Organizations providing a character-building program of activities for both boys and girls from 10 to 15 years of age. Launched in 1950, these clubs promote the Pathfinder classes and emphasize happy association of adults with children in mutually enjoyable projects. The general organization, sponsored by the Youth Department, has adopted a uniform, a club flag, unit guidons, and ceremonies. Each club is divided into units of six to eight boys or girls; each unit has two officers, captain and scribe, chosen by the unit, and an adult counselor appointed by the staff. The staff is composed of a director and deputy directors elected by the church, and counselors and instructors. The club is to help each member become a sincere Christian—trustworthy, resourceful, possessing a worthy goal in life and a sense of mission in preparing to meet the needs of a neighbor near or far.
On Pathfinder Day (since 1957 a recurring appointment on the church calendar in North America, usually the fourth Sabbath in September) the club is accorded recognition by the local congregation and appeals are made for new members.
The Pathfinder Fair is an important annual event, when the conference calls together all clubs for combined exercises, crafts, and nature activities exhibits, parades, and demonstrations, in which each club is at its best, and the interchange of ideas benefits all participants. The Pathfinder Camporee, a conference-wide campout, climaxes the camping season. Units join in comparing camping skills in a wilderness area, spending at least two nights and three days in outdoor living, enjoying open-fire cookery and campfire stories.
The Silver Anniversary year was celebrated in 1975, with participation by clubs internationally.
In 1989–1990 the fortieth anniversary of Pathfindering was celebrated.
The Pathfinder Club is now a worldwide organization, in 1993 numbering more than 900,000 members.