About us

Welcome to the Wahroonga Pathfinder Club and to another year of fun activities. We are really looking forward to getting to know you all a little better. This information is to help you gain a better understanding of what Pathfinders is all about.

There is a lot of work to make the Pathfinder program and it would not function without the assistance of all the parents who volunteer to help. We all desire to see Pathfinders develop new skills and independence through their challenges. These experiences will equip them for life - physically, socially, mentally and spiritually.

Young people 10 to 15 years of age (or in school years 5 to 10) may become members of the club. To join the club you must be at least 10 year of age before March 31 of the year you join. Children under 10 years old are not eligible to join Pathfinders, we recommend they join Wahroonga Adventurers.

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), class pursuits ( with their individual age group), have dinner and participate in crafts.During the regular meetings the Pathfinders may take part in drill and marching, crafts and/or hobbies, games, devotional activities, honours, seminars and classwork. We may also use club meeting times to participate in community events such as our annual Tinned Food drive. Please check the club calendar for more exact details about each meeting.

We want you to belong to our Pathfinder community and look forward to a great Pathfinder year.

Please click here or on the image above for an interactive New Members Booklet.

What is Pathfinders?

Pathfinders is an international, church-centred, spiritual-recreational program designed for young people 10 to 15 years of age (or in school years 5 to 10). It is filled with action, adventure, challenges and group activities and provide for the development of new attitudes and skills, person growth, community spirit and a sense of loyalty and respect for God, His creation and His church.

The whole philosophy of Pathfinders is built on the premise that learning is best by example and mentoring. As Pathfinders see leaders and parents model spiritual and social values, they too will aspire to develop high moral principles, loving and caring attitudes, and determination to excel in all their various pursuits.

The ideals and objectives of the Seventh-day Adventist Church are taught through an active learning program and although Pathfinders is sponsored by local Adventist Churches, youth of any faith group, or none at all, are welcome to join.

The Wahroonga club strives to interpret the Spirit of Pathfinders in its own unique way and is not a "child minding service" and we request the help of all parents to assist the club throughout the year. We also need the cooperation o parents to support and encourage their children to live up to the expectations of a true Pathfinder. This includes turning up to all of the meetings and being on time, dressing in the correct uniform, and completing honours or craft as needed at home. This will enable the club to run smoothly and efficiently and allow us to focus on running the activities through which we hope the kids will learn, grow and create memories which will last for the rest of their life.

Pathfinder Pledge

Loving the Lord my God I will-

Daily seek His presence,

Show friendship to others,

Keep the Pathfinder Law,

And honour my country.

Pathfinder Law

The Pathfinder Law is

For me to look for good on other

Aim to do my best

Love and respect my family

Be thankful for what I have

Preserve God's creation

Take care of my health

Be involved in my church

And go where He sends.

Organisation

Each Pathfinder club has a local organisational structure and overseen regionally by the Greater Sydney Conference, an entity of the Adventist Church in Sydney.

Wahroonga Pathfinders run the 'Way to Go' program which divides the club into three levels: junior, intermediate and senior. There are six achievement classes, two per level, which are identified by the following names/colours:

• Level 1
• Friend – blue – age 10/year 5
• Companion – red – age 11/year 6
• Level 2
• Explorer – green – age 12/year 7
• Ranger – grey – age 13/year 8
• Level 3
• Voyager – brown – age 14/year 9
• Guide – gold – age 15/year 10

At the conclusion of the classwork requirements and completion of each class, the Pathfinder receives a pin, a pocket strip and chevron at a special investiture service Investiture service at Church in late November or early December.

Master Guide is an excellent junior leadership and personal development program. It equips you with leadership skills in the context of Pathfinders and the Seventh-day Adventist church. Aimed at those involved in Pathfinders who are 16 years or older, Master Guide is a respected leadership skill qualification that is appreciated in the Seventh-day Adventist church. It is an active learning experience that will change you and connect you with a wide range of possibilities in the Pathfinder ministry in your local club. It is an 'endurance' experience that also provides networking opportunities and a lot of fun learning.

