The Pathfinder section is open to children of all genders aged 11-17 (grades 6 through 12). The Pathfinder Troop is made up of Patrols of 6 to 8 members, led by a (youth) Patrol Leader who shares responsibility with an adult Rover leader for planning adventures, trips, service, and projects.

The Pathfinder program is designed to empower and embolden our scouts, encouraging them to plan and implement their own projects, adventures, service, and skills. Adult leaders do not plan these meetings; they are merely offering supervision, transport, and making connections in the community when needed. This goes back to B-P's original scouting program, and what he called "The Patrol Method," as outlined in his book, Scouting for Boys. 

 

When a Pathfinder turns 18, they are encouraged to continue their Scouting career by becoming Rover Scouts.

 

Resources:

Pathfinders Handbook PDF (11-17 years old)

BPSA-developed handbook for the Pathfinder section. Click here to order a coil-bound version.

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Scouting for Boys

The definitive manual for scouts. This is the book that started scouting, complete with illustrations by B-P. Originally published in installments every other Wednesday from January 15, 1908. The book consists of introductions for Scouters, 28 “Campfire Yarns” for Scouts, and a summary. Also available in paperback. It should be noted that this text was written in 1908 and is in every way a reflection of the time. OSG aims to move beyond the vestiges of colonialism, racism, sexism, homophobia, et al contained within this text and we are working every day to build a program that embodies 21st Century inclusivity. We look to the history as a framework for our educational method and theory, but we denounce the bigotry and discrimination presented in these texts.