends to this"guest night" club meeting. The directorshould become acquainted with each visitingyoung person. During the conversation, thedirector should ask, "Would you like to joinour Pathfinder club?" if the answer is "Yes,"visit the home the very next week and explainthe complete program, showing a willingness

'°- ISnThXef °='^'^'^'°«'^'^'a. Send letter to potential Pathfinder family

four weeks before enrollment nightD. Advertise Pathfinder programc. Receive Membership Application and

Health Record form.

Weeks before enrollment night/Event4 Church Bulletin3 Attractive Bulletin Board2 Junior & Earliteen Sabbath School

Program2 Church Missionary Period2 Director's Letter to Potential Pathfinder1 Pastor's Letter to Parent of Potential

Pathfinder

1 Church Service, Emphasizing Program0 Enrollment Night

c. Train and uniform staff beforeenrollment night.

The director, deputy directors, counselors,and instructors fonn the staff of the club.There should be a number of occasions whenthe staff comes together for training. Thuseach person becomes familiar with his dutiesand the overall scope of club activity. Thesestaff members should secure uniforms andplace Insignia properly.

11. Home visitation programCounselors should visit each Pathfinder inhis/her unit immediately.It is very important for the Pathfindercounselor to go to the home of each newPathfinder and introduce himself/herself as(child's name)'s counselor.a. If application blank and health record is

not completely filled out, do so then.b. Remind the family of club time.c. Answer all questions concerning

uniforms, campouts, club program, etc.Before leaving emphasize the fact thatas a counselor, you want to help theparent in any way you can.

12. Induction program approximately threeweeks after enrollment night. (See Section3, Chapter 2.)

13. Community and church Interest.Once a Pathfinder club is established, appealto church and community interests that havenot previously been interested. The directorshould make friends with every Pathfinderfamily. Help each non-SDA Pathfinder familybecome acquainted with the pastor. These

Chapter 3 • Club Organization 41

families can then be invited to hear what thechurch has to offer them. The Pathfinder clubshould be evangelistic.

14. Repeat steps 8-13 in planning each year'sprogram.

15. First Club Meeting.It is important that this club meeting be one offun and excitement, with membership involvedin the activities.

How to Start a Pathfinder Club booklet is availablethrough the NAD Pathfinder Distribution Center,Lincloln, NB.

Certificate of OperationThe Certificate of Operation is designed to givepublic recognition to the Pathfinder club and itsleadership. This certificate is put in such a placethat it will be exposed to the public, showing churchrecognition of the accomplishments of the localPathfinder club. (See sample on page 50.)

Requirements

1. Participe in conference-planned activities.

2. Operate an active Pathfinder club program fornine months per Pathfinder year.

3. Submit to the local conference Pathfinderdirector the following:a. Pathfinder club program outline for the

year, within four weeks of the initial clubmeeting for the Pathfinder year.

b. Pathfinder club annual budget.c. Pathfinder club membership (names and

addresses) at the beginning of eachPathfinder quarter.

4. Schedule professional Pathfinder leadershipgrowth within the Pathfinder club staff.

(Example):Director John Doe—Took Pathfinder StaffTraining Course, Read "How to UnderstandJunior Youth"

Counselor Mary Jane—Read "Better Ways toKnow the Child"Counselor Bob Jones—Attended thePathfinder Officers' Retreat

5. Plan for satisfactory Pathfinder club attitudeper semi-annual evaluation survey.

6. Calendar progression in the AY/Pathf inderclass requirements.

7. Send Pathfinder club monthly report by thefirst of the month throughout the year.

Patlifinder ClubConstitution

Article I • Name

The program for the holistic ministry to those ingrade 5 to 10 (age 10-15) within the Seventh-dayAdventist Church, and sponsored by theDepartment of Church Ministries is called thePathfinder club.

Article II - Purpose

The objectives of the Pathfinder Club are:

1. To work towards the personal commitment ofevery Pathfinder to the Lord.

2. To provide an attractive church - centeredachievement program.

3. To interest parents and senior youth inparticipating in the organized church activitiesfor youth.

4. To encourage Pathfinders to discover theirown God-given potential in service to others.

5. To foster the harmonious development of thephysical, social, intellectual and spiritual life ofthe Pathfinder.

6. To give opportunity for the development ofleadership abilities.

7. To provide an appreciation of God's lovethrough the study of nature.

8. To assist parents in education and training oftheir Pathfinder-age children.

Article III - Organization

The Pathfinder leader of the local conference is thedirector of all Pathfinder activities conducted withinthe conference area. His counsel may be solicitedin regard to any club activity. When planning majoraffairs he should be advised and may be invited toparticipate. In regional areas a district coordinatormay be appointed by the conference to act onbehalf of the conference Pathfinder leader to whomhe is directly responsible.

