Explorer: Personal Growth

OverviewPersonal GrowthSpiritual DiscoveryServing OthersMaking FriendsHealth and FitnessNature StudyOutdoor LivingHonor Enrichment

Part of the Explorer class.

1. Be in Grade 7 or its equivalent.

The Explorer level has been designed to be within reach of a person in the seventh grade or higher. It should be challenging, yet achievable for a child at this point in his or her formal education.

2a. Develop your devotional life by studying the Weekly Devotional Guide (weeks 27 – 39) and the book of Acts utilizing printed or electronic resources.

Weekly Devotional Guide

The purpose of this requirement is to have the Pathfinder connect with God each day and help establish lifelong personal devotions. It is not to be done in a marathon sit down and read-as-much-as-you-can event. By reading the weekly devotional guide (thirteen weeks for Friend, Companion, Explorer, and Ranger, and 26 weeks for Voyager and Guide), the Pathfinder should gain a broader view of the Bible. They can use their Bibles, computers, or other electronic or audio devices to complete this requirement. The best way to approach the reading is by establishing a habit of reading the Bible every day (i.e., keep the morning watch!)

In addition to the topical studies: Friends are introduced to our friend Jesus through the stories of Matthew. Companions learn about the origins of the world through Genesis. Explorers explore the early church in Acts. Rangers return to the story of Jesus in John. Voyagers experience salvation as explained by Paul in Romans. Guides cover prophecy and end time events in Revelation.

Week 27: Attitudes * Mark 9:33-35 * 1 Thessalonians 5:18 * Psalm 34 * Ephesians 3 * James 2	Week 31: Praise * Psalm 108 * Psalms 27:1-4 * Psalm 56 * 1 Peter 5 * Isaiah 63	Week 35: Forgiveness * Isaiah 1 * Isaiah 38 * Psalm 30 * Psalm 40 * John 2
Week 28: Commitment * Isaiah 40 * Genesis 17 * Proverbs 4 * Luke 9	Week 32: Prayer * Psalms 116 * Matthew 6-7 * 1 Thessalonians 5 * Luke 18 * Psalm 20	Week 36: Abundant Life * Romans 5 * John 15 * Luke 19:1-27 * Jeremiah 4:1-8 * Ephesians 1-2 * Ephesians 3
Week 29: Growth * 1 corinthians 6 * 1 corinthians 13 * Psalm 53 * Psalm 90 * Ruth 1-2 * Ruth 3-4	Week 33: Trust * Exodus 33 * Proverbs 3:4, 5 * Psalm 62 * Isaiah 30:19-26 * Jeremiah 10 * Isaiah 38	Week 37: Death * Hebrews 9 * John 16 * Revelation 7:14-17 * Ecclesiastes 12
Week 30: Faith * Jude 1 * Romans 14 * Matthew 9 * Luke 17	Week 34: Salvation * John 1 * Acts 2 * Psalm 60 * Haggai 1-2 * Romans 3	Week 38: Baptism * Romans 6 * Matthew 3 * Matthew 28 * Luke 3 * 1 Peter 3
		Week 39: Second Coming * 1 Corinthians 15 * Isaiah 64 * Titus 1:13 * Isaiah 25 * James 5 * Mark 13

Acts

Acts 1	Acts 11	Acts 21
Acts 2	Acts 12	Acts 22
Acts 3	Acts 13	Acts 23
Acts 4	Acts 14	Acts 24
Acts 5	Acts 15	Acts 25
Acts 6	Acts 16	Acts 26
Acts 7	Acts 17	Acts 27
Acts 8	Acts 18	Acts 28
Acts 9	Acts 19
Acts 10	Acts 20

2b. Journal your thoughts by asking these questions: “What did I learn about God?” “What did I learn about myself?” “How can I apply this to my life today?” You may journal through writing, drawing or electronic process.

The questions are to be asked in relation to the Bible texts read in Requirement 2a. The point of having the Pathfinder answer these questions is to encourage him think about the text in a way that he may not have before. It is easier than we like to admit to read a long passage and not even think about it. Journaling should help prevent this.