Graduates of the Master Guide course will receive the insignia as shown below in recognition of the completion of their Master Guide course.

Investiture

To be invested and receive the relevant Class Pin at the end of the year, each Pathfinder must attend a minimum proportion of scheduled events and complete a minimum number of pursuit hours and exhibit the spirit of Pathfinders. Pathfinders can earn an Advance Bar by participating in a greater proportion of the program as follows:

	 Class Pin	 Class Pin plus Advanced Bar
 Attendance   	 75% of all scheduled events	 90% of all scheduled events  
 Pursuits completed	 75% (30 hours)	 90% (36 hours)
 Honours completed	 2 (compulsory honours)	 5 (including 2 compulsory honours)
 Bible verses    	 Learn, know and understand 10 Bible verses	  Learn, know and understand 15 Bible verses

A record of each Pathfinder’s completed yearly program is kept in their journal. It needs to be filled-in and signed off for investiture to occur. We encourage Pathfinders to complete Master Guide, the top award granted to Pathfinders.

General Information

Pathfinders must be registered with the Club. We like to involve our Pathfinder families in various activities during the year. The first camp for the year, a family camp, is a great way to get to know each other and we encourage all families to attend. Class or Level camps will be organised by the Class Leaders. One of the hiking camps is the Expedition, which is run by the Conference for all Pathfinder clubs in Greater Sydney.

We encourage all Pathfinders to be self sufficient and independent and this is especially important during camps. Pathfinders will be encouraged look after and carry all of their own equipment, cook their own meals, set up their tent and generally manage their own needs for the weekend.

Wahroonga Pathfinder Club owns a number of two-person and three-person hiking tents. These tents are lightweight and are split between two or three pathfinders when hiking – so one person would carry the poles / fly and the other would carry the pegs / tent. These tents are transported to each camp and distributed as needed. They are returned to the club, clean and dry at the end of each event. From time to time replacements are needed for tents and our fundraising contributes to this. You do not need to buy your Pathfinder a tent. Leaders will allocate Pathfinders to share tents with others on a rotating basis.

If a parent would like to attend any camp throughout the year - they are welcome, but need to be aware of Pathfinder principles in relation to alcohol, smoking and the non-use of illicit drugs at Pathfinder activities and respect those principles whilst in attendance.

Uniforms

Pathfinders has both a formal dress uniform and an informal field uniform. The field uniform consists of a polo shirt and should be worn at club meetings. You can order club uniforms when you register for the year.

Dress uniforms are worn for special occasions such as Investiture, Pathfinder Day, and the ANZAC Parade. New uniforms can be purchased at the Adventist Book Centre store in Epping or Wahroonga. The club also has a limited supply of second-hand uniforms and these can be borrowed from the club free of charge. They are to be returned to the uniform coordinator when the Pathfinder finishes Pathfinders.

Uniform Coordinator: Michelle Smith

For more details about uniforms, please click here (link to FAQ)

Keeping in Touch

It is important that we are able to communicate with all parents and Pathfinders through the year. We understand that we all communicate in different ways so we have a number of methods by which we can stay in touch.

• Firstly, all email addresses that are used on our registration forms will be added to a Google Group. This is our main distribution list so that we can forward information to you by MailChimp.
• We have a closed Facebook group called Wahroonga Pathfinders which you can ask to join.
• This web site is your source for reference information, and is where you need to keep up to date with Club information.
• We are always available to talk to you in person, on the phone, or by email should you have any questions or concerns.

Camping Equipment to buy

  Equipment   	Requirement	 Explanation
Shoes/Boots	Essential	Hiking and backpacking trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or boots for safety and comfort
Sleeping Bag	Essential	We recommend you consider purchasing a -5 degree rated sleeping bag. Anything lower will be too hot in summer and anything higher will not be warm enough in winter.
This will last for decades. Consider the weight and size for carrying in a pack for hiking overnight.
Sleeping Mat   	Essential	Each Pathfinder should have a rolled up sleeping mat to insulate against the cold ground and provide a little cushioning
Sleeping Bag Liner	Non essential	Recommended to protect your sleeping bag from dirt, grease and sand, and provide extra warmth
Backpack and Pack cover	Essential	It is important that a proper-fitting, well constructed backpack be obtained for expedition and hiking camps
Wet Weather Gear	Essential	This maybe a cheap nylon poncho or a more comfortable breathable waterproof jacket
Tent	Not required	The club will supply tents for all camp-outs. 
Cooking Equipment	Essential	Each Pathfinder will need to supply their own cooking stove and utensils ( cooking pot, plate, bowl, cutlery)
Water Bottle	Essential	1 Litre bottle required for all comp-outs, more if hiking
Torch	Essential	Headlamp is preferable

