Frequently Asked Questions

Once you have decided you are ready to join, YAY, just let us know. You can contact us here.

We will send you a link to register online through AHGFamily. Please watch for the email and ensure it doesn’t go to your junk folder.

During this process, please set up a family account in AHGFamily under your (parent) name. You can then add your daughter(s)! You will also pay the AHG Membership fee online at this time.

The final step is done at the troop level. We have some paperwork that will need to be filled out by you for each girl you register.
You have 2 ways that you can do this.

1. You can pick up a registration packet at your next troop meeting,
   OR

2. You can head over to the Registration Documents page to download, print, fill out, and bring these forms to us! Please do not email forms. They must be physically brought in. You will also be asked to pay our Troop Dues or set up payments at this time.

You will also receive a link from Troop Track to set up a free account. This is how we communicate, RSVP to calendar events and track girl achievements.

Once that is complete, make sure your daughter receives a Joining Book from us! She will want to complete this at home in order to earn her very first award, the Joining Award!

That’s all there is to it! Welcome to American Heritage Girls, Troop IL 1190!

Absolutely!  Girls may visit one troop meeting before deciding to join the troop.  They will be warmly welcomed and introduced to the unit or squad they will be in.  They can fully participate and ask their Unit Leader any questions they may have.

Please Note: Parents of guests must remain on the church campus for the duration of her visit.  Parents are strongly encouraged to attend the meeting with their daughter so they can get a feel for the atmosphere and what troop life is like.

GIRLS FEES

AHG Fees: American Heritage Girls charges a $40 Registration fee that is to be paid directly to AHG Inc. when a girl becomes an AHG Member. This fee does not come to the troop and must be paid online at the time of registration through AHGFamily.

Troop Level Fees: Troop IL 1190 charges an annual fee per girl of $85 for Pathfinders and $150 for all other levels. This can be paid all at once, or you may pay half at registration and the remaining balance by January 20th of the program year. This fee is paid directly to the troop.

The following is a breakdown of what the “Troop Fee” covers.
(Please note these costs are subject to change annually)

-Program Support Fee:  This $20 per girl fee is paid by the Troop directly to AHG Inc. in January of each year.

-All Badges, Patches, and Awards: Cost is dependent upon girl Achievement but averages $70 per girl per year.

-Troop Meetings and Events: This fee covers all troop meetings and most events. There may be some pay to play events such as camping, climbing etc. The Troop strives to keep costs as low as possible for all families.

-Troop Supplies: This includes items such as Unit Supplies, Badge Supplies, Office Supplies, Postage, Event Supplies, Child Care, Ceremonies, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Scholarships: Troop IL 1190 does offer a limited number of Scholarships for families who are in financial need. These Scholarships are given where the Troop Board feels deserving and are limited on a first come, first serve basis.

How We Handle Events and Activities:

Information will be shared through the Troop for special event opportunities for girls and what charges may apply. While Ceremonies are covered, some Activities and Special Events are Pay to Play. We do strive to keep costs as low as possible for the benefit of our families.

Parents are responsible to order uniforms and handbooks for their girls. These can be purchased through the troop to save on shipping and handling, and it is recommended that you do so.

Additional Charge: We may ask that Class B T-shirts be ordered through the troop to be worn for trips and some service projects and activities: $10-$12

Please Note: Parents are responsible to replace LOST uniforms, their components, awards, and handbooks.

While our troop strives to keep fundraising to a minimum, there will be 2-3 fundraisers per year for the troop.

ADULT FEES

Registered Adult Members are paid for by Troop IL 1190.  

Adult Members and Leaders are responsible to purchase their own AHG Leader Polo to be worn at meetings and most events unless otherwise specified. This sets you apart and lets parents know that you are a part of the team and have been background checked and have the credentials needed to serve.

Our Units are as follows:

• Girls age 5 to 6 → Pathfinders

• Girls age 6 to 9 → Tenderhearts

• Girls age 9 to 12 → Explorers

• Girls age 12 to 14 → Pioneers

• Girls age 14 to 18 → Patriots

Unit assignment is determined by age of the girl on October 31 of that program year.  Units are not assigned by grade in school.

If at any point during the year, a Unit exceeds AHG adult/girl safety ratio rules or becomes too large, the Unit will be split into Squads at the discretion of the Troop Coordinator and Unit Leaders provided we have enough Unit Leader and Unit Assistant volunteers. If volunteers are unavailable, a Unit will be closed to new members.

All biological girls ages 5 to 18 of any color, race, national origin and socioeconomic status who agree to live according to the standards of the Bible, the AHG Oath, and the AHG Creed are invited to be members of American Heritage Girls.