42 Pathfinder Staff Manual

In the local church where there is both a junior anda teen club the Pathfinder administrative director isto act as coordinator and represent them on localchurch boards. The director of the club should bean adult who is vitally interested in young peopleand who sympathetically understands the needs ofchildren and young people. Where possible, thisdirector should be at least a Master Guide or musthave attended a Pathfinder Staff Training Course.He/she should be resourceful and enthusiastic andmust be a member in good and regular standing ofthe Seventh - day Adventist Church. All activitiesof the club will be under each club director'ssupervision, and he/she must call, organize, andarrange for each club meeting.

Article IV - Election off Leaders andother Staff Members

Section 1.

The officers of the clubs shall be an administrativedirector (where there is a junior and a teen club), aclub director, two or more deputy directors, clubsecretary and treasurer (these may be deputydirectors). The staff shall include counselors andinstructors as needed.

Section 2.

Administrative director and club directors shall beappointed by the nominating committee of thesponsoring church or churches.Section 3.

The deputy directors shall be appointed by thedirectors, and approved by the church board.Section 4.

The secretary and treasurer shall be appointed atthe discretion of the directors and approved by thechurch board.

Section 5.

The counselors and instructors are to be appointedor replaced by the club director in consultation withthe deputy directors.Section 6.

The Pathfinder staff shall consist of all above -named.

Article V • Duties of Leaders andStaff

Section t. ^. . <»uThe administrative director is the coordinator of theteen and junior club directorship. He is torepresent the church in the Pathfinder organizationand is a member of the church board. He willcoordinate all activities in the Pathfinderorganization.

Section 2.

Director: All activities of the club shall be under hissupervision. The chairman of all committees shallbe appointed by the director after consultation withthe deputy directors or executive committee.Section 3.

Deputy Directors: Shall assist the director and takecharge during his absence. May be designated tocare for the following duties: Pathfinder classes,secretary and/or treasurer, games, campingactivities, honors and creative skills, music.Pathfinder equipment, nature, chaplain,transportation, special events, bimonthly events,etc.

Section 4.

Secretary: Shall render monthly reports to the kx:alConference office. Is responsible for all clubcorrespondence. Takes meeting notes. Isresponsible for personnel records and for any otherrecords necessary to the smooth running of theclub.

Section 5.

Treasurer: Shall be responsible for the expensespaid out, collect and care for all income such asmembership fees, money - raising projects, etc.and shall present a financial report upon request ofthe executive officers or staff, and shall transmit theaccounts and ail undistributed funds to hissuccessor. The treasurer shall also work in closeharmony with the church treasurer, depositing allfunds with the church treasurer.Section 6.

Chaplain: May be a deputy director. Shall assistthe director in maintaining a strong spiritual tone inthe club, know each Pathfinder's relationship to theLord, and shall serve on committees dealing withthe worships in club meetings, and camps,outreach, and discipline.

Article ¥i - CommitteesSection 1.

The standing committees of this club shall be:a. Coordinating committee (for churches

with junior and teen ciubs).b. Executive committeec. Staff committee

Section 2. . . .uThe coordinating committee shall consist of theadministrative director, club directors, deputydirectors, pastor, secretary, treasurer, andchaplain. The committee, of which theadministrative director is the chairman, is to beresponsible for all joint Pathfinder activities.

Chapter 3 • Club Organization 43

The executive committee shall consist of the clubdirector, deputy directors, a parent representative(a mother or a father), pastor, secretary, treasurer,and chaplain. The committee, of which the directoris the chairman, is to be responsible for allPathfinder activities.

S&ction 4.

The staff shall consist of the executive committee,plus counselors, junior counselors, and instructors.Unit captains may be invited to meet with thiscommittee.

A,rticie Vli • Quorum

For the transaction of business by any of the abovecommittees, a majority of the committeemembership must be in attendance.Article VIII • MeetingsSaction 1.

Regular Pathfinder meetings shall be held at leasttwice a month. The time and duration of thesemeetings shall be decided by the executivecommittee and shall be based on one of thefollowing models:

Model A: This is conducted in one three - hoursession with opening and closing ceremonies,marching, games, curriculum, and crafts, allintegrated into one program.