Speak to the Club Director or Class leaders with regard to purchasing packs. Keep an eye out for sales at places like Kathmandu, Macpac, Snowgum and others as discounts can be considerable.

The club also has a limited range of second hand equipment and many families are also very happy to lend equipment for use within the club. Please don't hesitate to contact your child's Class Leader or the Club Directors if you are unable to obtain the equipment needed for a camping activity. It is really important for your child's safety and enjoyment that they are well equipped for these outdoor activities.

Club Equipment

The Wahroonga Pathfinder Club has some equipment, including bulk water containers, gas stoves & lights, some kitchen essentials, ropes, poles & other "pioneer" items, electric lighting for base camps, walkie talkie sets, GPS' and first-aid kits and tents. These will be made available for all Pathfinder events. Walkie talkies, GPS's and first-aid kits can only be issued to a level or group activity leader who will then manage the use of this equipment for the duration of the nominated event.

Equipment Coordinator: Michael Monteleone / Glyndon Boehm

Procedure:

A simple sign-out/sign-in logbook is used - some equipment will be photographed.

Pick-up: Any equipment will be available for pick-up by agreement with the equipment coordinator at the storeroom underneath Fox Valley Community Centre - and signed out by the Director, Class Leader or Event Coordinator.

Returns: Equipment can only be returned to the same place of issue - where it will be assessed for damage, prior to being put away. It is optimal the same person who signed it out, will be available to return the equipment back into storage.

BEFORE RETURNING TENTS - THEY MUST BE TOTALLY DRY

Experience has shown that simply "airing" over lines in a parent's garage for a few days is usually sufficient!

Damages: Equipment can and will damage through normal wear and tear. Our club has a budget replacement strategy for such times. Damage or loss deemed to be through a lack of care however, will be the responsibility of the individual Pathfinder concerned and they will be expected to meet the full cost of the replacement item. The main causes of damage with tents are typically mildew, (when a tent is returned before it is completely dry), unruly behaviour near pitched tents, loss of tent (or parts from the tents), and hanging clothes from the tent or ropes causing undue strain.

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FAQ

How Much Does Being A Pathfinder Cost?

We try to keep costs to a minimum and the club and all activities are run by volunteers. Annual membership is approximately $100 per Pathfinder. A food kitty levy of approximately $40 per adult volunteer who participates in hall meetings. There is a small fee associated with camps to cover camp site costs, and other expenses, these vary depending on the camp and are in the order of $25.

Do I Need To Wear A Uniform?

Yes, uniforms make Pathfinders real and visible. It represents an ideal and standard. Our field uniforms should be worn to all hall meetings and club events where the Formal Dress Uniform is not required. Please rest assured that those without a Dress Uniform are very welcome to attend and participate in all our events.

Field - Polo Shirts are available directly from the club. When registering at the start of the year, it can be purchased on the registration form. They can also be purchased throughout the year by filling out this Uniform Order Form. Please Click here.

Formal / Dress Uniform - This is a full uniform consisting of dress shirt and dress pants or skirt along with yellow scarf and other accessories. Importantly it also has a sash worn over the right shoulder where children display all their honour badges and other badges earned as a result of attending various camps and events. The Dress Uniform is required to be worn at the following events: Anzac Day Parade, Pathfinder Fair (held every second year), Pathfinder Day, Drug Free Walk, ADRA Appeal, Tinned Food Drive, Investiture and Pathfinder Rally. It is an honour to wear a Pathfinder Formal Dress Uniform. Make sure you have the components to complete the uniform.