AHG believes that welcoming all girls to join AHG is in alignment with the Great Commission from Mathew 28:16-20. Many girls have learned about Christ and experienced faith first-hand as it is lived out by their peers and Unit Leaders in AHG.

Yes!  AHG is committed to making its program available to girls of all abilities, so Special Needs Training has been created to help equip Leaders in this endeavor.

We meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6:30 to 8:00. (August thru May)  This schedule gives ample opportunity for faith, service and fun, We do have monthly get-togethers over the summer.

Special events are weekend activities and typically take place at least once per month.

The AHG Joining Award is a girl’s introduction to the American Heritage Girls program so it must be earned first.  The requirements of this award are meant to teach girls all about AHG and give her a basis for everything she will accomplish in her future with the troop.

The Joining Award becomes the center of her first badge flower on her vest or sash.

• Full Class A Uniorm 

• Handbook

• Closed Toe Shoes

• Waterbottle

You are the hands and feet of our troop.  This troop is 100% organized and maintained by parent volunteers just like you and, not to sound like Uncle Sam, but we need you!

Anyone wishing to attend overnight events or volunteer regularly, must be registered and agree to live by the AHG oath, creed, and faith statement.  Please contact us with any questions you have about volunteering or available volunteer positions.

If you are interested in becoming a registered adult member, the first step is to fill out and submit a Ministry Group Leader Application.

AHG is a uniformed organization. Wearing The AHG Official Uniform, either Class A or Class B, signifies belonging to a group that shares common beliefs and goals.

Adult Members in uniform indicate to families, that they are registered and appropriately trained; for girls, it lets everyone know they are a safe adult.

Uniforms are an equalizer for Girl Members – instead of worrying about wearing the latest trends, girls can attend AHG meetings and activities knowing they will fit right in.  Seeing the uniforms of older girls gives younger girls motivation to continue in their AHG journey.

Logistically, AHG Uniforms are useful when a Troop is participating in a community activity like marching in a parade or serving at a local food pantry. Community members can identify the Troop and learn about AHG’s values. It is also easier for Troop leadership to keep track of girls in matching uniforms while out in the community.

• All Registered Adult Volunteers should consider having  a Class B Uniform T-Shirt

  • AHG Official Class-B T-Shirt in either red or blue (volunteer choice) {$12.99}

  • Choice of Pants, Capris, Skort/Skirt or Modest length Shorts (fingertip or longer)

  • ID lanyard {provided by troop}

• Unit Leaders, Assistant Unit Leaders, Board Members and those with Full Time Positions will also need a Class A Uniform

  • AHG Official Short Sleeve Uniform Polo (Red or Navy) {$32.99}

  • Everyday dark colored pants for bi-weekly meetings

  • Navy, Khaki, or Black pants,  capris, or skirt for Ceremonies and other special occasions.

  • Troop provides ID lanyards and membership pin to Unit Leaders, Unit Assistants, and Board Members

Please print out and fill out a uniform order sheet available from our Registration Documents page. Uniforms are ordered through the troop to save on shipping costs.

Pathfinder Class A Uniform includes:

• Pathfinder T-Shirt

• Pathfinder Beads

• Navy pants, capris, skort/skirt or modest length shorts (fingertip or longer) NO JEANS

• Closed Toed shoes

Pathfinder Class B Uniform includes:

• Blue or Red AHG Classic T-Shirt

• Girls choice of pants, capris, skort/skirt or modest length shorts (fingertip or longer)

• Closed Toed Shoes

Tenderheart Class B uniforms includes: 

• White official youth AHG Polo or any unbranded plain white polo

• Red Vest

• Navy neckerchief

• Flag Patch

• Membership Pin

• Blue Troop Numbers (1190)

• Navy or Black pants, capris, skort/skirt or modest length shorts (fingertip or longer) NO JEANS

• Closed toed shoes

Tenderheart Class B uniform includes: 

• Blue or Red AHG Classic T-Shirt

• Girls choice of pants, capris, skort/skirt or modest length shorts (fingertip or longer)

• Closed toed shoes

Explorer Class A uniform includes: 

• White official youth AHG Polo or any unbranded plain white polo

• Navy vest

• Red neckerchief 

• Flag Patch 

• Membership Pin 

• Red Troop Numbers (1190) 

• Navy, Black or Khaki pants, capris, skort/skirt or modest shorts (fingertip or longer) NO JEANS

• Closed toed shoes

Explorer Class B uniform includes: 

