Pathfinder Basic Staff Training Empowers Leaders with Essential Skills
Basic Staff Training participants reported increased confidence in their ability to handle Pathfinder activities and mentor young people, with many highlighting the improvement in their leadership and teamwork skills.

7 Mar 2025, 13:49Mthokozisi Ndlovu, edited by SM Communications

Pathfinder Basic Staff Training Empowers Leaders with Essential Skills

This article highlights the successful Pathfinder Basic Staff Training (BST) held from February 28 to March 3, 2025, aimed at equipping leaders with essential skills for mentoring and guiding young Pathfinders.

Over the weekend of February 28 to March 3, 2025, the Pathfinder Basic Staff Training (BST) successfully brought together over fifty leaders from across Scotland, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to enhance their leadership and mentoring abilities within the Pathfinder ministry.

The online sessions on February 28 and March 1 attracted 54 Club Leaders and Master Guides, while 37 participants attended a hands-on physical training session at the Dundee SDA Church on March 3. The training, marked by enthusiasm and dedication, aimed to improve the preparedness of leaders in guiding young Pathfinders effectively.

Pathfinder Basic Staff Training participants, focused on acquiring new skills and strengthening their leadership abilities.
Pathfinder Basic Staff Training participants, focused on acquiring new skills and strengthening their leadership abilities.

The training focused on several core objectives:

  1. Familiarising staff with the mission, structure, and philosophy of the Pathfinder ministry.

  2. Providing the skills to mentor and train young Pathfinders.

  3. Developing competency in outdoor skills, drill, and safety protocols.

  4. Enhancing teamwork and leadership abilities.

  5. Strengthening the spiritual foundation of Pathfinder leaders.

Key modules included:

  • Club Ministry: Purpose and history

  • Club Organisation

  • Programming & Planning

  • Club Outreach

  • Ceremonies & Drill

  • Developmental Growth

  • Introduction to Teaching

  • Medical, Risk Management, and Child Safety Issues

    Participants practicing precision and teamwork during a Drill and Marching session at the Pathfinder Basic Staff Training.
    Participants practicing precision and teamwork during a Drill and Marching session at the Pathfinder Basic Staff Training.

Participants reported increased confidence in their ability to handle Pathfinder activities and mentor young people, with many highlighting the improvement in their leadership and teamwork skills. The training also deepened participants' commitment to the Pathfinder ministry and spiritual growth.

The training was made possible through the efforts of dedicated instructors, including Ps Njay Ndlovu and Paul Tompkins, whose guidance and support were instrumental in the success of the training event. A special thank you was extended to Amy Simon from the NEC, who spent the afternoon teaching Drill and Marching, showcasing both expertise and passion for the role. Helderberg Jackson also contributed significantly with his session on Club Planning and Programming, offering valuable insights to the participants.

The Scottish Mission looks forward to seeing how these newly empowered leaders will apply their training to lead dynamic, thriving Pathfinder clubs across the region, fostering both spiritual and personal growth for future generations.