An award for proficiency in any of specific fields classed under Arts and Crafts, Household Arts, Nature Study, Outdoor Industries, Outreach Ministries, Recreation, and Vocational. The skills, understandings, appreciations, and attitudes gained through the earnings of Pathfinder Honors are intended to help the Adventist Youth/Pathfinder become the benefactor to others that this name implies.
The basic requirements were set by the General Conference Youth Department at the suggestion of the 1927 Advisory Committee. The Pathfinder Honors were first called Vocational Merits, later Vocational Honors, then MV Honors, then AY Honors, and since 1980 have been called Pathfinder Honors.
Most Pathfinder Honors, except those in technical lines, may be gained by private endeavor. Advanced Honors are offered in some fields.
When requirements have been met for any Pathfinder Honor, application is made to the local conference youth director for the specific Honor certificate and Honor token. It is usually presented at an Investiture service. The felt Honor tokens may be worn on a Pathfinder sash over the shoulder.