Drilling Commands
Pathfinder Pledge and Law
Pledge:
By the grace of God, I will be pure, and kind, and true. I will keep the Pathfinder Law. I will be a servant of God and a friend to man.
Law:
The Law is for me to:
Keep the morning watch
Do my honest part
Care for my body,
Keep a level eye
Be courteous and obedient
Walk softly in the sanctuary,
Keep a song in my heart,
Go on God's errand.
Explanation -- Pathfinder Pledge
Explanation -- Pathfinder Law
Pathfinder Handbook
What is the purpose of the Pathfinder Club?
The purpose of the Pathfinder Club is to build a community through:
Showing Jesus
Having fun
Developing Leaders
Why should my child be a Pathfinder?
As a Pathfinder, your child will experience, experiment, and be exposed to new and unique things. Pathfinders is more than just standing at attention, drilling, camping, and wearing uniforms, it is a Place where your child can prepare for life in a safe, fun, and challenging environment. Pathfinders requires commitment, discipline, and responsibility. Your child will learn honor, leadership, how to live as a person of integrity (truthfulness), faithfulness, and perseverance. We want every Pathfinder to succeed in Pathfinders and in life, but it’s hard work! Proverbs 14:23 says, “Hard work always pays off, mere talk puts no bread on the table.” We believe that every Pathfinder can and will succeed in all they do.
What is your role as a parent of a Pathfinder?
Five (5) things we ask of all Pathfinder parents:
Pray for your child, the leaders, and the club
Bring your child to club meetings and activities on time.
Pick them up on time.
Be informed.
Volunteer as needed
Why does the pathfinder uniform mean?
The Pathfinder uniform is more than just an outfit with a bunch of patches and pins on it. It creates a group identity and brings a sense of unity and belonging, we are all part of the same village. It signifies the following: honor, leadership, integrity, faithfulness, and perseverance. You are the uniform you wear. That’s why we are serious about the uniform. Your uniform is to be neat, clean, pressed at all times. Wear it proudly! Remember, you are the uniform you wear.
How do I stay informed of pathfinder information?
Your primary source of information should be the New Hope Night Hawks Pathfinder Club website, http://sites.google.com/site/nhpathfinders. The calendar, forms, and other information can be found there. You can also contact the club at nhpathfinders@gmail.com. The club director can be contacted at 301.332.6567 or via e-mail at nhpathfinders@gmail.com
You can also follow the pathfinders on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Hope-Night-Hawk-Pathfinder-Club/1657236071172318
Twitter: @NHNightHawks
Instagram: nhpathfinders
USPS mail can be sent to
Pathfinders C/O New Hope Church
12350 Hall Shop Rd. Fulton, MD 20759
GENERAL INFORMATION
Attendance
Attendance at all meetings is an expectation of all pathfinders. Too many absences may result in not being invested. If pathfinders arrive late or are picked up late pathfinders may loose points.
In order to attend special events such as camping events or parties pathfinders must have an attendance rate of 70% or better for the semester in which the event takes place. This means that to attend the Christmas party a pathfinder can have no more than 2 absences from September to the date of the party. To attend the camporee and the end of the year party a pathfinder can have no more than 2 absences from January to the week before the camporee. Pathfinders must also attend the two meetings prior to the event.
Sign-In
You must sign in your child before each meeting/activity. Pathfinders may not be dropped off or signed in earlier than 15 minutes prior to each meeting/activity.
Pick-Up
Sign your child out when you pick them up from pathfinders or any event/activity. Please bring a photo ID with you. If someone other than yourself or the persons authorized on the registration form will be picking up your child, a written note must be submitted to the pathfinder staff ahead of them. This person must also bring a photo ID with them when they pick up the pathfinder.
Note: Appropriate legal paperwork is required to be on file with New Hope Night Hawks Pathfinder Club when the custodial parent requests the club not to release the child to the other parent.
If your child will be leaving early, please notify one the Deputy directors, on the meeting day. The staff will have your child prepared to depart at your requested time. Remember that you will still need to sign your child out.
