Any girl age 5-18 can be an American Heritage Girl. Girls of all different backgrounds are welcome and are encouraged to join at any age! You don't have to start as a Pathfinder (age 5) in order to gain the benefits from participating in the AHG Program.
There are five Program Levels in American Heritage Girls. Troop NY4813 offers all five levels.
AHG’s multi-Level structure means that girls from all Program Levels meet together as a single Troop at the same time, though they may split into Levels for certain activities.
Ages 5-6 and in Kindergarten
The Pathfinder Level is intended to give a girl a chance to try out the AHG Program and learn more about it. A Pathfinder girl earns necklace beads for attendance, participation and Bible verse memorization while learning the four parts of the AHG Oath. She may earn the Fanny Crosby Award upon completion of this Level. Pathfinders should be accompanied by an adult.
Ages 6-9
A Tenderheart earns Badges and Sports Pins in any of the six Frontiers of Skill and receives activity patches for participating in Troop activities or special events. She may earn the Sacagawea Award for achieving the highest level of skill and service at this Level. Blue Service Stars are awarded for every 5 hours of community service.
Ages 9-12
An Explorer earns Badges and Sports Pins in any of the six Frontiers of Skill and receives activity patches for participating in Troop activities or special events. She may earn the Lewis and Clark Award for achieving the highest level of skill and service at this Level. Red Service Stars are awarded for every 10 hours of community service. Explorers are allowed to participate in overnight camping events.
Ages 12-14
A Pioneer continues to earn Badges, Sports Pins, Service Stars and activity patches. She may earn the Harriet Tubman Award for achieving the highest level of skill and service at this Level. White Service Stars are awarded for every 15 hours of community service. A Pioneer is also eligible for the roles of Camp or Event Aide. The Pioneer Level is where girls really begin to show leadership skills by assisting their leaders with planning, organizing and staffing special events for AHG in the community or within their Troop.
Ages 14-18
Patriot is the highest Program Level in AHG. A Patriot still earns Badges, Sports Pins, Service Stars and activity patches. She may earn the Dolley Madison Award for achieving the highest level of skill and service at this Level. Yellow Service Stars are awarded for every 20 hours of community service. Patriot girls plan and carry out activities with Unit Leaders who function as “facilitators”, allowing girls to make decisions on a regular basis.
