Contributed
During Georgia-Cumberland’s annual Teen Leadership in Training (TLT) convention, January 16-18, 2026, two amazing young people joined an elite group of Pathfinders who have completed every single task in the four-year TLT program for high-schoolers. Dorothy and Daniel Illangovan were each invested as a Master TLT, an honor that their peers and club leaders agree is “a big deal.”
Dorothy Illangovan, 20, and her brother, Daniel Illangovan, 18, earned distinction by completing two Special Operations tasks in addition to the six Operations tasks that are designed to give TLTs experience in Pathfinder Club administration, outreach, teaching, activities, records, and counseling.
The siblings grew up in Maryland and still hold the Beltsville Broncos Pathfinder Club close to their hearts. After moving to Georgia, they made the McDonald Road Hawks their home club. Both participated in Pathfinder Bible Experience and attended the international camporees in 2019 and 2024. Now that they have graduated from high school, the siblings serve as TLT mentors to younger Pathfinders.
Transitioning to the role of a TLT mentor has been relatively easy for Dorothy Illangovan, who is happy to guide younger TLTs and provide ideas for their projects. Her biggest advice to current TLTs is to be self-motivated. “You need to take the initiative to work on your requirements and bring new, creative ideas to the table,” she said.
Daniel Illangovan says that what he has always loved about Pathfinders is being able to do so many activities outdoors, surrounded by friends who can build him up physically and spiritually. His favorite part of the TLT program is the opportunity to be a part of something bigger. “Whether it is having a voice during decision-making or helping lead out in opening ceremonies, it gives you a sense of doing something great,” he said.
Being a TLT taught him skills such as planning events and leading group activities. Now, as a TLT mentor, he can give other TLTs the same opportunities he had. “Seeing the kids come out of their shells and take charge is such a blessing.”
His advice to other teens in the program is this: “Don’t view the TLT requirements as homework, but as opportunities to grow. Whether or not you like it at the time, when you are done with the program, you will look back and be thankful for those opportunities.”
Georgia-Cumberland | April 2026
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