How the journaling is done should be left to the Pathfinder.

Writing

Some people are more comfortable writing things down. This can be done with a pencil (or pen) and paper in a notebook, in a diary, on a word processor, or even on a blog or social network posting.

Drawing

Some children do not like to write and will resist it mightily. For such children, the thought of not being invested in not likely to be an effective motivator. They may prefer to illustrate the concepts instead, and that is a valid way for them to journal their thoughts.

Electronic Process

The Pathfinder may choose to write his journal entries in a word processor, a blog, or a social network. While these may be considered either writing or an “electronic process,” there are other options available. For instance, Pathfinders may wish to make an audio or video recording of their thoughts. If they have the equipment, this should be encouraged. If they are not comfortable sharing the material with the club, do not force them to.

3a. Memorize the Pathfinder Pledge.

Pathfinder Pledge

Pledge	Meaning
By the grace of God	Only as I rely on God to help me can I do His will
I will be pure,	I will fill my mind with that which is right and true and spend my time in activities that build a strong, clean character.
I will be kind	I will be considerate and kind, not only to my fellow men, but also to all of God’s creation.
I will be true	I will be honest and upright in study, work, and play and can always be counted upon to do my very best.
I will keep the Pathfinder Law	I will seek to understand the meaning of the law and will strive to live up to its spirit, realizing that obedience law is essential in any organization.
I will be a servant of God	I will pledge myself to God first, last, and best in everything I am called to do.
and a friend to man.	I will bless others and do to them what I would have them do to me.

3b. Illustrate your understanding of the Pathfinder Pledge in an interesting way.

An illustration is something that clarifies or proves a point. Its literal meaning is “to cast light upon.” Jesus illustrated many truths through His parables - stories which helped people to understand His message. The requirement to illustrate the meaning of the Pathfinder Pledge is an opportunity for the Pathfinders to use their imaginations. There are many approaches to illustration, including:

• Art projects
  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Diorama
  • Sculpture
  • Comic book
  • Collage
  • Poster
• Drama
  • Skit
  • Movie
  • Puppet show
  • Mime play (silent acting with narration or music)
• Other
  • Photography slide show
  • Sign Language
  • PowerPoint or compatible multimedia presention
  • Blog post with text and pictures

Click here to edit this list.

4. Learn the meaning of the Pathfinder Emblem.

Red (Sacrifice)

• Reminds us of Christ. John 3:16, Rom. 12:1.

Gold (Excellence)

• Standard of measurement. The Pathfinder Club has high standards to help build strong character for the kingdom of heaven. Rev. 3:18

White (Purity)

• We desire to have the purity and righteousness of Christ’s life in our lives. Rev. 3:5

Blue (Loyalty)

• It is the purpose of the Pathfinder Club to help teach us to be loyal to our God in heaven, our parents, and our church.

Three sides

• Completeness of the Trinity – Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Matt. 28:19-20

• Tripod of education:

  : Mental (Crafts and Honors) : Physical (Campouts, work bee, health focus) : Spiritual (Outreach and personal spiritual development)

Shield (Protection)

• In the Scripture God is often called the shield of His people. Gen. 15:1, Eph. 6:16

Sword (Bible)

• The sword is used in warfare. A battle is always won by offense. We are in a battle against sin, and our weapon is the Word of God. Eph. 6:17

Inverted Triangle

• The inverted order of importance Jesus taught which is contrary to that taught by the world.
• Sacrificing of one’s self by placing the needs of others ahead of our own.

Pathfinder Club

• The Pathfinder Club is one of the organizations of the world youth ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Advanced: Wilderness Explorer

There are no additional requirements in this section for the Advanced Ribbon.

Personal Growth in other classes: Friend · Companion · Ranger · Voyager · Guide

Adapted from Investiture Achievement/Explorer/Personal Growth on the Pathfinder Wiki, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. See the original page's history for its authors.
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