Pfadi Kanton Bern

What Pfadi Kanton Bern does

Pfadi Kanton Bern (legal name: Verein Pfadi Bern) is a non-profit association (Verein) under Swiss law, headquartered at Schwanengasse 9, 3011 Bern, and the largest youth organization in Canton Bern. Founded in 1913 (with active scouting operations in the canton dating to 1920), it operates as the cantonal member of Pfadibewegung Schweiz (PBS), the national Swiss Scout federation, and is the second-largest cantonal association within PBS. PKB unites approximately 50 local Abteilungen (scout groups) organized across 7 regional Bezirke (one source notes 6) and roughly 5,200 youth members, delivering programs across five age stages: Biberstufe, Wolfsstufe (ages 7–8), Pfadistufe (ages 9–11), Piostufe (ages 12–15), and Roverstufe (ages 16–17).

Its core offerings center on weekly Saturday meetings, leadership development courses (Ausbildung), multi-day camps, and access to a network of 92 Pfadiheime (scout homes) managed through the KBPH (Konferenz Berner Pfadiheime), a separate organ comprising 48 member organizations (Abteilungen, Heimvereine, Genossenschaften, Stiftungen). Ancillary services include a 24/7 Krisenteam, prevention programming (Voilà Bern working group), engagement recognition ("Dossier freiwillig engagiert," Golden Ente award), Diversity & Inclusion (DINKL, Queerfeldein), sustainability & environment initiatives, and stage-specific programming (Stufenarbeit). All delivery is powered primarily by voluntary Pfadi leaders, supported by a small paid secretariat.

The underlying digital infrastructure consists of proprietary Pfadi-specific tools — MiData (member database), HealthCheck (membership analytics), Cudeschin (activity planning), and ECamp V3 (camp planning, next-gen replacing V2) — coordinated by the Pfadi Digital workgroup, alongside Microsoft 365 Nonprofit licensing. PKB's business model is not commercial: it is funded through graded annual member contributions, Lotteriefonds Kanton Bern project subsidies, and federal J+S / BASPO support. There is no venture, private equity, or institutional ownership; it is governed by a volunteer Cantonal Committee with Co-Präsidium, a Cantonal Leadership (Kantonsleitung), and a network of thematic departments (Ausbildung, Betreuung, Sichtbar & Kommunikation, Prävention, Engagement, Nachhaltigkeit & Umwelt, Stufenarbeit, Pfadi Digital).

Name

Pfadi Kanton Bern

Legal name

Verein Pfadi Bern

Website

https://pfadibern.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1920

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Pfadi Kanton Bern (Verein Pfadi Bern) is a non-profit Swiss scouting association and the largest youth organization in Canton Bern, serving roughly 5,200 members across 50 local Abteilungen and 7 regional Bezirke through age-staged programs, leader training, and 92 Pfadiheime.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Scouting Services

NAICS

Other Similar Organizations (except Business, Professional, Labor, and Political Organizations) (813990)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

National Governing Bodies (NGBs) (MPAKAFAC)

Keywords

• Youth scouting programs
• Scout leader training
• Scout camp facilities
• Volunteer youth development
• Youth association services

Headquarters

HQ city

Bern

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Pfadi Kanton Bern (PKB) is a non-profit scouting association that delivers youth scouting programs across five age stages (Biberstufe, Wolfsstufe, Pfadistufe, Piostufe, Roverstufe) through approximately 50 local Abteilungen in 7 regional Bezirke in Canton Bern, Switzerland. The organization also provides leader training courses, coordinates around 92 Pfadiheime (scout homes) via its KBPH organ for camps and events, and offers support programs in prevention, crisis response, sustainability, and diversity & inclusion.

Product overview

Pfadi Kanton Bern is a youth scouting organization and the largest youth organization in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland, consisting of approximately 50 local scout divisions organized across 7 regional districts with about 5,200 members. The organization operates as a unified platform offering youth scouting programs through five age-based stages (Biberstufe through Roverstufe), comprehensive leadership training courses, and approximately 92 managed scout homes coordinated through the KBPH. The portfolio also includes public visibility and communication services, prevention and crisis support teams, engagement recognition programs, coaching support, stage-specific activity programs, digital tools coordination, and diversity & inclusion initiatives. Core offerings include weekly Saturday meetings with age-appropriate activities, summer camps, and various canton-wide events. The organization relies on volunteer leadership with support from a cantonal committee and professional secretariat.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• KBPH (Konferenz Berner Pfadiheime): Conference of Bernese Scout Homes - an organ of Pfadi Kanton Bern responsible for all matters related to Bernese scout homes
• Poolcrew PKB
• Krisenteam
• Queerfeldein
• Silver Scouts

