Pathfinder discipline

By MG WISE NYAMBE
 Table of contents

• Orientation
• Purpose
• Introduction
• Positive discipline
• Methods of positive discipline
• Pathfinder discipline process
 Purpose
• This unit covers the basic concepts of
Pathfinder Discipline. It proposes a process
that promotes self
• worth and encourages working through
disciplinary matters within groups. It outlines
the discipline
• procedure to be used in the local Pathfinder
club.
 WHAT IS DISCIPLINE
• The word discipline comes from Latin:
• Disciplina which means ‘training’.
• It is closely associated with the Latin word disciplus which means ‘a
learner’.
• This is the word from which the English word disciple is derived.
The two root words lead us to understand that a disciple is a
learner who is in training. The Bible teaches that the process of
discipline (discipling) or learning and training is most effective
when it is carried out in a caring, supporting and loving
environment.
• “If you refuse to discipline your children, it proves you don’t love
them, if you love your children, you will be prompt to discipline
them”. Proverbs 13:24.
 Biblical Viewpoint
Discipline in the Bible is presented in two perspectives:
The constructive and the redemptive.
From the constructive perspective, discipline is presented
as a necessary path on the way to knowing God and
enjoying a productive life.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only
fools despise wisdom and discipline”. Proverbs 1:7 NLT
God’s discipline leads to a good life.
“Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health.
You have restored me to life!” Isaiah 38:16 NLT
Morale, or Club spirit, is
the tangible element
that determines the
success of any
Pathfinder Club.

•All Pathfinders and

staff members will need
to work together in
developing a sense of
unity and belonging,
and maintaining
interest and
Club staff need to check for the
following:
•Spiritual Objective
•Attendance
•Home contact
•Round table discussion
•Unit Captain’s Table
•Making Members Welcome
•Putting Friends Together
•Reviewing the Counsellor's Work
•Planning a balanced Programme
 Pathfinders must:

 a. Feel that they are being born

into a new experience
 b. Learn that they are being
loved by the kind of correction
and discipline they receive
 c. Learn to discipline their
desires
Pathfinder Club Discipline

The goal of disciplining children must be :

 A. To Guide Them As Sons And Daughters Of God.
 B. To Show Them Love And Understanding.
 C. To Teach Them God’s Character As Revealed In
Order And Discipline. To Make Them Useful Members
Of The Church And Community.
 D. To Help Them Respect Their Leaders And Parents.
 Different Styles of Discipline

• Discipline has been administered in many different ways. Each

of them has their own strengths and their weaknesses. The
main four methods are:
• 1. Authoritarian Discipline.
• Authoritarian Discipline lays down the rules and polices them.
• Fear, guilt, and force are used to obtain order and respect.
Authoritarian discipline brings instant order to a club but does
not guarantee self discipline. The Pathfinder staff is in charge
and cannot rest at anytime because the rules have to be
maintained.
2. Permissive Discipline

Permissive Discipline appeals to the Pathfinder’s better

self and does not enforce obedience. Love and praise are
used to motivate productivity. Order, obedience, and self-
discipline are not highly valued. Achieving requirements
and maintaining standards including safety are not
ensured.
The outcomes are based on the success of gaining
cooperation. The Pathfinder can take charge and enforce
what they feel like doing without any regard for standards
or expectations. For the club to exist the staff have to go
along with the Pathfinders.
3. Neglectful Discipline.
Neglectful Discipline is when there are minimal rules or
support for the group being led. It is a situation where no
one knows what is going to happen because everyone is only
interested in their own agenda.
Both the staff and the Pathfinders have no real goals or
purpose for the club. This type of discipline cannot last
because either the club will fold, or another style of
leadership will be adopted.
4. Authoritative or Positive Discipline.
This is where discipline involves the Pathfinders in
the decision making as much as possible. The
Pathfinders are held responsible and accountable for
the outcomes.
Affirmation and rewards are the chief motivators of
order and respect. Pathfinders are held to the
consequences of negative choices. The Pathfinder
staff is ultimately responsible.
 Good Discipline
• A. Provides An Environment That Supports Cheerful Attitudes And

Cooperative Behaviour

• B. Emphasises Guidance Rather Than Restraint; Constructive Rather

Than Destructive

• C. Enables Not Cripples

• D. Encourages Self-control And Purposeful Activity

• E. Is Present Not Seen

• F. Teaches A Child To Do The Right Thing At The Right Time In The Right

Way And For The Right Reason

• G. Prevents Trouble
How to Keep Discipline
•A well-planned programme
will avoid problems and
mistakes. Order and system
inspire confidence.
•Children learn by example.
•Club meeting starts on time
–staff are there before the
start of the programme and
the programme runs
smoothly to its conclusion.
 Guidance for Balanced Discipline
 Establish rules and regulations and a point
system
 Rules should be few, well-considered and
enforceable
 Present devotional admonition on
discipline, explaining the Pledge and Law
 Counsel with guilty youth before
disciplinary action. Pray with them
 Parents need to understand the
importance of Club disciplinary training
 Guidelines for Balanced Disciple

• •Establish Rules and regulation and a point system.

• •Inform the Pathfinders of the rules, your
expectation and methods of enforcements
• •“Rules should be few and well considered, and
when once made, they should be enforced.
Whether is found impossible to change, the minds
learns to recognise and adapt itself to” (Education
page 290)
• •Present devotional on discipline, explaining the
Pledge and Law.
 Proper Administration of Discipline

• The CORRECT Way:

• a.Inspire right and order by
love, kindness and consistent
example
• b.Win confidence
• c.Show love to youth by
kindness
• d.Expect loyal cooperation
• e.Develop trust, compliance,
cooperation and love
Improper Administration
of Discipline

The WRONG Way:

a. Crush or break the
spirit
b. Use of strict force
Result: development
of distrust,
evasiveness and
hatred for authority
 Prevention of Discipline Problems
• Plan an extensive
program of activities
• Never go to meetings
unprepared
• Be friendly, caring and
approachable
• Cultivate a sense of
humour
• Avoid the use of ridicule
and sarcasm
• Don’t be a fault finder
• Be fair and impartial
• Show self-control
• Watch the use of your
voice
• Maintain eye contact
• Give clear, precise
instructions and
commands
• Eliminate mannerisms
that could lead to
ridicule
 Punishable Offences

• Clear and unjustifiable

insubordination
• Indecency
• Impudence to counsellor
• Offensive language
• Injuring others
• Damaging property
• Cheating and stealing
 Methods of Discipline
Do Don’t

• Give personal • Use threats

counsel • Force apologies in
public
• Use group • Detain after club
judgement meeting
• Take care of • Assign extra tasks
• Apply “Dunce Cap”
individual
discipline
difference • Use corporal
• Expel if necessary punishment
 Discipline Procedures

Speak tactfully
Explain what is expected
Have a private visit and pray
Privately counsel together with
Pathfinder
Earnestly solicit cooperation
Pray with Pathfinder
 Counsel with Pathfinder
 Convey the seriousness of the
matter
 Pray together
 Make appointment to meet
parents/carer
 Private visit and Pray with
Pathfinder
 Refer to Disciplinary Committee
 Notify Parents of meeting
 Visit Pathfinder during ‘vacation
 Impacts of positive discipline

 It develops character.
 It builds relationships -demonstrates that
leaders care.
 It defines right from wrong.
 It is a learning experience.
 It provides opportunity to learn the impact of
choice and consequences.
 Develops group relationships.
 Consistent -“one for all.”