Our Vision is a connected and thriving Top End that celebrates the Territory's diversity, cultural resilience and uniqueness.
Our Mission is to create safe spaces where young people feel emboldened to speak their minds, have fun, and live with a sense of belonging and purpose.
At Pathfinders, our purpose is to help young people learn how to be "OK with not always being OK". We encourage them to lean into their uncomfortable feelings and take the time to understand, accept, and heal from the impacts of their adversity. We call this the Pathfinder's Path: a lifelong journey that is not always easy but can be supported by peers, therapy, mentorship, connection to nature, and connection to culture. The Pathfinder's Path encourages openness and transparency as young people work through their challenges, building self-kindness and resilience along the way.
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At Pathfinders NT, we are committed to fostering a courageous culture grounded in our core values of fun, adventure, boldness, curiosity, and pride. These values guide our decision-making, help us recognize and reward our team members, and enable us to deliver impactful and sustainable change. By consistently upholding these values in our programs, we ensure that our partners, participants, and the community can trust in the quality and reliability of anyone representing Pathfinders NT.
Our Values
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At Pathfinders, we believe that fun, humour, and play are essential elements of any successful program. These universal connectors bring people together and are fundamental human rights that should be protected and promoted. As stated in Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, children have the right to enjoy leisure activities and engage in play, and we strive to provide opportunities for them to do so in all of our programs.
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At Pathfinders, we believe that adventure has the power to transform lives. By stepping outside of our comfort zones and taking a leap of faith into a usually risky experience, we open ourselves up to personal growth and new opportunities. Adventure requires courage and a willingness to take risks, and we use the power of adventure, sport, and movement to help people connect with their bodies, minds, and the world around them. Whether it's hiking in the wilderness or tackling a challenging obstacle course, we believe that adventure has the potential to inspire and empower people of all ages.
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At Pathfinders, we challenge the stereotypical notion of what it means to be bold. To us, being bold means being vulnerable. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we open ourselves up to new experiences that can bring purpose and meaning to our lives. We believe that by embracing vulnerability and taking bold action, we can unlock our potential and create positive change in the world. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said, 'What you can do, or dream you can, begin it; Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.'
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At Pathfinders, we believe that curiosity is a critical component of strong, healthy relationships. When we are curious about others and the world around us, we open ourselves up to new experiences and opportunities to learn from one another. By fostering a sense of curiosity, we can deepen our connections with others and create a more positive, secure environment for growth and development. Whether it's exploring new places, learning a new skill, or simply asking questions, curiosity can help us build stronger bonds and create a more vibrant, inclusive community.
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At Pathfinders, we understand that it can be difficult for some people to feel proud of who they are and where they come from. By exploring and strengthening the narratives that we tell about ourselves, we can take back control of our own story and learn to embrace our unique identities with pride. Through self-exploration and reflection, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world, allowing us to live with a sense of pride and confidence in ourselves and our community. By embracing our own stories and sharing them with others, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for growth and development.