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Frequently Asked Questions

• General FAQ’s
• FAQ from Parents/Guardians and Group Leaders
• FAQ from Students & Attending Adults
• FAQ’s on planning your trip, reservations and invoices

General FAQ’s

How do I make a reservation for a Pathfinder program?
1. Contact the Pathfinder main office at 727-328-0300 to make a reservation. A discussion of the locations, investment, class options and dates will follow.
2. Dates are confirmed when all three parties - school/group, camp/conference center and Pathfinder come to consensus.
3. After the verbal confirmation you will receive a confirmation packet via e-mail within two weeks. This includes a confirmation e-mail, a Pre-Packet, a Working Invoice, and a Reservation Agreement for you to sign and return with your 10% deposit.

Can my daughter or son attend Pathfinder on their own?
Pathfinder programs are typically for groups of people such as an entire sixth grade, a scout troop or school faculty. During the summer, Pathfinder partners with other organizations to offer programs that allow individual sign-up. Visit the Summer Programs link for more information.

Where is Pathfinder located?
Pathfinder partners with six camp and conference centers throughout Florida and southern Georgia. See the Locations link for more information. Programs can also be arranged at another site of mutual convenience. Fees for programs at your site are arranged on an individual basis. Please contact the main office at 727-328-0300 or info@pathfinder-ed.org for more information.

What does it cost to attend a Pathfinder program?
Pathfinder programs require an investment amount between $15-$495 per participant depending on the type of program and the length of stay. Each program is specifically designed to meet the needs of the group, therefore factors such as arrival and departure times, special program requests, guests, type of lodging, etc. can affect the investment amount. Please contact Pathfinder directly at 727-328-0300 or info@pathfinder-ed.org for more information.

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FAQ’s from parents/guardians and group leaders

My son or daughter is invited to attend a Pathfinder program. Why should I send them?
The value of Pathfinder far exceeds the investment. Students return to their classrooms and communities with enriched perceptions of themselves, each other, and their teachers and family. They learn to overcome challenges that at first seem impossible. When they accomplish these challenging activities - both individually and as a group - students are learning what it takes to overcome future challenges. This results in people who are more confident in their own abilities, who are able to succeed beyond previous expectations and who realize that challenge is a vital part of lifelong learning. Pathfinder presents these opportunities and experiences in a manner that cannot be duplicated in a classroom.

Students attend Pathfinder as a group and members who do not attend miss out on the feelings of camaraderie, trust, synergy and fun that other group members experience. We are told that students refer to their Pathfinder experience, sometimes years after it takes place, sharing it at graduation as a high point and even referring to the lessons learned when they are in college. Pathfinder is often the most memorable experience of a given school year.

Many schools consider Pathfinder a fundamental part of their educational curriculum and not just because of the academic classes, but also because we provide a controlled place for students to sleep away from home, maybe for the first time. The social learning continues during mealtimes and in the dorm rooms where lessons about respect and tolerance are reinforced.

How do Pathfinder instructors keep track of students in the outdoors?
It is not difficult to keep track of students even when classroom walls do not contain them. Each group of students is supervised by at least one Pathfinder instructor with a maximum ratio of 1:20 students. An adult from the school/organization also accompanies the group. Students are often taught to count off so that all members look out for one another. Pathfinder staff and attending adults always have a complete roster of the students in their care. (This roster also contains pertinent medical information such as allergies.) Pathfinder students are taught the ground rules immediately after arrival. A primary rule is to stay with one's group at all times, to ask permission to leave, and to go with a buddy when one is granted permission.

What safety protocols are in place at Pathfinder programs?
Pathfinder has an excellent safety record that can be reviewed under the link Safety Committee. Pathfinder instructors are trained in American Red Cross First Aid, CPR and water safety and many of them are lifeguards, wilderness medics or EMT’s. They also have directions and know how to get to the local walk-in clinic and emergency room. Pathfinder staff carry first aid kits in fanny packs or backpacks with them at all times and a large, very complete first aid kit is available in our central meeting area. In addition, most buildings have extensive first aid kits, and in some locations there is ready access to oxygen and automatic external defibrillators. Every building has a phone and attending adults are instructed on how to use it if such instruction is necessary.

Group Safety begins with the selection process used by the school or group to invite students to attend. Schools may disallow student participation based on behavior, grades, health concerns or other impediments. Every effort is made to accommodate and encourage the participation of all students.

Once on site, the Pathfinder staff reviews the medical information submitted by the attending group and gives this information in the form of a student roster to all staff and attending adults. These rosters are carried with each adult during the entire Pathfinder visit and they are also given copies of the local emergency phone numbers. The complete detailed medical forms, including parent contact information, are kept in the central meeting area and can be accessed by staff and adults as necessary.

Classes such as challenge course, high ropes and canoeing have additional safety protocols. The instructor to student ratio is 1:10 or less during these activities and only staff members with appropriate training are allowed to supervise. All participants must wear USCG approved personal flotation devices during open water activities, and lifeguards are available if groups choose to swim during free time. Please see The Association for Challenge Course Technology for detailed information on high ropes safety protocol.

