Anglican mission group CPAS is marking 75 years of bringing 11 to 14-year-olds to faith in Christ.

CPAS has been closely involved in the coordination of the Pathfinders movement since its formation in 1935.

John Dunnett, general director of CPAS, said the movement enabled thousands of young people across the UK to become followers of Christ, particularly in the second half of the 20th century.

The movement has declined considerably in the last 20 years as a result of changes in outreach among children and young people.

Mr Dunnett said: "There will be individuals, churches and Pathfinder groups who once felt themselves to be part of this movement, but who have subsequently lost contact
with CPAS. We want to use this anniversary to re-connect with those people so
that we can offer support to the leaders involved."

CPAS continues to run the Venture holidays programme, which was launched within the Pathfinder movement 50 years ago. It provides Christian residential holidays for more than 4,500 children and young people each year. The Falcon Camps provide holidays for another 500 youths from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Despite the decline of Pathfinders, Mr Dunnett said CPAS remained committed to reaching young people with the Gospel. Last year, the ministry launched the Growing Leaders – Youth Edition course to help grow teenagers in Christ-like leadership.

"CPAS is now focused on developing and equipping missionfocused
leaders to help grow local churches," said Mr Dunnett. "This includes an ongoing
commitment to youth and children’s work, and the leaders of these ministries,
based on the same principles of mission that led to the formation of Pathfinders
75 years ago.

"We want to support and equip all youth leaders who share an aspiration that
the young people in their churches and local communities should have the
opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel message."