Model B: This is a three - hour program, but it isconducted in two separate segments:

Segment 1: One hour of Pathfindering onSabbath, featuring fellowship andcurriculum.

Segment 2: Two hours of Pathfindering,including marching, games, curriculum,crafts, and opening and closingceremonies.

Section 2.

Staff meetings are to be held once each month asannounced.

S«ctlo!i 3.

Executive committee meetings are to be held atleast quarterly.Section 4.

The yearly Pathfinder club program should includethe requirements as set down by the localconference youth department's club gradingsystem.

Article iX • Membership andAttendance

Sdcil^ta 1.

Membership in the Junior Pathfinder organizattonwill be restricted to students in grade five (or itsequivalent) and above.Section 2.

Membership in the Teen Pathfinder organizationwill be restricted to students in grade eight (or itsequivalent) and above.Section 3.

Membership will be granted when the followingspecifications are met:

a. Acceptance of application.b. Payment of membership fee.c. Complete uniform.d. Willingness to conform to the principles

of the Pledge and Law.e. Willingness to participate in all

Pathfinder activities.

Section 4.

Non - Adventist youth who conform to the aboverequirements may be admitted to membership.Section 5.The admittance of new members into thePathfinder club will be at the beginning of eachPathfinder quarter and/or three or four definitetimes throughout the year.Section 6.An attendance role should be marked at allPathfinder programs.Section 7,

The Pathfinder should have an average attendanceof at least 80% of all Pathfinder activities.

Section @.

All excused absences must be presented in writingfrom the parent or guardian and submitted to theclub director.

Section 9.

Any member having two unexcused absences inany one quarter, will be placed on a probationaryroster.

Section 10.

Any probationary member may be reinstated bypayment of a membership reinstatementregistration fee, as decided by the Pathfinderexecutive committee.

Section 11.

Attendance of probationary members at specialevents is not permitted.

44 Pathfinder Staff Manual

Artilce X • Ciub Units

Section 1.

Boys and girls are organized into units of preferablysix to eight Pathfinders, with a counselor as theirleader. This division into smaller units permitsbetter order and discipline, and more individualattention can be given to each member. Boys andgirls should be enrolled in separate units.S«ctlon 2. Unit Officers:

a. Unit Captain: Each unit within the club,with its counselor, selects one of itsmembers as its captain. The captain isresponsible for the unit and should leadit in promptness and cooperation in allclub activities. The captain should setan example of good conduct at all times.It is suggested that unit captains beselected every quarter to give moremembers in the club opportunities fordeveloping leadership.

b. Unit Scribe: Each unit within the club,with its counselor, selects one of itsmembers as a scribe. This junior orteen unit officer will be responsible forreporting the attendance of the unit'smembers to the club secretary. It issuggested that unit scribes be selectedevery four to six rrsonths to give moremembers in the club opportunities fordeveloping leadership.

Section 3. Uniform:a. Dress Uniform: The official Pathfinder

uniform is the conference recommendeduniform for each ciub member andofficer, and shall be worn only at clubmeetings and other occasions asdirected by the ciub director.

b. Field Uniform. The official conference -recommended field uniform for eachclub member shall be worn at Pathfinderactivities as directed by the club director.

Article XI - Club Finance

Section 1.

The quarterly or yearly membership fee establishedby the executive committee is payable when theapplication is filed with the secretary. This fee shallbe returned if the application is not accepted.Section 2.The reinstatement of membei^hip shall call forpayment of a reinstatement fee, which isdetermined by the executive committee.Section 3.An annual personal insurance fee should be inaddition to the annual fee where applicable.

Section 4.

The Pathfinder meeting offering is a contributionmade by the Pathfinder toward club and localconference sponsored outreach activities.Section 5.

A financial report will be rendered at the meeting ofthe club executive committee.

Artleie Xii - Poiicy

The club shall be governed by policies ascommunicated by the Church MinistriesDepartment of the local conference of Seventh-dayAdventists, as governed by the ConferencePathfinder Council.

Article Xiil • Amendments

This constitution may be amended by a two - thirdsvote of the Pathfinder staff committee, butbecomes effective only after approval by theconference Pathfinder Council.

Ryies ami B,egyiations1. Pathfinders and parents are to fill out the

membership application and health record,and pay the club fee as scheduled onenrollment night. A club fee consists of threeparts: club dues, insurance and registrationfee.

