We have policies and codes of conduct to ensure the safety of children in our club.
Pathfinder pledge
Loving the Lord my God, I will:
Daily seek His presence,
Show friendship to others,
Keep the Pathfinder law,
And honour my country.
Pathfinder law
The Pathfinder law is for me to:
Look for the good in others,
Aim to do my best,
Love and respect my family,
Be thankful for what I have,
Preserve God’s creation,
Take care of my health,
Be involved in my church,
Go where He sends.
Club policies
The Code of Conduct and Club Policies must be accepted by each individual prior to attendance at Pathfinder activities:
- Parent Helpers are invited as guests to assist Leaders on Club and Conference organised activities. ALL attendees over 18 years old must hold a current NSW Working With Children Check and have current (Seventh Day Adventist) Adsafe compliance.
- Parent Helpers are limited to one parent per family per camp.
- In cases where adult staff/helpers exceed those required, priority of attendance will be given to those providing assistance throughout the year.
- Parents and siblings of registered Pathfinders are invited to attend designated Family activities.
- Participation in activities organised specifically for Pathfinders is restricted to registered Pathfinders only.
- A registration form must be submitted for each individual prior to attendance at Pathfinder activities.
- An adult female must be present at each camp where Pathfinder girls are in attendance.
- An adult male must be present at each camp where Pathfinder boys are in attendance.
- A minimum of two adults must be present at each Pathfinder activity.
- Camps will be cancelled or combined if the following occurs (this list is no exhaustive):
- necessary adults are not in attendance
- suitably qualified instructors are not available
- unsuitable weather forecast or conditions.
Pathfinder code of conduct
The following Code of Conduct outlines the behaviour expected of all Pathfinders in the Central Coast Club.
As a Pathfinder I will:
- Be respectful to my leaders by:
- following the principles outlined in the Pathfinder Pledge and Law
- listening to and following instructions
- participating in activities where I am able
- ensuring that the leaders always know where I am
- not using offensive or abusive language
- wearing appropriately protective and modest clothing as required for each activity
- not bringing items such as electronic devices, phones and electronic games to events that will distract me from my participation in activities unless by prior approval of the Club Director
- not using drugs, alcohol, tobacco or any other harmful or illegal substances
- not accessing, sharing or creating any pictures, audios, film or video recordings which show nudity or sexual acts
- ensuring that when assigned an area for sleeping, changing clothes, showering or toileting that I will use only these areas for these activities and will not visit areas assigned to other Pathfinders
- Show care for my fellow Pathfinders by:
- actively seeking ways to be inclusive of all Pathfinders.
- ensuring that anything I share on social media has their consent and is respectful of them.
- respecting their personal privacy at all times but particularly during times allocated for sleeping, changing of clothes, showering and toileting
- talking to a leader who I can trust if I do not feel safe
- talking to a leader if I know or see someone else being hurt or at any risk of hurt
- talking to a leader if I see anyone (adult or child) behaving in a way that goes against this Code of Conduct
- not engaging in any bullying and harassing behaviours
- ensuring that all interpersonal relationships are appropriate and avoid using Pathfinder activities to pursue or engage in sexual activity
- practicing healthy social behaviour within a group setting at all times.
Pathfinder parent/carer/helper code of conduct
We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment that promotes the safety of all Pathfinder participants. This includes encouraging a culture where the prevention and reporting of abuse is supported and encouraged. All staff and volunteers are responsible for promoting the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of children and young people. This Code of Conduct sets expectations for how parents, carers, and helpers should behave when involved in any activities, events, or camps organised by the Pathfinder Club.
As a parent, carer, or helper of a Pathfinder, you play an important role in supporting the values and mission of the Pathfinder Club. In order to maintain a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all participants, the following Code of Conduct must be adhered to at all times.
1. Commitment to Pathfinder values
I will support and uphold the principles outlined in the Pathfinder Pledge and Law, demonstrating a positive role model for all Pathfinders.
I will listen to and follow all instructions provided by Club Leaders and other Pathfinder leadership personnel to ensure the safety and smooth running of activities.
