Pathfinder Outdoor Education

Groggy students unload from buses at a natural, wooded campsite. Boisterous introductions are made and their Pathfinder adventure is off and running! Small groups are engaged in challenge course - physical riddles to be solved by working together. Friendships are created and the seeds of cooperation are being sown. Discussions blossom about how to be a good leader, how to follow a leader, what makes us scared, what helps us trust. The day continues, maybe with canopy tree climbing or shelter-building. Evening brings a hike under the stars and the understanding that nature is not a scary place. Sitting around the campfire and reflecting on the day, it is probably the first moment the students realize they haven't looked at a screen all day...and that they haven't missed it. How could it get any better? S'mores! And getting up to do it again the next day.

Pathfinder's programs fulfill two important needs. The first is getting kids outside in nature - extremely crucial when recess is being cut and kids spend more time inside separated from the natural world. The second is providing youth with valuable life skills. Our hands-on activities give kids an opportunity to solve problems, work together, and learn to communicate with each other.

Your donations give youth the gift of adventure, the joy of nature, and the skills of confidence and leadership. Thank you!