Pfadfinder
Adventure, friendship and confidence
German-speaking Scouts in Canberra for children and teenagers aged 6–17+.
ABOUT PFADFINDER
A more adventurous side of Spielwelt
Pfadfinder combines the spirit of Australian Scouting with German language and community life in Canberra. Children build confidence through camps, outdoor activities, teamwork and shared experiences that often become long-term memories.
Unlike school or organised sport, Pfadfinder is built around participation, responsibility and group identity. Children grow into independence while staying part of a familiar and supportive community.
Outdoor confidence
Camps, hiking, canoeing and practical outdoor experiences.
Teamwork & Friendship
Shared activities help children build trust, confidence and long-term friendships.
Leadership & responsibility
Children gradually take on more responsibility as they grow older.
German-speaking community
Activities take place in German within a welcoming and social environment.
Ages Groups
Different stages, one shared community
Pfadfinder grows with children over time — from first adventures and group games through to leadership, expeditions and stronger independence in the teenage years.
Joeys
First adventures, new friendships and growing confidence
Joeys is where many children experience their first real taste of independence outside home and school. Through games, outdoor activities and shared adventures, they build confidence, curiosity and friendships while becoming part of a welcoming German-speaking group.
One week might involve treasure hunts, craft or cooking, while another could mean nature activities, map games or building something together – all in German.
Who it suits
- Children aged 6–8
- Families looking for a playful first scouting experience
- Children who enjoy movement, games and outdoor activities
- Families wanting German through participation and fun
What it offers
- Games, discovery and outdoor adventures
- First experiences of teamwork and responsibility
- Growing confidence in a supportive group environment
- A welcoming introduction to scouting life
Cubs
Friendship, practical skills and bigger adventures
Cubs is where curiosity turns into capability. Children begin taking on bigger challenges together, learning practical outdoor skills and contributing more actively to their group. Through camps, games and hands-on activities, they build confidence, teamwork and independence – all in German.
One week might involve cooking over a fire, first aid or woodwork, while another could mean hiking, canoeing or preparing for the next camp.
Who it suits
- Children aged 8–11
- Children who enjoy teamwork and practical activities
- Families looking for a more active scouting experience
- Children ready for a little more independence
What it offers
- Practical outdoor and life skills
- Camps and bigger adventures
- Strong friendships and group identity
- Growing confidence through achievement
Scouts
Challenge, responsibility and real adventure
Scouts is where young people begin taking ownership of their own adventures. Activities become more challenging, decisions become more collaborative and independence continues to grow. Through camps, hiking, canoeing and shared experiences, they develop confidence, leadership and lasting friendships – all in German.
One week might involve planning an expedition, learning electronics or cooking over a fire, while another could mean camping, rock climbing or tackling a new outdoor challenge together.
Who it suits
- Young people aged 12–14
- Teens ready for greater independence
- Young people who enjoy challenge and problem-solving
- Families wanting German to remain part of teenage life
What it offers
- More ambitious outdoor adventures
- Leadership through experience
- Practical and survival skills
- Strong friendships built on teamwork and trust
Venturers
Leadership, independence and lifelong memories
Venturers is where teenagers increasingly shape their own adventures. They take on more responsibility, plan activities together and develop the confidence to lead, while being supported by experienced Leaders. Camps, expeditions and shared challenges create lasting friendships and memorable experiences – all in German.
One week might involve organising an expedition, leading an activity, learning advanced outdoor skills or planning the next camp together.
Who it suits
- Young people aged 15–17
- Teens looking for responsibility and independence
- Young people who enjoy leadership and initiative
- Families wanting to stay connected through a German-speaking community
What it offers
- Youth-led adventures and expeditions
- Leadership and decision-making
- Advanced outdoor and life skills
- Lifelong friendships and unforgettable experiences
Recent Scout Life
Camps, traditions and the moments people remember
Pfadfinder is shaped as much by shared experiences as by weekly meetings. Camps, hikes, canoeing, seasonal traditions and group activities are part of what keeps many families connected over time.
-
Songs, Promise & Law
Songs, the Scout Promise and the Scout Law are part of the traditions that bring our Pfadfinder community together. They help create a sense of belonging and connect today’s Scouts with generations who have come before them.
-
Canoeing with Pfadfinder
Everything you need to know before a Pfadfinder canoeing activity, including what to bring, where to meet, costs and what happens if conditions aren’t suitable.
-
Camping
Everything you need to know before a Pfadfinder camp, from packing lists and camp expectations to parent support and what the group provides.
Getting Started
Everything families usually want to know before joining
Some families arrive through other Spielwelt programs, while others join Pfadfinder directly. The sections below explain how families usually get started and how community life works around the program.
1 Join Pfadfinder
Your first steps
Learn how trial visits work, find the right age section and follow the enrolment process from your first enquiry through to becoming part of the group.
- Trial visits
- Find the right section
- Youth enrolment
- What happens next
2 Parent Guide
Everything families need to know
Practical information for everyday Scout life, including fees, meeting times, uniforms, camps and other information for families.
- Fees & payments
- Days & meeting times
- Uniforms & badges
- Practical information
3 Get involved
Help make Pfadfinder possible
Pfadfinder is built not only by leaders, but also by parents and families who help support camps, activities and community life over time.
- Parent involvement
- Volunteering and helping
- Camps and events
- Practical family information
Scout Culture
Traditions, activities and shared experiences
Pfadfinder is shaped not only by weekly meetings, but also by camps, songs, outdoor activities and shared traditions that many families remember long afterwards. These experiences help create the sense of identity, continuity and belonging that sits at the heart of Scout life.
Tradition
Promise & Songs
Shared songs, rituals and Scout traditions help create a sense of belonging that often stays with children and families for many years.
Outdoor Life
Camping
Camps are a big part of Pfadfinder life — from campfires and cooking to shared routines, outdoor confidence and unforgettable memories.
Adventure
Canoeing
From paddling together to learning practical water skills, canoeing combines teamwork, confidence and outdoor adventure.
Community
Scout Hall
The Turner Scout Hall is the shared home of Pfadfinder and many other parts of Spielwelt community life.
PART OF THE WIDER SPIELWELT COMMUNITY
Many families stay connected through Spielwelt for years
Some children arrive at Pfadfinder through Playgroups or GAP, while others join directly. Over time, programs, events and shared traditions help create continuity across different stages of family life.
0-5 years
Playgroups
Early friendships, songs and first connections for younger families.
3-5 years
GAP Playschool
German-language early learning in a caring and structured environment.
Families & Community
Events & Connection
Festivals, lantern walks and traditions that connect the wider community.
Come and Try Pfadfinder
The best way to understand Pfadfinder is to experience it
Whether your child is looking for adventure, friendship, confidence or simply a stronger sense of belonging, Pfadfinder offers a place to grow through shared experiences, outdoor activities and community life. New families are always welcome to get in touch, ask questions or come along for a first visit.