2. Pathfinders absent, tardy or droppingmembership from the bcal Pathfinder club.a. If no excuse for tardiness the Pathfinder

loses___points.b. If no excuse for absence it is left on the

record as unexcused.c. Three unexcused absences on the

scheduled Pathfinder calendar, (aspublished on enrollment night), thePathfinder is dropped from clubmembership. An excused absencewould be illness to the Pathfinder, abusiness trip, or a family vacation.

d. If the ex-Pathfinder member wants torejoin the Pathfinder club, they can joinat the beginning of the next Pathfinderquarter and must pay the clubregistration fee again. They have,however, disqualified themself from anyconference Pathfinder awardrepresenting outstanding Pathfinderachievement.

e. If a Pathfinder enrolls in the Pathfinderclub and decides they do not want tomaintain membership, the club can only

Chapter 3 • Club Organization 45

return one-half (1/2) of the quarterlydues, providing that the Pathfinderwithdraws membership before the fifthclub meeting foltowing enrollment orinduction night, whichever comes first;othenwise the Pathfinder will lose thetotal club dues. The Pathfinder forfeitsthe insurance and registration fee in anysituation.

f. As new Pathfinders are enrolled,beginning with the second quarter of thePathfinder calendar, the dues are pro¬rated according to the Pathfindercalendar on the quarterly basis. Thenew Pathfinder will pay a minimum ofone-half (1/2) the yearly club dues plusthe total enrollment and insurance feeswhenever the enrollment occurs.

g. A minimum of three months constitute aPathfinder calendar quarter. An activePathfinder club must be active for aminimum of three calendar quarters toqualify for conference awards.

h. These rules are designed to enhancethe Pathfinder club program. Also,these rules, plus local club standards,help the family and the local churchvalue Pathfinder club membership morehighly.

3. All Pathfinder club members will participate ina point plan known as a "Merit Program."a. Club members will receive a value of 0

to 10 points for complete uniform,neatness, and unit attention.

b. Members will receive___points forattendance on time.

c. Members will lose___points forunexcused tardiness.

d. Members may earn extra points forhelpfulness to the club or leadership.

e. Members will receive a value of 0 to 15points for club participation,(disobedience, rowdiness, politeness,etc., are taken into consideration). TheJunior Law becomes a livingdemonstration.

f. There are rewards for attaining a certainpercentage of points for both theindividual and the units.

g. Points used can t>e determined by thelocal Pathfinder executive council.

h. The points as suggested above areissued at every official Pathfinder clubmeeting as promoted for the Pathfindercalendar year and two weeks before thebeginning of a new quarter.

4. Members will be placed in a unit consisting of4-8 members and will be expected tocooperate with counselor, captain, scribe, andother members.

5. Members are not to leave the meeting withoutbeing excused by the director.

6. Members are expected to participate in drillsand learn teamwork, coordination, precision,and respect.

7. Members will be expected to purchase acomplete uniform by the time the Pathfinderclub Induction Ceremony is held.

8. The local Pathfinder club issues the uniforminsignia to be worn by the Pathfinder.

9. Any variation of the rules and regulations ofthe Pathfinder club must first be approved bythe Pathfinder executive council, then by thesponsoring church administration board.

10. Refer to "Club Organization," Section II,Chapter 3.

Insurance

Each leader or counselor, at whatever level oforganization, must accept the moral obligation ofprotection from physical injury those who are underhis/her care. This moral duty of care is reinforcedby a legal liability, and while a moral obligation maybe shrugged off, leaders cannot escape legalliability for injuries resulting from their actions oromissions.

What standard of care is required of leaders andcounselors? There is no easy answer, for the dutyof care to a junior will vary in degree from thatwhich is due to an older child. The aim mustalways be to operate an injury-free program, andconsideration needs to be given to the following:1. Premises. Are the premises, camping

places, halls, etc. free of physical hazards? Ifnot, existing hazards should be immediatelyremoved.

2. Equipment. Is all equipment in good repair?Is It safe? Is safety equipment suited to theactivity always provided?

3. Supervision. The required degree ofsupervision will vary according to the ages ofthose being supervised. Naturally a 10-year-old will require closer supervision than a

46 Pathfinder Staff Manual

someone 20 years old, who must accept agreater degree of responsibility for their ownactions, but supervision must always beprovided.

4. Types of activity. High risk activities shouldbe avoided, and consideration should begiven to:a. Suitability of the activity to the age group

involved.

b. The personal ability and experience ofsupervisors, e.g., the gymnasticprogram, sfiould be operated only ifthere is a skilled, qualified gymnastavailable to supervise.

c. The provision of appropriate safetyequipment, e.g., life jackets for boating,skull caps for horse riding, etc.