Who will be teaching Pathfinder classes?
Pathfinder instructors are skilled in working with students of all ages and abilities and many are professional educators with advanced degrees. See the Pathfinder staff page for information about each person. Pathfinder does not rely on college students or camp counselors to teach classes. Instead, we provide extensive training in our outdoor education curriculum to mature, reliable adults. All staff undergo a background check through Omni Group and are fingerprinted by the local government in accord with standard public school system policies.

What activities will my son/daughter participate in at Pathfinder?
Pathfinder offers over 70 curriculum choices that vary by age and location. Most activities are outdoors and all of them are educational, challenging and fun.

What activities will my son/daughter participate in at Pathfinder?
Pathfinder offers over 70 curriculum choices that vary by age and location. Most activities are outdoors and all of them are educational, challenging and fun.

Pathfinder activities have a minimum of lecture, and focus instead on experience-based learning. Participants actively engage in exploring, discovering, pondering, creating, thinking and doing an activity. Then they debrief their experience with the guidance of Pathfinder facilitators. The debrief is designed to draw parallels between what was experienced by the participant and what may be experienced in real life.

Who is supervising my child at night?
Your group’s leaders make sleeping arrangements so that an adult is on every hall or in the same dormitory complex. At least one Pathfinder staff person remains on site at all times, and is available in case of emergency. Each conference center also has resident staff on site and on call.

Can I call my child while s/he’s at Pathfinder?
All Pathfinder locations are accessible via phone in case you need to call your child in an emergency (see Emergency Phone Numbers). The Pathfinder office (727-328-0300) can also contact them quickly on your behalf. Students have access to phones with availability for collect or credit card calls to call out during assigned times. Your group’s leadership will set the policy on phone calls. Typically, cell phones will not be accessible to students during class/program times (just like at school). However, your group’s leadership may allow cell phone use during a specified time in the late afternoon or evening. Parent phone numbers are always accessible to Pathfinder staff in case of an emergency, and parents will be notified immediately if there are any concerns about their child.

What if my child has a special diet?
Alternative menus are available at Pathfinder programs including vegetarian options at every meal, and by special arrangement, options for specific allergies. A Kosher menu is not available at this time, although Jewish groups usually opt for a vegetarian menu. Communicate all the needs of your child to your group leader well in advance of the Pathfinder experience. We are happy to accommodate your needs and feel free to call us directly if you have additional concerns.

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FAQ from Students & Attending Adults

Will we see wild animals like alligators while at a Pathfinder program?
Since we are spending time in the outdoors and in a natural setting, it is always possible to see wild animals such as birds, armadillos and even alligators. All Florida waterways are able to host either alligators or crocodiles but because we are usually in a large group and making a lot of noise, alligators tend to shy away and they are a very rare sight.

Should I bring money to my Pathfinder event? Is there a gift shop?
There is not a gift shop, but Pathfinder t-shirts are available for a $10 donation. It is up to the individual school or group whether students bring money to a Pathfinder program. All necessities such as food, lodging and curriculum are included in the Pathfinder experience, but some groups may stop before or after for snacks or a meal. Some locations have a soda machine.

What will my room/dorm/lodging and bathrooms at Pathfinder look like? Is there air conditioning and heat?
All dorms and lodgings at Pathfinder camp and conference centers are climate controlled (including heat and a/c), clean and comfortable. Each location has a different sleeping arrangement. Some have bunk beds with up to 16 people per room, others have only two people per room and at some locations private rooms are available, usually for adults. The bathrooms also range in size and accessibility from location to location and range from a private bathroom to a large shared bathroom with six sinks, six showers and six toilets. All showers and toilets are in private stalls with doors or curtains.

What is the food like at Pathfinder?
Although the food varies from location to location, all meals are served in large climate controlled dining rooms and they are all-you-can-eat. There will always be two entrée choices with a vegetarian option, and most lunches and dinners will have a choice of items from the salad bar and include dessert. Beverages such as iced tea, lemonade and juice are served, with coffee for attending adults.

What activities will I participate in at Pathfinder?
Pathfinder offers over 70 curriculum choices that vary by age and location. Most activities are outdoors and all of them are educational, challenging and fun.

Pathfinder activities have a minimum of lecture, and focus instead on experience-based learning. Participants actively engage in exploring, discovering, pondering, creating, thinking and doing an activity.

Then they debrief their experience with the guidance of Pathfinder facilitators. The debrief is designed to draw parallels between what was experienced by the participant and what may be experienced in real life.

Can I choose my group assignment and roommates while attending Pathfinder? Will I be with my friends?
Your teacher or group leaders will make dorm and activity assignments prior to arriving at the Pathfinder program. There are usually opportunities to mingle with other groups and pick your own small groups within activities.

