[10] In 1909 are the first organized societies Missionary Volunteer Youth (MVY), and in 1914 developed the first lessons to be MVJ's, that would be the precursor of the progressive classes Pathfinder.

Spalding studied the organization, made compatible with the spiritual goals of the Adventist Church (a feature that was not initially adopted by clubs from Takoma Park), rules and created the outline of the movement.

[12] Alongside the experience in California, the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in 1950,[4][11] formalizes a program the club, and adopts a uniform, a flag (ade by Hellen Hobbs and Henry Theodore Bergh in 1948) and a hymn (composed in 1949 by Henry Theodore Bergh) for the official new department.

[13] Since the formalization of the movement as the SDA program, it has undergone some upgrades, the most significant being: In January 2018, there were more than 1.5 million Pathfinders and 40,000 clubs, spread over more than 150 countries.

[11] According to the Pathfinder club manual, this focus is explained because "young people between 10 and 15 years old are at a stage of growth and very rapid physical development.

These are part of the tripod of the philosophy to work towards "citizenship and loyalty" and that preach respect for "God, His creation, and His church.

The educational philosophy of the club also emphasizes that youth learn more effectively in a positive, happy and secure atmosphere.

According to the General Conference of SDA, "the attitude of the leaders of the club is therefore vital to ensure the success and effectiveness of this ministry for youth ingredient, because it will be one of the main models to be followed by juveniles.

[26][4] Even traditional activities of the regular meeting, as the united order, cherish the physical aspect, combined with the mental development.

[4] Physical activities are, in essence (within the official philosophy), to entertain and attract children and adolescents, and allow it to jointly develop their mental and spiritual aspect.

[11] Although also understand the physical and spiritual aspects, classes and specialties bring a greater benefit to the mental explorer context, providing a larger learning about various subjects.

[25][11] Although the physical part requires considerable time within the activities, spiritual development is the main focus of the club.

[11] The main objective is to bring the youth to have a "constant daily experience with God", making him reflect on "His creation and His care for him.

This is an integral part of working with youth, and establishes the concepts (or second tripod) of "citizenship and loyalty" which are three: to serve God, the homeland, and others.

[11] There are twelve existing classes for youth:[27] Upon completing 16 years the Pathfinder has the possibility to choose to stay at the club and compose the picture of leadership.

[18] These classes have the task of preparing and empowering the youth who will compose the frames of leadership, giving all necessary instructions in this regard.

[11] The latest degree of specialization, Master Guide Senior, is focused on the production and review of technical and didactic content for the department.