New uniforms can be purchased from the ABC (Adventist Book Centre) retail outlet at 1A Colyton Rd, Minchinbury, click here to visit their web site. Please free to contact the Club Uniform Co-ordinator , to inquire about availability of second hand uniforms

What Do The Uniforms Look Like?

Dress Uniform

To purchase items of Dress Uniform, please visit the Adventist Book Centre at Minchinbury, where you are welcome to try on various sizes. Alternatively, you can order online. The Wahroonga club name crest identifies the club the Pathfinder belongs to and is available for $9.00 from the club. If you need one, please place an order on your registration form.

There are some dress uniforms available second hand, please see our Uniform Coordinator to see what is available.

For more information including details of where to sew badges on Dress Uniform and all the components, please click here.

Field Uniform

The field uniform is specific to the Wahroonga Pathfinder club as opposed to the Dress Uniform which is the same for all Clubs.

The field uniform is a Polo Shirt, is to be worn for regular club meetings, with jeans or shorts.

We suggest that each Pathfinder has at least one club polo shirt, which can be purchased from the club for approximately $40 each. These can be purchased at the start of the year when registering or throughout the year - please contact the Wahroonga Club Uniform Co-ordinator.

What Is An Honour?

Pathfinders derive a great deal of satisfaction in obtaining honours. For a Pathfinder to earn an honour, the leaders expect that person will have done their very best. There are over 300 honours that can be earned, covering a wide range of interests from art to music, fire lighting to photography to candle making.

If you as a parent have a skill, we would love to hear from you as we are always looking for a new challenge for the Pathfinders. On completion of an honour, the Pathfinder receives a small patch token / badge. These are sewn onto the dress uniform sash.

Do Pathfinders Have To Attend Every Event?

We encourage Pathfinders to attend all events on the calendar as they are able.

Please note, there are minimum attendance participation requirements in order for Pathfinders to be formally Invested at the end of the year. If a Pathfinder is not Invested, they still progress to the next class the following year. However, at the Investiture Ceremony, they will not receive a pin, chevron or level name strip stating their investiture level achieved eg "Friend". The children treasure these so we ask that parents do all they can to ensure sufficient attendance so as to avoid disappointment at the end of the year.

We Are Not Vegetarian, Can My Child Eat Non-Vegetarian Food Whilst At Pathfinders?

Shared meals at hall meetings and campouts will be vegetarian and include favourites such as Haystacks (Adventist term for Nachos made with beans). Meals that are prepared by individuals and families can be what ever they would like.

Do I Have To Buy A Lot Of Equipment So My Child Can Go On Camps?

No, in the first year if you don't already have camping equipment we recommend you purchase a good sleeping bag and a self inflating sleeping mat. Check with the club before a camping event, we have some spare equipment. As Pathfinders progress, and attend overnight hikes, they will need good hiking boots and a backpack. We have favourable pricing with Mannagum and often place bulk orders and get discounted pricing. An email is sent out each time we do this. The Club provides tents for Pathfinders and families can hire them for themselves for a nominal fee. Keep an eye out specials from camping stores, and Aldi camping gear is great and VERY reasonably priced.

What Is A Standard Packing List For A Camp?

This looks like a VERY long list, this is an extensive list to cover almost every scenario including overnight hiking and being totally self sufficient. Based on the duration of the camp, location and facilities and advice from leaders, please decide what is and is not required. Most camps have toilet facilities and running water and/or we bring a lot of fresh water ourselves for drinking etc.

