Welcome to Pathfinder and Adventurer Leadership Training 2025

The Pathfinder Leadership Award (PLA) and Adventurer Leadership Training (ALT) programs are designed to equip us to be responsible Pathfinder and Adventurer leaders in today’s world.

Please note: Most of these programs run concurrently, and only one can be selected for the weekend.

PLA Overview:

PLA consists of two parts:

PLA1: These are nationally recognised subjects completed through Avondale, forming the foundation of outdoor qualifications.

PLA2: These are Pathfinder-specific subjects, including Pathfinder Administration, Pathfinder Discipline, Active Learning Methods, Pathfinder Programming, Nature Study Methods, Committees and Job Descriptions, Sabbath Camping Programming, Pathfinder Curriculum, Pathfinder Games, Knots & Lashings, and Drill & Marching.

Clubs must have at least one leader completing or who has completed PLA to ensure they meet insurance requirements. Larger clubs will need more qualified leaders.

Applications close on Sunday, 9 February at 11:59 pm. This allows us to submit names to Avondale and the Union to register you as students.

Express interest for Abseiling Qualification:

The abseiling qualification will be offered later in the year over three consecutive days (Sunday to Tuesday).

• Dates will be confirmed by the end of January. If you are interested, select this option below to express your interest, and further details will be provided once available.

Requirements:

• Completion of PLA1
• A laptop with Google Chrome and Microsoft Word

Cost: Up to $650, depending on previously completed subjects. The NNSW Conference will cover one-third, and it is recommended to seek assistance from your church or club for the other third. Final billing will occur after Avondale determines your fees.

Program Groups:

Group 1 – Pathfinder Leadership Award (PLA1)

This course consists of several nationally recognised subjects.

• Learning and assessments will occur on Saturday afternoon/evening and Sunday until around 2pm.
• We aim to complete PLA1 assignments before the weekend ends, leaving only the multiple-choice component to be done at home.
• Requirements: A laptop with Google Chrome and Microsoft Word installed. Other equivalent programs are not supported.

Cost: $195. The NNSW Conference will cover one-third of the cost, and we recommend approaching your church or club to cover another third.

Group 2 – PLA2 Subjects

The theoretical components of these subjects can be completed online at home.

• The practical aspects, such as knots and marching, will need to be completed during the PLA weekend.

Group 3 – First Aid and CPR

• CPR: Saturday night
• First Aid: Sunday until 2 pm

Costs:

• First Aid and CPR: $130
• CPR only: $75

Group 4 – Master Guide: Part 1

Master Guides can now complete the course in one year.

• Part 1: PLA weekend (14-16 February)
• Part 2: Master Guide weekend (18-20 July)
• Bible readings and the health program must be completed at home.

Both weekends will be held at Stuarts Point.

Group 5 – Adventurer Leadership Training (ALT)

A new leader to a club? Or starting up a new club, or wanting to strengthen your skillset and get some new ideas, then ALT is for you! In the 2025 training we will be covering: 

• Risk assessments
• Adventurers 101 
• Camping, marching and knots
• New honours/ awards
• Adsafe will be there to answer any questions
• CPR and/ or Full First Aid
• RMS insurance
• Sharing resources and ideas

Application Fees and Meals:

For each group, there is a $25 application fee for the weekend, which includes Saturday night dinner provided by the conference.

• Additional meals for non-participants: $10 per person (Saturday night dinner).

Accommodation:

Accommodation must be arranged directly with Stuarts Point Convention Centre.

• Powered sites: $34 per site for two people, plus $8 per additional person (17 years or under) or $10 per additional person (18 years or over).
• Cabins: Available upon booking.

Event Details:

When: Friday–Sunday, 14–16 February 2025
Where: Yarra Holiday Park, 250 Grassy Head Road, Stuarts Point NSW 2441