2. Respectful behaviour
I will use respectful, positive, and appropriate language at all times, refraining from any offensive or abusive comments or behaviour.
I will respect the privacy of all Pathfinders, especially during times allocated for sleeping, changing clothes, showering, or toileting.
I will be inclusive of all Pathfinders, actively supporting their integration and participation, ensuring no child feels excluded from any activity or interaction.
I will respect personal boundaries and avoid engaging in any form of bullying, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour. This includes refraining from any actions or comments that may be harmful or intimidating to others.
3. Health and safety
I will not use drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or any harmful or illegal substances while participating in any Pathfinder activity or event, and will comply with all club rules regarding health and safety.
I will wear appropriate protective and modest clothing as required for each activity, ensuring that my attire is suitable for the environment and respectful of others.
I will use designated areas for sleeping, changing clothes, showering, and toileting, and will not enter areas assigned to other Pathfinder participants.
4. Digital and social media conduct
I will ensure that anything I share on social media or other online platforms is respectful of the privacy and dignity of Pathfinders, leaders, and the wider Pathfinder community.
Any images, videos, or recordings that include other children will only be posted on the club’s approved and closed social media pages. Such images will not be shared or published outside of the club’s official platforms without explicit consent from the parents or guardians of those children.
5. Child safety and legal requirements
I will undertake and maintain all prescribed child safety training as required by the Pathfinder Club and the Seventh-day Adventist Church, including but not limited to the Adsafe training.
I will ensure that I hold a current NSW Working With Children Check clearance and will provide relevant documentation when requested.
I will adhere to all child safety policies and guidelines set by the club, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and any relevant legal requirements to ensure the protection and well-being of all children involved in Pathfinder activities.
6. Reporting concerns
I will promptly report any general concerns about behaviour, safety, or event planning to a leader, especially if it involves behaviour contrary to this Code of Conduct or compromises the wellbeing of any participants.
All staff, parents, carers, or helpers are encouraged to speak up if they have concerns about the safety of children or young people. Complaints about a breach of this Code of Conduct must be reported to Vince Hebbard (vince.hebbard@bigpond.com) or Andrew Pratt (andrewpratt@adventist.org.au, 0450 439 606).
PLEASE NOTE: An adult in child-related work in an organisation will commit an offence if they know another adult there poses a serious risk of abusing a child (under 18 years), and they have the power to reduce or remove the risk, and they negligently fail to do so. All adults in NSW are required to report information to police if they know, believe or reasonably ought to know that a child (under 18 years) has been abused.
Some breaches of this Code of Conduct may need to be reported to the NSW Police, the Department of Communities and Justice and the Office of the Children’s Guardian.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church Child and Vulnerable Person Protection Policy provides more information about our reporting obligations to external authorities as well as describing protections and confidentiality provisions for anyone making a report.
7. Appropriate interpersonal behaviour
I will ensure that any interpersonal relationships within the Pathfinder community remain appropriate, respectful, and non-exploitative. This includes refraining from using Pathfinder activities to pursue or engage in any sexual activity, or engaging in unauthorised online contact with a child or young person.
I will model and practice healthy social behaviour within the group, ensuring a supportive, respectful environment for all Pathfinders and adults alike.
8. Compliance with club policies
I understand that as a parent, carer, or helper, I am responsible for abiding by all rules, regulations, and requests set by the Pathfinder Club, its leadership, or event organisers.
I understand that the Pathfinder Club reserves the right to withdraw any parent, carer, or helper from participating in camps or activities if they fail to comply with this Code of Conduct.
Acknowledgement
By signing this document, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the Club Policies and Code of Conduct.
I agree to follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all participants and to support the leaders in providing a quality experience for my child. I understand that while I am participating in Club events, I am a guest of the Club. Any breach of this Code of Conduct may result in restrictions or withdrawal from participation in future Pathfinder events or activities.
I understand that I may be photographed or filmed during activities/camps. I give permission for such material to be used for promotional purposes.
Central Coast Pathfinders 