Pathfinders on a backpacking trip
Age: 11 - 17
Uniform: Gray or blue campaign shirt with group necker
Motto: Be Prepared
Law:
A scout's honor is to be trusted.
A scout is loyal.
A scout's duty is to be useful and help others.
A scout is a friend to all and a sibling to every other scout.
A scout is courteous.
A scout is kind to animals.
A scout obeys orders.
A scout smiles and whistles under all difficulties.
A scout is thrifty.
A scout is clean in thought, word, and deed.
Promise:
On my honor, I promise that I will do my best
to do my duty to my conscience and my community,
to help other people at all times,
and to obey the Scout Law.
Pathfinders are guides over the age of 11 who are exploring the world and learning how to be themselves, leaders, team members, friends, and well-rounded citizens. The program is built around the patrol method, which encourages independence and small group learning. The goal is to help young people learn skills that will lead to being independent, self-sufficient, adults in a safe, supportive environment.
The Pathfinder badge program starts off with earning the Tenderfoot Badge, then the Second Class badge, both of which cover basic scouting skills. Once Pathfinders have earned their Second Class, they can choose an area of focus, or pillar, to continue their scouting journey.
The four pillars are First Class (Outdoor Skills), Torchbearer (Civics and Community), Trailblazer (Creative Arts), and Voyager (Life Skills). Each pillar encompasses a number of special proficiency badges, divided into junior and senior levels. Scouts who earn three of the four pillars are eligible for the highest award in the Pathfinder program, the Polaris Award.