Home > About Pathfinder
Who is Pathfinder, Inc?
Pathfinder, Inc. is a non-profit organization that helps youth, adults, and parents create a more positive and fully engaged learning community. Because our emphasis is community, participants learn new skills to solve problems, work together effectively and be responsible for themselves and each other. Through our exciting, hands on curriculum participants feel energized, learn and have fun.

Why we do it
The Pathfinder mission is to provide experiential programs in a supportive environment, promoting increased social and personal responsibility. The staff and Board of Directors believe that consciously teaching character and building community is a vital part of the lifelong learning process and helps to create a safer, more productive and happier world.

How we do it
Pathfinder programs are grounded in a tradition of experiential education. All programs, regardless of the age or ability of the participants, the length of time or the location, are hands-on, interactive and fun with a solid, non-competitive curriculim. All activities incorporate the themes of developing character and community, and most programs take place outdoors, not only because it's more fun, but because we have found this more effective in meeting our client's goals. 

Pathfinder primarily partners with schools and organizations serving youth to offer:

  • Youth programs
  • Educator training sessions
  • Parent and family programs
  • Special programs and events
 

Businesses and other non-academic professional communities benefit from Pathfinder teambuilding retreats which are available at your location or ours and last from one to five days.

Youth programs last from one to seven days at any of our five beautiful locations throughout Florida and southern Georgia. Group leaders choose from more than 70 curriculum options, specially designed to combine hands-on experience with education to provide lasting benefits.

Educators and parents can participate in their own curriculum that supports professional development and provides tools to continue guiding their youth. They may choose to participate while attending with their children, or during intensive workshops at their site or Pathfinder’s.

Pathfinder continues to support our learners through introductory and refresher programs at your site, inter-generational and family programs, and special programs and events.

Who Facilitates
Pathfinder facilitators have expertise with learners of all ages and abilities. They ensure the safest possible physical and emotional environment for learners to participate in activities and guided discussions that address identified goals. A variety of challenges are tailored to participants’ skills, abilities, previous experience, cultural diversity, learning abilities, and organizational goals. All facilitators have, at minimum, extensive experience in the areas they facilitate (most have a BA or MA in a related field) and current training in First Aid, CPR, and Water Safety.


Pathfinder, Inc.
At A Glance

Pathfinder, Inc. is a non-profit Florida corporation, established in 1993 by Marcia Lane and governed by a Board of Directors. Every year Pathfinder serves over 5000 participants. Accredited by the Association for Experiential Education, our staff includes 25 highly skilled, professional educators.

Status: Florida non-profit
Accreditation: Association for Experiential Education (AEE)
Years in Business: 15
Began: 1993
Founded By: Marcia Lane
Number of Staff Members: 8 FT; 20 PT
Annual Budget: Approaching $1 million
Funded by: Fees, grants, sponsors, memberships
Governed by: Board of Directors
Mission: To provide experiential programs in a supportive environment, promoting increased social and personal responsibility.
Core Values: Caring, Cooperation, Choice, Fun, Growth, Integrity, Respect
# Participants: Approx. 5,000 annually
Fiscal Year: July 1 – June 30