Pathfinders are a worldwide organization of young people sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Young people of any religious persuasion, or none at all; are welcome and encouraged to join the organization.​​ Training and saving young people is one of the most important missions of the Seventh-day Adventist church. Scientists tell us that children's' brain patterns are formed by the time they reach twelve years of age. This means that during their early, formative years it is crucial that they be taught good habits. Centuries ago the Scriptures recorded, "Bring up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6) This is more than a cliche--it is now a proven fact.