Girls of all different backgrounds are welcome and are encouraged to join at any age! You do not have to start your AHG journey as a Pathfinder (age 5) to gain the benefits from participating in the AHG program. Badges and Service Stars for American Heritage Girls are progressive in nature (for example: a Tenderheart will require a very basic skill level while a much older Patriot will have progressed to a much higher skill level to complete a badge).

Program Levels

* Age requirements must be met by October 31st, of the program year in which the girl is registering.

Pathfinders: Ages *5-6 (*Girls at least 5 years old and in Kindergarten at time of registration*)

**SADLY, WE WILL NOT BE OFFERING A PATHFINDER GROUP IN OUR TROOP FOR THE 24-25 PROGRAM YEAR**

Through fun Troop activities, younger girls can foster their natural curiosity and creativity while learning what it means to be an American Heritage Girl. Pathfinders become anchored in Christ through fundamental faith lessons and Troop events. Girls at the Pathfinder level earn necklace beads for attendance, participation and Bible verse memorization while learning the four parts of the AHG Oath. Program and Event Patches and may also earn the Fannie Crosby Award upon completion of this Level.

Tenderheart - Ages 6-9 (* Girls at least 6 years old before and in grades 1st through 3rd. *)

As Tenderhearts, young girls learn to explore the AHG program boldly. They grow in their faith and lift skills through Troop activities, service and leadership opportunities, outdoor adventures and earned achievements. Tenderhearts have opportunities to grow and discover new passions and interests and can achieve the following: Faith Awards, Service Stars (for every 5 hours of community service), Badges in the six Frontiers of Skill, Sports Pins, Program and Event Patches, and could even earn the Sacagawea Award Level Award for achieving the highest level of skill and service at this Level.

Explorer - Ages 9-12 (* Girls at least 9 years old and in grades 4th through 6th. *)

Ready to take on more responsibility, Explorers are eager to grow in all areas of AHG. As they progress through the program, they will have greater opportunities for service, leadership and life skill experiences. Girls at the Explorer level can achieve the following: Faith Awards, Service Stars (for every 10 hours of community service), Badges in the six Frontiers of Skill, Sports Pins, Program and Event Patches, and could even earn the Ida Scudder Level Awardfor achieving the highest level of skill and service at this Level.

Pioneer - Ages 12-14 (* Girls at least 12 years old and in grades 7th and 8th. *)

Pioneers are given opportunities to find out who they truly are in Christ. Girls are encourages to explore their interests and abilities in a safe environment. The Pioneer Level is where a girl's Christian leadership skills accelerate through advanced opportunities in the Troop and community. Girls at this Program Level can achieve the following: Faith Awards, Service Stars (for every 15 hours of community service), Badges in the six Frontiers of Skill, Sports Pins, Program and Event Patches, and could even earn the Harriet Tubman Level Award for achieving the highest level of skill and service at this Level.

Patriot - Ages 14-18 (* Girls at least 14 year old and in grades 9th through 12th. *)

Teenage girls learn life skills vital for adulthood through Troop activities and Girl Leadership opportunities. Unit leaders at this level function as "facilitators" allowing girls to make decisions regularly and take ownership of their Unit. Girl friendships deepen through outdoor experiences and high adventure opportunities at this level and Patriots develop rich spiritual maturity and practice their faith through servant leadership. Girls at this highest Program Level in AHG can achieve the following: Faith Awards, Service Stars (for every 20 hours of community service), Badges in the six Frontiers of Skill, Sports Pins, Program and Event Patches, and could even earn the Abigail Adams Level Award for achieving the highest level of skill and service at this Level; Patriots may even go above and beyond to earn American Heritage Girls highest distinction, The Stars & Stripes Award. This award is the most prestigious of awards, and it requires a great deal of time, sacrifice and devotion to achieve.