How AHG Works
The AHG Program
American Heritage Girls (AHG) was founded by a group of parents wanting a faith-based, scout-type character development program for their daughters in 1995. The AHG Program is dedicated to the mission of building women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country. AHG girls across the nation and the globe participate in badge programs, service projects, leadership opportunities, and outdoor experiences, all with an emphasis on Christian values and family involvement.
Program Emphases
AHG's Program Emphases creates a well-rounded experience for girls. A girl who completes the AHG Program will be a Christ-following servant leader who is honoring, relational, anchored in Christ, and competent: a woman of integrity.
Faith
Girls are encouraged to grow in their faith and relationship with God through the AHG Faith Award Program, prayer, fellowship, and service, which are woven throughout each aspect of the AHG Program.
Outcome: A Christ-follower who submits to Christ and seeks God’s will for her life.
Leadership
The AHG Program is rich in leadership opportunities for girls of all ages. Girls discover their passions, acquire project management skills, hold leadership positions, and participate in leadership training.
Outcome: A servant leader who follows Jesus’ model of leadership by putting others first.
Social & Emotional
Girls will gain a better understanding of their identity in Christ through the AHG Program. AHG’s multi-level Troop structure encourages girls to create friendships with girls of all ages. This unique Troop structure allows for mentorships and learning opportunities to occur naturally among girls. Girls learn to anchor their emotions in Christ in a caring and loving environment.
Outcome: A relational girl who invests in positive and loving relationships with others and clings to Christ when navigating emotions.
Outdoors
Nature reveals to us God’s beauty, glory, power, wisdom, presence, creativity, and, most of all, His loving care. Through the AHG Program, girls are encouraged to participate in outdoor activities such as hiking or camping several times a year. High Adventure activities are great times for team building, leadership, physical activity, and strengthening relationships with friends. The outdoors will educate girls about their natural world and the beauty God has bestowed upon them.
Outcome: A girl who values creation through outdoor experiences that display the glory of God’s creation.
Citizenship
The AHG Program provides girls with a deeper understanding of their country and heritage. Girls cultivate honor for their country by participating in patriotic events, flag ceremonies, serving in their community, and through badge work. Serving others and being active citizens with their Troop, fosters a lifelong love for their country.
Outcome: An honoring girl who cares for her community as an active citizen through service and patriotism.
Life Skills
In the AHG Program, girls can step out of their comfort zone and try new experiences in a safe environment. Earning badges provides girls the opportunity to learn a wide array of life skills, inspiring them to become lifelong learners and doers. AHG’s six Badge Frontiers include: Heritage, Family Living, Arts, Outdoor Skills, Personal Well-Being, and Science & Technology.
Outcome: A competent girl who enjoys mastering new skills and applies them to her life.
Program Levels
Pathfinder (Ages 5-6)
Under tender loving leadership from volunteers and older girls in the Troop, Pathfinders grow in knowledge and truth. 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 service events. These girls begin the AHG Program with experiences in life skills, outdoor adventures, leadership, and social interactions. Parents are encouraged to enjoy the AHG Program with their daughters in the Pathfinder Level.
Tenderheart (Ages 6-9)
As Tenderhearts, young girls learn to explore the world around them through the AHG Program boldly. Tenderhearts grow in their faith and life skills through Troop activities, service and leadership opportunities, outdoor adventures, and earned achievements. This Program Level encourages girls to set goals and teaches them about dedication and perseverance. As a Tenderheart, each girl has the opportunity to grow and to discover new passions and interests.
Explorers (Ages 9-12)
Ready to take on more responsibility, Explorers are eager to grow in all areas of AHG. As Explorers progress through the AHG Program, they will have greater opportunities for service, leadership, and life skill experiences. Explorers love the welcoming and fun environment!
Pioneer (Ages 12-14)
Pioneers are given the opportunity to find out who they truly are in Christ. Girls are encouraged 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.
Patriot (Ages 14-18)
Teenage girls learn life skills vital to adulthood through Troop activities and Girl Leadership opportunities. Unit Leaders serve as facilitators as Patriots take on more ownership of their Unit, allowing girls to make decisions regularly. Girl friendships deepen through outdoor experiences and high adventure opportunities. Patriots develop rich spiritual maturity and practice their faith through servant leadership.
Badge Program
The American Heritage Girls Badge Program provides opportunities for girls to interact across age groups, as older girls teach younger girls. Each badge can be earned at three different levels (Tenderheart, Explorer, and Pioneer/Patriot) and is divided into six Frontiers: Heritage, Personal Well-Being, Family Living, Arts, Science & Technology, and Outdoor Skills.