Will there be any free time while at Pathfinder?
Refer to the typical daily schedule and notice that we usually allow a break from classes between 4:30 – 6 p.m. every day. Attending adults are required to chaperone the students during this time while Pathfinder staff prepare for the evening activities. Pathfinder staff are available at all times if there are any questions or needs. Free time choices will be assigned by group leaders but may include swimming, sports such as volleyball, tennis and basketball, or hanging-out in the main meeting room. After a brief visit to their dorms to prepare for free time, students must be with their group and their chaperone. Students are not permitted to spend free time in their dorms without supervision.

Can I call home or make a phone call while at Pathfinder?
While phones are easily accessible in case of emergency, your group leader specifies when phone calls are permitted. Typically phone calls are allowed in the evening or during free time (4:30-6 p.m., see the Daily Schedule) and not during classes, just like at school. We also request that students do not carry their cell phones during classes so they are not lost or damaged. The on-site phones can be used for out-going calls with a credit card or calling card. Please ask the Pathfinder Site Director when you arrive if you need help with use of the on-site phones.

What should I pack?
Please refer to the Bring Along list when packing for your Pathfinder visit. We recommend you bring everything on the list! Take special notice of the bedding needed at the camp/conference center you are attending. Also be sure to bring two pairs of shoes (in case of rain) and clothes for both warm and cool weather. At least one pair of shoes must have closed toes, i.e. sneakers or hiking boots, not sandals. Definitely bring a water bottle with your name on it. We are outdoors most of the time - both night and day - so sunscreen, a hat, and bug spray are very important. Do not bring your most expensive or irreplaceable clothing or personal items that may be lost or damaged.

Some groups disallow the use of electronic items, such as video games, while at Pathfinder, although they may make exceptions during the bus ride. You may bring snacks, but please be sure to keep food away from your dorms after you arrive. We usually put our snacks in a central meeting area to keep our sleeping areas clean.

What should I wear while participating in Pathfinder programs?
In general, dress for comfort in the outdoors, remembering to put on sunscreen when you get dressed in the morning. Besides canoeing, or swimming during free time, closed-toe shoes are a requirement, i.e. sneakers or hiking boots, not sandals. Some activities do require special clothing. If your group is canoeing, bring sandals with a back strap so they stay on your feet. Flip-flops and slip-ons are not permitted because they can fall off your feet while canoeing. During evening programs we strongly recommend pants, and long-sleeved shirts are also suggested. If your group chooses to offer swimming as a free time option (see the typical daily schedule) then you must wear a swimsuit that is school-appropriate.

What is the schedule of activities? When are meals?
Student groups typically arrive sometime before lunch on their first day and leave after lunch on their last day. Meals are usually: Breakfast 8:30a.m., Lunch 12:30 p.m., Dinner 6 p.m.. Mealtimes may vary depending on the activities chosen or special requests by the camp/conference center. Refer to a typical daily schedule for a general idea, but your group leader will actually choose the activities before you arrive and an up-to-date schedule will be posted in your meeting area after you arrive.

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FAQ’s on planning your trip, reservations and invoices

How do I make a reservation for a Pathfinder program?
1. Contact the Pathfinder main office at 727-328-0300 to make a reservation. A discussion of the locations, investment, class options and dates will follow.
2. Dates are confirmed when all three parties - school/group, camp/conference center and Pathfinder come to consensus.
3. After the verbal confirmation you will receive a confirmation packet via e-mail within two weeks. This includes a confirmation e-mail, a Pre-Packet, a Working Invoice, and a Reservation Agreement for you to sign and return with your 10% deposit.

What do I do after I receive my confirmation letter/contract/invoice in the mail?
Please check all of the information in the confirmation letter, contract and invoice to be sure that it reflects the correct date, number of participants, location and cost. Sign the contract and enclose a deposit check made payable to Pathfinder Outdoor Education. The deposit is $10 per participant or $1,000 whichever is less. Mail the signed contract and deposit check to 3125 Fifth Ave. N., Ste. A-2, St. Petersburg, FL 33713. The next step is to review the pre-packet which will arrive via mail about two months before your trip.

When is the balance of fees due to Pathfinder?
At 30 days prior to your event, 50% of the balance is due. After the event, a Final Statement will be e-mailed to you and your final payment is due within 15 working days.

How do I choose the classes for our group?
After your reservation is confirmed and no later than thirty days prior to your event you will complete and return the Group Checklist, found in your pre-packet. Feel free to contact the Pathfinder staff to plan your program. We will work with you to design a schedule that meets your goals, and is effective for your age level, location and length of stay.

When choosing classes, refer to the Program Guide and/or the information under student programs on the website and the Typical Daily Schedule. Calculate the number of class units you have available based on the length of your stay and your arrival time (see table below). A class unit is approximately 75 minutes, but some classes require more than one unit.

Classes typically begin no earlier than 9:30 on the first day and conclude after lunch on the final day. For every night that you stay, you can choose up to two activities each evening. Also note the grade appropriateness for each class.

Table of Class/Activity Choices

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