If someone arrives to pick up a pathfinder from pathfinder meetings/activities in an incapacitated condition (i.e. alcohol, drugs) the staff in charge will advise that person of their options regarding the transportation of the child. Some options that may be exercised are: call another person on the child’s emergency contact list, call the other parent, call a taxi, call a nearby neighbor/friend.
If a reasonable conclusion cannot be reached, the parent will be advised that either Child Protective Services or the Police will be called
Late Pick-Up
Parents are expected to pick up their children on time. When a parent is late it impacts staff and the staff’s time. After a parent is more than 10 minutes late two times the child will be suspended for 2 meetings which may include camping trips or field trips. After being more than 10 minutes late 3 times, the pathfinder risks being expelled from the club.
Pathfinder Attire
Please remember to dress your child appropriately in the proper uniform: Class A- dress shirt with all emblems on it, yellow scarf with a slide, sash, black dress pants with belt loops, pathfinder belt, black socks, if weather is cold they may wear under their uniform a black long sleeve shirt with no collar, and black dress shoes; Class B- Red pathfinder t-shirt, jeans or modest shorts, tennis shoes (no sandals), and if weather is cold their pathfinder sweatshirt.
Each pathfinder will receive three New Hope Night Hawks Pathfinder Club T-Shirts. These shirts are worn at some meetings and at all activities
Lost Items
If a pathfinder is missing parts of their uniform there will be a charge for replacing these pieces. New Hope Night Hawks Pathfinder Club will not be held responsible for lost or stolen items.
Disabilities
In order for New Hope Night Hawks to provide the best day pathfinder experience for your child, we ask that prior to registration, you consult with the pathfinder directors regarding any special needs of your child. Due to the fact that there are some medical treatments and procedures that legally the New Hope Night Hawks staff is not trained nor qualified to perform, children will be enrolled on an individual basis. We will make every attempt to serve all children.
Allergies
Be aware that there are club members who have allergies to nuts and cinnamon. Please avoid food with either of these when packing lunches, snacks, or bringing in treats for a celebration.
Changes in Address, Phone Numbers, and Emergency Numbers
Please inform the Pathfinder club in writing of all changes to address and phone numbers. If your emergency numbers change, it is important that we are notified immediately to ensure proper notification of parents in case of an emergency.
Special Events & Birthdays
Special food treats may be brought in for birthdays. Arrangements should be made ahead of time with the club director.
Behavior and Discipline
Club staff will utilize the appropriate discipline measure; verbal warnings, removal from activity or suspension from pathfinder.
MEDICAL & EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Essential Forms:
Each pathfinder must have a completed:
Pathfinder Registration Online
Parent Handbook Acknowledgement & Health Form
Bullying Agreement Form
Uniform Request Form
Payment
All forms must be given to the New Hope Night Hawks Pathfinder Club staff at the time of registration or your child will NOT be able to attend pathfinders!! Please be sure that the information on the forms is accurate and complete.
Illness Policy
We do not have the facilities to care for sick children and therefore will not allow them to attend the program. For the safety and comfort of your child, please keep them home until they feel better and no longer present the danger of passing on their illness.
If your pathfinder becomes ill while at the club meeting, you will be asked to pick up your child as soon as possible.
Accidents/Emergencies
All precautions will be taken to prevent serious heath risks to all campers.
In general, in the event that a major injury or health problem arises and professional medical care is required, the following steps will be taken:
The staff will give immediate First Aid until professional services arrive.
You will be contacted. If you cannot be reached, the emergency contact person will be notified.
911 will be called.
A staff person will accompany your child to the hospital and remain until you or your emergency contact person arrives.
The incident will be described in writing on the New Hope Night Hawks Pathfinder Club incident report.
New Hope Night Hawks Pathfinder Club does not incur the cost of medical treatment and it is imperative that you indicate on your child’s health history / registration form what type of health insurance you carry.
Emergency Plan
New Hope Night Hawks Pathfinder Club has an emergency plan. The staff has been trained and is expected to be well versed in emergency procedures.