The uniform makes the organization real and visible. It represents an ideal and a standard. One of the ways to set up a standard and bring the members of an organization up to that standard is through the uniform. It should stimulate loyalty toward that standard by building morale and binding members into closer fellowship. It also appeals to those not already members to join. The uniform strengthens club spirit. The uniform should always be clean and neat. Wearing one that fits properly will go a long way to make it look sharp. The uniform should be worn with “humble pride.”
We should remember that it acts as a visual announcement of Pathfinder ministry, and should draw questions from observers concerning the meaning of each patch and symbol.
When the Uniform Should Be Worn
It is recommended that those having uniforms wear them on the following occasions.
- At Pathfinder meetings when specified by Pathfinder staff
- At special programs (Pathfinder Day, Induction, Investiture, etc.)
- At any public gathering when any or all act as
- Messengers
- Ushers
- Guards of honor
- First-aid details
- Color guards
- On occasions as specified by Pathfinder staff
- While engaging in community outreach activities, such as Ingathering, distributing food baskets, gifts, literature, or church announcements, and while visiting nursing homes, shut-ins and community organizations.
When the Uniform Should Not be Worn
- If not a member
- For work or play
- When engaged in selling for personal profit, in selling for commercial or political purposes, or in personal solicitation
- At any time or place when its wearing discounts the organization, or casts any reflection upon the uniform, lowers its dignity and esteem, and makes it commonplace
Pathfinder Class A Uniform Standards
Purchase Uniforms | Complete Pathfinder Uniform Guide
Shirts/Blouse
Tan long sleeve or short sleeve shirt with two pleated patch pockets with flaps on the chest and shoulder epaulets.
Pants/Skirts etc.
Females Standard
- Slacks – Black, straight leg, pleated front, belt loops, no cuff.
- Skirt – Black, A-line, pleated front, belt loops, hem should be at mid-knee or below.
Authorized options – Must be consistent in conference or club as noted. (Not stocked by AdventSource)
- Slacks – Black, straight leg, flat front, belt loops, no cuff.
- Shorts – Black, Bermuda style and length, pleated front, belt loops.
- Shorts – Black, Bermuda style and length, flat front, belt loops.
- Skort – Black, belt loops, hem should be at mid-knee or below.
- Culottes – Black, belt loops, hem should be at mid-knee or below.
Males Standard
- Slacks – Black, straight leg, pleated front, belt loops, no cuff
Authorized options – Must be consistent in conference or club as noted. (Not stocked by AdventSource)
- Slacks – Black, straight leg, flat front, belt loops, no cuff
- Shorts – Black, Bermuda style and length, pleated front, belt loops
- Shorts – Black, Bermuda style and length, flat front, belt loops
Belts and Buckles Standard
- Black web belts with Pathfinder buckle. The location of the belt buckle should be adjusted so that about one inch of the tail of the web is visible once it has been passed through the buckle.
Authorized options:
- Plain, all black leather belt with no ornamentation.
- Plain, all black leather belt with non-standard issue buckles with Pathfinder or Master Guide logos.
Neckerchief and Slide Standards
The sash is worn over the collar.
- Pathfinders and non-Master Guide staff - Yellow Pathfinder Neckerchief with black trim stitching and the Pathfinder World logo. The neckerchief is secured with the black fabric Pathfinder Slide.
- TLT’s - Yellow Pathfinder Neckerchief with red trim stitching and the Pathfinder World logo. The neckerchief is secured with the black fabric Pathfinder Slide.
- Master Guides - Yellow Master Guide Neckerchief with red trim stitching, six color Master Guide ribbon and the Master Guide logo. The neckerchief is secured with the blue fabric Master Guide Slide.
Authorized Options
- Individuals may secure their neckerchief with a non-standard issue or legacy Pathfinder or Master Guide slide.
Necktie
Female Staff Standard
- Plain black tuxedo tie
Male Staff Standard
- Plain black tie
Pathfinders are not encouraged to wear neckties. If a club elects to wear them, they should match the standards outlined for staff.
Shoes
All black dress shoes or boots with fully closed toe and heels. Heels of no more than 2 inches. If the shoes have laces, the laces must also be all black. (It is noted that style variations should be allowed by a director if financial hardship plays a significant role.)
Hosiery
- All black socks, stockings or knee highs. No designs or patterns.
Sash
The sash is the personal club history of the Pathfinder. It is worn over the right shoulder, under the neckerchief and preferably under the epaulet.
- Black fabric, may be wide enough for up to 3 honors and as long as the fingertips on the left hand when standing at attention.
- Only one sash is to be worn as part of the uniform.
- Items to be worn on the sash include optional name plate, honors, camporee and fair patches, Pathfinder pins, Adventurer level pins (but not Adventurer Awards, Stars, or Chips).
Head wear
Optional, style determined by club and consistent within the club. Options – Stocked by AdventSource.
- Pathfinder baseball cap — Worn with the bill squarely over the front of the face.
- Black beret – The slope of the beret slants down to the right and should be on an angle such that a continuation of the arm and hand would be in line with the slant while rendering a proper salute. The beret is worn so that the headband (edge binding) is straight across the forehead and level, 1 inch above the eyebrows. The emblem, known as the “flash,” is positioned level over the left eye and the excess beret material is draped over to the right ear. The adjusting ribbon should be secured with a knot and tucked inside the edge binding at the back of the beret once proper size is obtained.
- Pathfinder Triangle flashes are also available from AdventSource.
Class B & Field Uniform Standards
- Class B uniform consists of the dress shirt, with the neckerchief and slide, but worn with jeans or other nonuniform pants, shorts etc.
- Field Uniform consists of a club T-shirt worn with jeans or other non-uniform pants, shorts etc.
Guidelines for Patch Placement on Pathfinder Uniform
There are a lot of variations based on Insignia placement. Please see PDF for details.