Clothing

• Clothes for day time, recommended long sleeved and shirt and long pants no matter what time of year - particularly important if hiking
• Shorts with gaiters is an option too
• Spare set of clothes in a waterproof bag (in case other clothes get wet, often night thermals will do)
• Clothes for sleeping in, thermals are a good choice as can be used in the day if very cold
• Socks & Underwear, one set per day
• Shoes - enclosed
• Waterproof windbreaker/jacket
• Hat/Cap/Beanie - based on expected weather
• Warm jumper/jacket - nights often cool at any time of year
• Handy Tip - Pack each days clothes in a Zip Lock bag - keeps pack organised and if stuff gets on the ground it stays clean and dry)

Toiletries

• Soap, small towel, hand santitiser
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Trowel for toilet (only needed if doing full day hikes with no facilities, generally only Expedition)

Other

• Small Bible, Notebook & Pen
• Torch - small head torches are really handy (KMart often has them for $5), spare batteries
• Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothes and rubbish - Zip lock bags great so as to not make everything else wet and dirty
• Pack liner - a garbage bag works well, want to keep everything dry
• Toilet paper in a plastic bag (Zip lock recommended)

Bedding

• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping Mat
• Sleeping bag liner (optional), keeps you warmer and keeps sleeping bag cleaner. Can sew a single bed flat sheet or purchase from camping store.

Food, Water etc

• Water and sturdy water bottle that will survive being dropped
• Puratabs water filter (only needed if advised, usually only Expedition, share with others as they are expensive and rarely if ever actually needed).
• Food - see suggestions below
• Stove, fuel, billy/saucepan - can share with others or use facilities at location
• Eating utensils, bowl & cup

First Aid Kit

• 1 triangular bandage
• 1 wound dressing
• 1 elasticised roller bandage with a safety pin
• Bandaids
• Notebook and pencil (not pen)
• Personal medications
• UV Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Jelly beans (from chemist)
• 5m roll of duct tape

What Are Some Ideas For Food Whilst On Camp?

Most camps are what as known as "car camping" ie you do not have to be totally self sufficient and carry everything so within reason weight and bulk is not a huge issue. Here are some suggestions that relate to hiking and car camping. You will be given details about the type of camping so you can determine the best options.

Take food that you enjoy, take what you need with a little extra, make sure food will cope without refrigeration and if the Pathfinder is attending without a parent, make sure they know how to prepare the food.

Breakfast Ideas

• Cereal premixed with powdered milk in a zip lock bag. Add water and you are done.
• Car Camping
• Pancake mix in a bottle (share as they make heaps)
• French toast

Lunch Ideas

On many camps, lunch is out and about so generally something that does NOT require cooking/heating is best

• Pre-made wraps/rolls (sandwiches tend to get squished) eg cheese and salad (nothing soggy like tomato)
• Biscuits and cheese
• Hard boiled eggs
• "Snack Packs" - cheese, tuna (if not vegetarian)

Dinner Ideas

Plan for a warm hearty balanced meal with plenty of protein and carbohydrates

Dehydrated meals from supermarket or camping stores - just add water

Pot Noodles - maybe add something more nutritious to it

Car Camping

Pasta/Rice/Couscous, for sauce can reheat something home made or warm up a pre-made sauce

Reheat a pre-made meal, casserole complete with some carbs like potato

Sausages (vegetarian or meat) in a roll

Fritata

Snacks

Easy to carry and munch on the go, generally high energy content

• "Trail Mix" - Mix of chocolate, nuts and dried fruit in a zip lock bag, can add lollies
• Muesli Bars
• Fruit/Veg - apples, mandarins, carrots, celery (nothing squishy)
• Snack Packs - Cheese & crackers, Dip (eg Hummus) & crackers, Salsa and crackers etc

Can I Join If I Am Not Adventist?

Yes, we ask that you be respectful of Adventist beliefs and observances whilst participating in Pathfinder Activities

I Am Not Adventist, How Do You Respect And Observe Adventist Beliefs?

Sabbath - Sabbath is from sunset Friday evening until sunset on Saturday evening. The Sabbath is a time to reflect on God and all He has provided us. There is a focus on sharing this with friends and family and NOT burying heads in electronic devices. Financial transactions do not occur on Sabbath. Hall meetings start during Sabbath, if there are financial matters to deal with, we ask that these occur after Saturday sunset whilst the Hall Meeting is still in progress.

Vegetarian – Many Adventists are vegetarian (not all), when Pathfinders do "shared meals" these are always vegetarian. We generally have "shared dinner" at Hall Meetings and one meal at each camp.