The NAD can arrange full legal liability insurancethat is extended to cover leaders and counsetors,whether they are paid employees or volunteers, butthis proviston of insurance must never result inrelaxation of the duty of care owed to thePathfinders. No level of insurance cansatisfactorily conrpensate for death or injury.

Youth leaders must educate themselves to observeand recognize potential hazards. As a youth leaderor counselor you are in a position of trust for thoseunder your care and you cannot delegate yourlegal or your moral duty of care to anyone else.

Accidents will happen, injuries will occur, but don'tlet them happen through your negligence inallowing the use of dangerous premises or faultyequipment, or lack of skilled and adequatesupervision.

Requirements forPathf inder Club

Meifibefship

1. Youth in grades 5 to 10 (age 10-15) is theofficial age for Pathfinder membership.Where two clubs exist, children in grades 5 or6 (age 10-12) will join the junior club, andthose in grades 7-10 (age 13-15) will join theteen club.

2. Club activities include crafts, campouts, fieldtrips, regular club meetings and fund-raisingcampaigns. The Pathfinder must agreebefore joining the club to participate andcooperate in these activities.

3. Members must be faithful in attendance.Many clubs establish limits on absences andtardinesses, and Pathfinders who do notcomply with these regulations are asked towithdraw from the club.

4. The Pathfinder's parents must be willing tocooperate with the regulations and activitiesof the club, as agreed to on the PathfinderApplication Blank. At times they will be askedto supply money and time to support theirchild's membership. It is also inrportant thatthey attend parent meetings sponsored by thePathfinder club.

5. New members must pay an applicatbn andinsurance fee, and all members pay club dueson a monthly or quarterly basis.

6. Pathfinders should own and regularly wear acomplete Pathfinder uniform. They mustcome to meetings and club-sponsored eventsin full uniform, as advised by the club director.Pathfinders will dress neatly and modestlyboth in and out of uniform and will refrain fromwearing jewelry at any time.

7. Pathfinders are expected to obey allregulations, instojctions, and orders of thePathfinder staff.

8. Club members must be willing to participate incommunity projects and Share Your Faith andOutreach programs (Haltoween, Ingathering,etc.).

9. Club members will be expected to participateand cooperate in all conference events, suchas camporees and fairs.

10. Pathfinders must learn and live by theprinciples of the Pathfinder Pledge and Law.

11. The club membership is presented the theTeen or Junior Pathfinder Membership I.D.Card ath the Induction program.

Note: The Junior and Teen Membership Cards areavailable from the Pathfinder DistributionCenter, 5040 Prescott Avenue, Lincoln, NE68506.

Chapter 3 • Club Organization 47

Pre-Enrollnnerit Letters

Church Pastor to Parent of Pathfinder(Use church letterhead)

(Date)

(Name)(Address)(City, state, zip)

Dear (Name):

It is a privilege to pastor a church that feels aresponsibility to help you prepare your son/daughter for a home with our Heavenly Father.

Our Pathfinder club's director and associates haveone purpose in working with our children. Theydesire to help lead them into a deeper experiencewith Jesus Christ. By involving the youth in a four¬fold program of spiritual, mental, recreational, andsocial activities, they will guide them up the ladderof character growth. The Pathfinder club is yoursupport system to your parental training of yourchildren. They need your prayers and lovingcooperation as parents to achieve this goal.

Enrollment night will be next (day) evening, (date), at (time) in/at the (place) . It is very importantfor one parent to be in attendance at the enrollmentsession. I will be looking for both of you.

Let us remember God's promise, 'Train up a childin the way that he should go: and when he is old,he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)

Sincerely your brother (or sister) in Christ,

(Pastor's name). Pastor

Club Director to Pathfinder(Use church letterhead)

(Date)

Dear (Name of potential Pathfinder),

Your name has been considered for membership inour (name of club). We will enroll new membersinto our club at (time, date, and place).

As you consider the enctosed informationconcerning our club program, I know you will behappy to be one of our club members. Here are afew things you need to know:

1. Club membership is open for new membersonly once every three months.

2. To apply for membership you will need toappear on enrollment night with yourPathfinder application and one or both of yourparents.

3. You are encouraged to invite your friends toalso become members of our (name of club).

I am happy to tell you we have Pathfinder clubcounselors who like to have a good time with kidslike you. If I can be of help to you in answering anyquestions, please feel free to call me (phonenumber). We hope to see you on enrollment night.

Your friend and director,

(Director's name), Club Director

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Pathfinder Staff Manual