Columbia Basin Pathfinders Learn Skills for Life

By: Autumn Dunzweiler

UCC communications coordinator

Learning new topics and completing honors is an essential part of Pathfinders, however, just as important is building practical skills. The Columbia Basin Pathfinder district took this to the next level by holding their second annual Life Skills Day, October 16, 2022.

“Life Skills Day is solely focused on teaching kids the ‘life skills’ they seem to be missing these days,” shared June Cross, Columbia Basin Pathfinder district coordinator. “Whether it’s from parents being stretched too thin, single parent families that are challenged in so many ways, or any number of other reasons.”

Life Skills Day was created to share practical, hands-on skills that pathfinders will use for the rest of their lives. This year the skills included everything from how to properly change a flat tire and checking car fluids, to learning how to freeze their own food or dry their own veggies and herbs.

“I helped with food drying, focusing on herbs and onions for spice mixes and food freezing,” said Cindy Johnson, director of the Othello Outreachers Pathfinder Club. “My favorite part of the event was working hands-on right with the Pathfinders, sharing stories and life values. I listened to the pathfinders share their own stories and we began building relationships and trust between us.”

There were 64 participants in all, 42 of those were pathfinders ranging in age from 9 to 17 years old. The skills were taught by instructors from across the district. Pathfinders learned how to properly sharpen knives and other blades, the basics of cutting hair, as well as math skills, sewing, home maintenance, and lawn care.

“The instructors did an amazing job, and it was so fun to watch the pathfinders learn and be challenged,” said Cross. “The skills that the pathfinders learned, can be taken with them, and applied at home, in the kitchen, in school, and when the need arises.”

This event is unique because the entire Columbia Basin district gets involved. Several instructors and directors shared that Life Skills Day was all the pathfinders talked about on the way home. Johnson explained, “it was very rewarding to hear them say, ‘I'm going to make this at home!’”

“The pathfinders that participated in the event have not mastered the skills they were taught, but we scratched the surface, piqued their interest, and let them know what they truly can do,” explained Cross. “We’re on our way to preparing better equipped young people to be a blessing in an ever-challenging world!”