Alcohol – Alcohol, smoking/vaping and other drugs are NOT permitted for Pathfinders AND parents who are attending Pathfinder activities.

Activities

Each activity is tailored but here we have a generic overview. As an activity approaches, club members will be emailed specific details about the activity. This is general information that we hope new members in particular will appreciate. Please refer to the Calendar for details for this year. As the date approaches, please refer to "Communications" and emails with further details.

Anzac Day

Please refer to the Calendar for Anzac Day (25 April) details for this year.

As the date approaches, please refer to "Communications" and emails with further details.

Event Organiser: TBC

It is a requirement that Pathfinders wear their Dress Uniform to participate in the March. Please see our Uniform page for more details about the Dress Uniform.

Wahroonga Pathfinders are very proud participants at the Anzac Day service at the Wahroonga Centopath. We participate as part of the formal March and are included in the service.

We generally meet at about 6:30 am and are part of the formal march that starts at 7am.

Bike Camp

Bike Camp is a Camp for the entire club.

If you don't have a bike, we have some spares that we can lend. Likewise, if you have a bike that your children have outgrown and not needed, we would appreciate it so we can lend it to other Pathfinders.

The location varies each camp with multiple tracks for all levels to enjoy. A bike training day is always held prior to camp to help improve skills.

Please refer to the Calendar for Bike Camp details.

As the date approaches, please refer to "Communications" and emails with further details.

Event Organiser: TBA

Class / Level Camps Dates vary by class

A Camp where generally one or two class groups only attend. Usually there is an adventure activity that is age appropriate.

Level 1 - Camp for Friends and Companions

Level 2 - Camp for Explorers and Rangers

Level 3 - Camp for Voyagers and Guides

Please refer to the Calendar for Pathfinder Day details for this year.

As the date approaches, please refer to "Communications" and emails with further details.

Event Organiser: Class Leaders

Dad's Camp Out Pack up ONLY

This is an activity that the Wahroonga Adventist School do and pack up tents that the families use. The families pay for this privilege and it is one of the few fun raising activities that we do as a club. We encourage all Pathfinders and parents to participate.

Many of our Pathfinders and the Dad's attend the Camp Out as participants too.

Our role is to pack up Pathfinder tents on the designated Sunday morning. Adventist Youth are going to set them up for us!

Event Organiser will be looking for volunteers to assist: TBA

We need Pathfinders and parents to set up the tents on the Saturday and Pack them away on the Sunday once they are dry (usually late morning).

Please refer to the Calendar for Dad's Camp Out Set Up and Pack Up details for this year.

As the date approaches, please refer to "Communications" and emails with further details.

Event Organiser : TBA

Drug Free Walk

Meeting before the walk and peacefully march with other Pathfinder Clubs in the City.

We usually organise a bus to take the Pathfinders to and from the event.

As a rule, we have a fun social event planned in the city following the Drug Free Walk. The social event is just our Wahroonga Pathfinders. This is planned by our Master Guides and great fun.

Please refer to the Calendar for Drug Free Walk details for this year.

As the date approaches, please refer to "Communications" and emails with further details.

Event Organiser: TBA

This is an event organised by the GSC (Greater Sydney Conference), Regional Adventist Church body. As a rule, the children make placards at the Hall

Expedition

The Conference Expedition is held once a year over a weekend. Pathfinders are required to be completely self-sufficient on the expedition. They are required to carry a pack with their own gear, food, sleeping bag and tent (shared between 2 to 3 Pathfinders). The expedition is divided into varying levels to cater for the different ages and abilities represented.

The Expedition is a challenging but highly rewarding event. It is often the highlight of the year for Pathfinders.

Please refer to the Calendar for Expedition details for this year.

As the date approaches, please refer to "Communications" and emails with further details.

Event Organiser: TBA

Family Camp

Family Camp is one of the first club events in the year. It has a focus on welcoming new members and a chance for returning members to get reacquainted.

Pathfinders are encouraged to sleep in tents with other Pathfinders, whilst families sleep in separate tents (own or hire from the club), or maybe hire a cabin if camping is not your thing. We try to make this an easy introduction to camping for those who are new to it.

