Pathfinder Outdoor Education

★★★★★Nina Shand

This organization is an asset to our community. Professional, consistent, caring staff; strong communication; flexible to changes & always a clear plan; programming that is valuable & fun; good people doing important work that will give memories that last a lifetime. I've worked with Pathfinder for single day trips in Pinellas County & end-of-year overnights at Cedarkirk, and we've attended many open tree climbs at their office. Every experience with Pathfinder is such a treat, and I highly recommend schools or local families to check them out. Dan and Bre were extremely helpful when planning our 3 day overnight program. My group included high-needs students & never once did they make me feel like our group was a burden or a challenge to accommodate or work with. I knew which activities I wanted for my students from the programming booklet, and Dan and Bre helped me work through overall goals and site logistics to help me understand what the best possible program could look like for us. Then, Javier and Willow were incredible facilitators on program. They clearly worked well together & with the Cedarkirk site staff. Javier & Willow made our students feel safe while having fun, and I felt like I was able to take a big step back as a chaperone & let the magic happen. Cedarkirk was an excellent site for our program: clean and well maintained, easy to navigate, excellent food (especially the cookies), and a beautiful, natural space just an hour from St. Pete. I would pick this location for programming again. I recommend Pathfinder to any teacher or facilitator that wants a high-quality experience for their students because they will learn so much about teamwork, communication, and themselves. I recommend the open tree climbs to everyone because Pathfinder provides a unique experience that is challenging, safe, and really fun. I will continue working with Pathfinder as long as I am an educator, & I look forward to watching their continued success as an organization.

★★★★★Scott Ruggieri

As the Director of a Local Camp, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Pathfinder Outdoor Education over the past year, and I am thrilled to share my positive experiences. Pathfinder has proven to be an invaluable partner in our mission to provide a transformative and enriching camp experience for our participants. The expertise and professionalism demonstrated by your staff have consistently exceeded our expectations. Here are a few key highlights that I believe deserve special mention: Tailored Programs: Pathfinder took the time to understand the unique needs and goals of our Camp. The programs developed were not only engaging and educational but also tailored to the specific challenges and interests of our campers. Professional Staff: The instructors and facilitators from Pathfinder were exceptional in their knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to connect with our campers. Two staff members that we have worked very closely with are Rachel, and Erica. They are both so kind hearted, authentic, committed to safety and their skill in delivering outdoor education experiences were evident throughout our collaboration. Adaptability: Your team demonstrated remarkable flexibility in accommodating our changing schedules and evolving requirements. This adaptability was crucial in ensuring the success of our programs, especially considering the unpredictable nature of working with diverse groups of campers. Quality Equipment and Resources: The equipment and resources provided by Pathfinder were of the highest quality, contributing significantly to the overall success and enjoyment of our outdoor activities. Your commitment to maintaining top-notch gear did not go unnoticed. Clear Communication: Communication is key in any successful collaboration, and Pathfinder excelled in this aspect. From initial planning to execution, your team was consistently transparent, responsive, and proactive in addressing any concerns or inquiries. In conclusion, I want to express my deepest appreciation for the positive impact Pathfinder has had on our Camp. The partnership has undoubtedly enriched the experiences of our campers and contributed to the overall success of our programs.

★★★★★Katie Jones

For nearly 30 years, our fifth grade students have gone on a three day, two night trip with Pathfinders. Their educational program is outstanding! Each year after our trip we see massive changes in behavior especially related to conflict resolution and problem solving. Students are pushed safely out of their comfort zones and learn so many important life skills. Every person I've ever met in the Pathfinders program is an incredibly talented educator. They are patient, flexible, understanding, and brilliant. They even make the trip so easy to plan and will work with you to meet goals that are important to your team/school. We all absolutely love Pathfinders and will continue to invest in this amazing experience for our students! Thank you Pathfinders!!

★★★★★Joseph Ryan

The weekend tree-climbing experience is great for kids. It can be booked for large parties.

★★★★★Holly Henderson

I visited Pathfinders this week on a field trip with my son's school. What a great experience! Located on the grounds of a church with open grassy space for outdoor education and a very beautiful climbing tree. The staff truly cares about the children and teaching them not only outdoor education but group dynamics and emotional intelligence--and safe tree climbing! Really excited to return here for their open climb time.