About the Program

The Pathfinder Club, a church-centered recreational-spiritual program, is designed for both boys and girls in grades 5-11.

County Coordinators

Southeastern California Conference is divided into counties/areas with Pathfinder Coordinators and/or Assistant Coordinators serving in your area.

Events

Southeastern California Conference (SECC) has conference sponsored events. In order for Pathfinder clubs to participate in conference sponsored activites, clubs must be registered with the conference.

Leader's Resources

This section shall serve as a resource to those in leadership or anyone interested in leadership in the Pathfinder program.


Registration

The Pathfinder Club must register with Southeastern California Conference Youth Ministries to participate in county and conference-wide activites or events.

Reports

Southeastern California Conference Youth Ministries requires certain reports to be completed and turned in to accumulate points for placement in different levels.

SECC Pathfinder Policies

Southeastern California Conference has policies and procedures unique to this conference. 

Supplies

Best places to purchase supplies and websites to assist you!

Explanation of Inspection Form

1. Formation and ceremonies - Special attention will be given to the opening ceremonies and the formal personal inspection. Inspectors will look for straight lines, precise movements, position of attention, proper posting of colors, and Pathfinder participation in ceremonies such as pledge, law, and prayer.

2. Uniforms - Inspectors will look for the basic uniform as described in "The Youth Leaders Handbook" and the section on uniforms in this policy book.

a. Hats are not required, but when worn they must be worn by the entire club.
b. Sashes are not required for full points but are encouraged.
c. Neckerchiefs (yellow and gold slide) are required for full points with either Class A or field uniforms.
d. Special attention is given to the emblems on Class A uniforms. They must be sewn on properly and in the specified position. The most common reason for loss of points here is improper distance between the club name strip and the Pathfinder triangle. The top of the triangle, for Pathfinders, should be 2 3/4 inch below the upper crest of the club name strip. On Girl’s Blouses The Emblems May Be Placed Closer Together, If Needed, To Fit On Sleeve.
e. A black belt with Pathfinder buckle must be worn for full points.
f. Buttons should be buttoned; belt buckles right side up, etc.
g. Dark shoes and black socks are preferred. Nylons for females are allowed, but all females must be the same.
h. Points will be taken off for non-Pathfinder emblems, pins, clothing, etc.

3. Personal Appearance

a. Clean hands, face, and fingernails
b. Hair neatly groomed
c. Uniform clean, shirt tucked in and worn proudly
d. Good posture at position of attention

4. Courtesy

a. Common courtesy (peers) - Do the Pathfinders treat each other and their leaders courteously? Points may betaken off if Pathfinders are talking and fooling around during announcements, etc.
b. Military courtesy (staff) - When appropriate, such as during the formal personal inspection, Pathfinders should speak only when asked a question and should follow their answer with "sir" or "ma’am".

5. Drill - At some time during the club meeting, a few minutes should be scheduled to demonstrate that the club can march and that the club has a well-organized program for learning drill. Most clubs include Pathfinders with different levels of marching skill. During the demonstration you may demonstrate your normal drill instruction methods with separate classes for beginners through advanced and perhaps a fancy drill team. The inspectors will want to see the following:

a. Dress right dress and ready front
b. Present arms and order arms
c. Parade rest
d. Left, right, and about face
e. Forward march and halt
f. Rear march
g. Columns and flanks
h. Hand salute, at ease, straight lines

6. Club Discipline - Do the Pathfinders follow directions quickly and well? Are they where they should be, doing what they should be doing?

7. Craft Participation - Are all the Pathfinders actively and productively involved in the classes? Do they take care of tools and equipment? Do they clean up after class and put the tools and supplies away?

8. Movement Between Activities - A club that is well organized, disciplined and enthusiastic should lose very little time during the change from one activity to the next. This includes fall in and dismissal at the beginning and end of club meeting.

9. Flags and Guidons - Flags and guidons must be placed in correct positions.

10. Program - The minute-by-minute nightly program should be posted on a wall where all can see it.

11. Attendance - Count Pathfinders age 10-15 only.  Do not count Teen counselors or adult staff.  Ninety percent and above will get ten points, eighty percent and above - nine points, etc.  Absences, which are excused according to your club’s regular excused absence policy, will not count against your score.