For a general list of camping equipment refer to Who We are >About us > Camping Equipment to buy

Please refer to the Calendar for Family Camp details for this year.

As the date approaches, please refer to "Communications" and emails with further details.

Event Organisers: TBA

Family Water Ski Day

A fun day for the whole family.

All the family is invited to enjoy the day with lots of fun water skiing, wake boarding, tobogganing and maybe even a jetski ride.

Please refer to the Calendar for Family Water Ski Day details for this year.

As the date approaches, please refer to "Communications" and emails with further details.

Event Organiser: Mick Monteleone

Hall Meetings - held throughout the Year

Hall Meetings are usually held at the Fox Valley Adventist Church (183 Fox Valley Rd, Wahroonga). They are generally held once a month during the school term time. Please refer to the Calendar for specific dates and times.

The general format for the evening includes: welcome, class based activities with closing Sabbath worship and dinner at the appropriate times.

The activities vary a lot, they may be working towards an honour, playing games, learning camp craft skills, preparing for a future event. Class Leaders determine the activities and if special equipment or clothing etc is required, they will advise before the meeting.

Meeting times are from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm throughout the year. Note, in response to feedback, all Hall Meetings will start and finish at the same time throughout the year.

Please refer to the Calendar for details about Hall Meetings. These are scheduled for the full calendar year and we encourage you to add them to your own personal diary.

As the date approaches, please refer to emails with further details or contact your Class Leader. Alternatively, use Contacts us.. Club wide emails are available on this website by going to the "Communications" section and the most recent ones will be on the Home page.

Image - Candle Making Honour

I Care Day

A Day to show people that we care about them. Every Year we participate in I Care Day. The actual activity can vary from year to year.

In 2014 Pathfinders raised money for ADRA in The City To Surf either as volunteers or race participants.

In 2015 and 2016 Pathfinders helped local residents in Wahroonga with gardening and lawnmowing.

Please refer to the Calendar for I Care Day details for this year.

As the date approaches, please refer to "Communications" and emails with further details.

Event Organiser: TBA

Investiture

The investiture program occurs at the end of the Pathfinder year, celebrating the commitment and work put in by the Pathfinders. Each child is encouraged to achieve the requirements for each level, enabling them to be invested.

It is held during church service, rotating through the 3 churches which constitute Wahroonga pathfinders.

Please refer to the Calendar for Pathfinder Day details for this year.

As the date approaches, please refer to "Communications" and emails with further details.

Event Organiser: TBA

Investitures are positive measurements of achievement, the "graduation" at the end of each year, and are very much a part of the Pathfinder program.

To qualify for Investiture, there are strict but fair guidelines and it is necessary for the leaders to adhere rigidly to this in order to make it fair on those who attend and put in the required effort. We trust that you will support your child in this endeavour with transport to events, encouragement and support.

While it takes two years to complete a Level, Pathfinders will need to qualify to be invested at the end of each year.

Level 1, Year 1 – Friend

Level 1, Year 2 – Companion

Level 2, Year 1 – Explorer

Level 2, Year 2 – Ranger

Level 3, Year 1 – Voyager

Level 3, Year 2 - Guide

To be invested and achieve a class pin, a Pathfinder will need to have completed:

• 75% of the 40 hours of Pursuits
• 75% of the total club program (except any events published as “optional”)
• A minimum of 2 Honours
• Learn, know and understand the 10 Bible passages taught during that year
• Maintain their Journal to an acceptable standard
• Exhibit the Spirit of Pathfinders

Advanced Level ribbon

• If any Pathfinders wish to be invested at the Advanced Level, they will need to do a little more work and devote a little more time to earn that bar! They will need to:
• Complete 95% of the 40 hours of Pursuits
• Complete 95% of the total club program (except any events published as “optional”)
• Complete 5 Honours
• Learn, know and understand the 15 Bible passages taught during that year
• Maintain their Journal to a high standard
• Exhibit the Spirit of Pathfinders in an outstanding manner

A record of each Pathfinder’s completed yearly program is kept in their journal. It needs to be filled-in and signed off for investiture to occur. If any parent would like to keep the completed journal pages of their child as a “souvenir” please arrange this with the Level Leader near to the Investiture time. For those Pathfinders wishing to continue after completing Guides, we highly recommend they obtain their Master Guide and complete their PLA Training.