Products and services

• Pfadi Kanton Bern Scout Programs
• Leadership Training Courses (Ausbildung)
• Berner Pfadiheime (Scout Homes) Rental
• PKB Infos Newsletter

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Pfadibewegung Schweiz (PBS) – Pfadi SchweizcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPfadi Kanton Bern is a cantonal member of the national Pfadibewegung Schweiz (PBS) organization. PBS sets standards for scouting in Switzerland, provides the coaching system, protective concept against sexual exploitation, and co-develops national training curricula. PKB works with PBS on coaching, courses (Pano, Top, Gilwell), and member protection guidelines.
• Jugend und Sport (J+S) – BASPOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPfadi Kanton Bern participates in the national Youth and Sport (J+S) program run by the Federal Office of Sport (BASPO). J+S coaches are supported with resources, training, and the National Sports Database (NDS). PKB Ausbildung and Betreuung departments coordinate J+S compliance.
• Berner Wirtschaft / beco (Berner kantonalen Amt für Wirtschaft)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKBPH represents Pfadiheim owner organizations' interests vis-à-vis tourism organizations, authorities, cantonal administration, and beco / Berner Wirtschaft.
• Stiftung Pfadiheime SchweizcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Swiss Scout Home Foundation (Stiftung Pfadiheime Schweiz) provides the 'Pfadiheim-Fibel' guidance documents and is a key partner in supporting Bernese Pfadiheime infrastructure and standards.
• Stiftung ESSR (EEK)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStiftung ESSR (EEK) is referenced as a foundation partner, with its logo appearing on the PKB homepage, indicating a relationship in the youth/sports education space.
• Berner Politiker:innen für die PfadiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn informal cross-party group of Bernese politicians (members of the Grand Council, municipal, and federal representatives) who meet 1–2 times per year with PKB during parliamentary sessions to discuss current Pfadi topics and political issues affecting scouting. PKB contact: Paikea / Selina Furgler.
• BEA (Berner Fachmesse / Bern Trade Fair)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPKB maintains a public-facing information stand at the annual BEA trade fair in Bern, organized by the Sichtbar department. Volunteer scheduling for BEA 2026 is managed via a dedicated enrollment tool.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• The Scout Association (UK): The Scout Association is the national scouting organization of the United Kingdom with a similar federated structure of local groups, district/county/regional levels, and age-stage programs (Beavers through Explorers/Network). Comparable in mission, program design, and operational structure to Pfadi Kanton Bern.
• Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scouts of America): Scouts BSA is the largest youth scouting organization in the United States, offering age-based programs (Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing/Sea Scouts) and camp infrastructure. It is broadly comparable to PKB in mission, structure, and program delivery, though operating at much greater scale and in a different regulatory environment.
• Girl Scouts of the USA: Girl Scouts of the USA is a major US youth organization with comparable age-tiered programs, outdoor/adventure focus, leadership development, and a federated structure (local councils/troops). It serves as a broad incumbent comparable to Pfadi's cantonal federation model in terms of operational structure and member services.
• Pfadibewegung Schweiz (PBS): PBS is the national Swiss Scout federation that PKB is a cantonal member of. It sets national scouting standards, provides coaching systems, and co-develops training curricula, making it the overarching parent body with comparable mission and program structure but at the national level.

Direct peers

• CEVI Schweiz: CEVI is a major Swiss Christian youth organization offering structured group activities, camps, and youth development programs. It competes directly with Pfadi Kanton Bern for youth members and volunteer leaders in the same Swiss market.
• Pfadi St. Gallen / Ostschweiz: Pfadi Kanton St. Gallen is another major Swiss cantonal scouting association serving Eastern Switzerland with a comparable structure of local Abteilungen, regional Bezirke, and age-stage youth programs under the PBS umbrella.
• Jungwacht Blauring Schweiz (JUBLA): JUBLA is Switzerland's largest Catholic youth organization, providing youth group programs for children and adolescents with similar age-stage structures and outdoor activity focus. It is a direct competitor for Swiss youth participation alongside Pfadi, with comparable cantonal federation structure.
• Pfadi Kanton Zürich: Pfadi Kanton Zürich is a cantonal scouting association serving the Canton of Zürich with comparable structure (local Abteilungen, regional Bezirke, age-stage programs). It is the most direct peer to PKB as another large Swiss cantonal scouting association operating under the PBS umbrella.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/pfadikantonbern
• Instagraminstagram.com/pfadibern
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pfadibern

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Pfadi Kanton Bern