Outdoor Recreation Industry Council Industry Awards

Acknowledging and recognising exceptional achievers,
who have made a valuable contribution to the outdoor community

Pathfinders is a worldwide program organised and directed by the Youth Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Catering for young people between the age of 10 and 16, Pathfinders offers a wide range of learning experiences that are designed to shape positive values and enable young people to reach their full potential.

Much of the program has to do with outdoor/nature activities including camping, hiking, canoeing and expeditions.

The Pathfinder Club program is operated by trained volunteers. The program provides:-

Opportunity to develop self worth in a fun, safe and caring environment
Appreciation of Christian spiritually and it’s role in personal lifestyle
Development of leadership and positive group skills teamwork and fun problem solving experiences
Experiencing and developing skills in outdoor and environmental issues through practical camping, hiking, nature study and other outdoor adventure activities
Exposure to a wide range of skills, crafts, arts and other practical skills
Awareness of the satisfaction of serving others and understanding the opportunities of community needs
Encouraging a good healthy lifestyle that says no to any drugs or any other harmful substances

Mrs Berenice Elton joined the Pathfinder Organisation in 1990 and is a current Pathfinder Club Director of the Woollahra Club. This is her 14^th year as a Director. She is the longest still-serving local Director in Sydney. Berenice is loved by each of the generations of young people who have been members of the club during that time. She is also a very active member of her local church and the community and much appreciated by all who come into contact with her.

By day Berenice is a busy nurse who works in the Oncology Department of the Sydney Adventist Hospital. In her spare time Berenice voluntarily donates hours of her time in supporting the Pathfinder organisation in the Sydney region. She is also a member of the Pathfinder Advisory Board. She is the District Director for the South Eastern Pathfinder Region with 6 clubs - she serves as the ‘mother’ whenever they need advice.

Berenice is a respected leader in Pathfinders. She is an excellent presenter of Pathfinder and Bushwalking units. She is a very creative person who is always exploring different methods of sharing skills in the outdoors. Berenice loves camping regularly with her club and she is often involved in Sydney-wide Pathfinder events. Berenice was a member of the committee that developed the active learning method of Pathfinder training called the ‘Way to Go’. She is a practicing nurse and acts as the head medical person on any of our Sydney-wide Pathfinder events.

Berenice finds a real satisfaction in serving young people and encouraging them to make a difference in their world and the world they live in.