Knocktober (ADRA Appeal)

ADRA - Adventist Development and Relief Agency is the official humanitarian agency of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. ADRA Australia works as part of the global ADRA network. Through this network, their reach extends into more than 120 countries. They exist to restore relationships so that people thrive in a world not only created but also living in God’s image. They work to inspire and collaborate with others to responsibly facilitate transformational development and relief projects overseas and in Australia.

We collect donations for ADRA by doing "door knocking" in the local area.

If you'd like to find out more about ADRA, please click this here.

Please refer to the Calendar for details .

As the date approaches, please refer to "Communications" and emails with further details.

Event Organiser: TBA

Pathfinder Day

Pathfinder Day is a once-a-year Sabbath, officially set aside by the World SDA Church designed to give our Pathfinders an opportunity to be seen, heard, and acknowledged in their local church. The program is run by Pathfinders themselves giving them a chance to develop their leadership skills. They are in full uniform for greater visibility. Every year we rotate the location between our three churches:

• Fox Valley Seventh-Day Adventist Church
• Wahroonga Seventh-Day Adventist Church
• Mt Colah Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

Usually we have a fun social event in the evening after Sabbath. Previously District 3 and Pathfinders and quite a few parents enjoyed Pizza, Laser Tag and Dodgem cars.

Please refer to the Calendar for Pathfinder Day details for this year.

As the date approaches, please refer to "Communications" and emails with further details.

Event Organiser: TBA

Pathfinder Fair Biennial on 'even' years

The biennial fair event: To be advised - Previously, held at Castle Hill Showgrounds.

Please refer to the Calendar for Pathfinder Fair details

As the date approaches, please refer to "Communications" and emails with further details.

Event Organiser: TBC

The Pathfinder Fair is a special day organised by the conference Youth Director for the Pathfinder clubs of a conference or district.

It is generally a full-day programme from early morning until mid-to-late afternoon. The club members are invited to come in Dress uniform, march in a parade & participate in various skill events. This is a fun day in which we can compare how Wahroonga is "travelling" in comparison to other clubs in GSC & what to improve.

Pathfinder Rally

Pathfinder Rally is a celebration of the year of Pathfinders run by the Greater Sydney Conference (GSC). All clubs from the GSC come together at the end of the year, for worship, singing and club awards. Full dress uniform is required to march, to honour your club.

Transport for pathfinders is organised by the club. Parents are welcome to attend.

Registration Day

First Meeting and a chance to finalise registration (February) , ask questions, attend first meeting of the year.

New Families - Great opportunity to Meet the Leaders and returning members, ask lots of questions, formally register, get field uniform polo top and and for Pathfinders to attend first meeting and meet fellow Pathfinders.

A Welcome Family BBQ - All parents/guardians are encouraged to stay and enjoy the fun.

Generally parents stay throughout the Registration meeting to formalise signing up and catch up and welcome one another.

First Year Pathfinders please bring your bathers and a towel.

Please refer to the Calendar for details. The Registration Day is the 3rd Sunday of the month - February

As the date approaches, please refer to "Communications" and emails with further details.

Registration Link Click: here

Tin Food Drive

A wonderful community minded activity that involves collecting tinned and other non-perishable foods from Wahroonga and surrounding suburbs and making hampers that are distributed to those in need at around Christmas time.

Our club is proudly involved in several key activities:

Collecting the tinned goods

Making hampers and giving them to ADRA so they can distribute to those in need.

Please see the calendar for specific dates and times for each activity.

Pathfinders can and are encouraged to participate in as many of the activities as possible and we also request the assistance of parents who can drive the cars (tins get heavy) and supervise the Pathfinders to ensure they are safe at all times.

Please refer to the Calendar for Tinned Food Drive details for this year.

As the date approaches, please refer to "Communications" and emails with further details.

Event Organiser: TBC