• Blue or Red AHG Classic T-Shirt

• Girls choice of pants, capris, skort/skirt or modest length shorts (fingertip or longer) 

• Closed toed shoes

Pioneer Class A uniform includes: 

• White official youth AHG Polo or any unbranded plain white polo

• Navy sash 

• Flag Patch 

• Membership Pin 

• Red Troop Numbers (1190) 

• Navy, Black or Khaki pants, capris, skort/skirt or modest shorts (fingertip or longer) NO JEANS

• Closed toed shoes

Pioneer Class B uniform includes: 

• Blue or Red AHG Classic T-Shirt

• Girls choice of pants, capris, skort/skirt or modest length shorts (fingertip or longer) 

• Closed toed shoes

Patriots Class A uniform includes: 

• Red official youth AHG Polo or any unbranded plain white polo

• Navy sash

• Flag Patch 

• Membership Pin 

• Red Troop Numbers (1190) 

• Navy, Black or Khaki pants, capris, skort/skirt or modest shorts (fingertip or longer) NO JEANS

• Closed toed shoes

Patriots Class B uniform includes: 

• Blue or Red AHG Classic T-Shirt

• Girls choice of pants, capris, skort/skirt or modest length shorts (fingertip or longer) 

• Closed toed shoes

We've created this easy-to-follow PDF file to help you know where to place the various types of AHG insignia:

What to do with Badges, Patches, and Pins

We recommend sewing on badges, patches, and awards with clear thread OR using Badge Magic.  Sewing is best!

Locking pin-backs are highly recommended to keep pins from being lost.

The AHG Handbook is a girl’s complete guide and record of her AHG journey.  Each girl will need her own handbook so she can reference badge and sports pin requirements.  She will also have the history of AHG and the basics of being an American Heritage Girl at her fingertips.

Tenderhearts & Explorers need the pink Tenderheart & Explorer handbook.  They will use the same handbook throughout their time as a Tenderheart and then when they move up to the Explorer level.

Pioneers & Patriots need the colorful Pioneer & Patriot handbook.  They will use the same handbook throughout their time as a Pioneer and then when they move up to the Patriot level.

Level Awards are pursued throughout each level to ensure the development of a well rounded girl of integrity. These prestigious awards are not easy to earn, consisting of many facts such as:

• badgework in all 6 frontiers

• service hours

• a Faith Award

• flag ceremony participation 

• event planning

• girl leadership opportunities

• a Board of Review

Girls are eligiable to complete a level award during her last year in a program level, but it requires hard work and dedication throughout her time in that level. 

• Pathfinders earn Fanny Crosby Award

• Tenderhearts earn the Sacagawea Award

• Explorers earn the Ida Scudder Award

• Pioneers earn the Harriot Tubman Award

• Patriots earn the Abigail Adams Award

The level award creates the center for her badge flower on the vest ot sash for her new program level. 

Faith is foundational to the Mission of American Heritage Girls. Christ is the focus and the reason for everything AHG does. In the AHG Oath, girls promise to love God. In the AHG Creed, girls commit to being reverent. AHG hopes that girls will experience God in all parts of AHG—friends, service, badges, and more! Faith Awards are one of the main avenues in which to integrate faith into the AHG Program.  AHG encourages all girls to participate in the Faith Awards Program.

Faith Awards are typically completed during a girl’s “senior” year in her unit if she wishes to complete her Level Award.  Our Troop Shepherd oversees the Faith Awards part of the AHG program.

Girls who study and participate in a sport can earn Sports Pins.  They are encouraged to work with others as a team, respect the authority God has placed over them, and understand the importance of following the rules and having good sportsmanship.  For each additional 100 hours of participation in the same sport, a colored disc may be earned and worn behind the triangular pin.

Badges help fulfill the “Life Skills” part of the AHG program.

Badges can be earned with the troop, unit, at a camp or a workshop, or individually with your family.  If girls work on badges individually, they need to be ready to talk about their experiences with their Unit Leader and Unit in a “Show and Tell” style along with bringing in their badge completion form.

Patches are fun and commemorative recognition of a girl’s participation in a special troop activity or event.  Patches are placed on the back of the girl’s vest or sash.

What is Service?
Service is freely giving of your time, your talents, and your hard work for someone else’s benefit without expecting anything in return. Service is where a humble servant’s heart motivates an outward focus to follow Christ’s example. Through service, girls discover their role as image-bearers of Christ, and how their talents, skills, and abilities are a gift from God to share with others. They will understand the importance of giving themselves and loving others no matter the circumstances. An AHG Service Star is not compensation, but recognition for a girl’s heart for service.

When serving one another, remember the reason we are serving:

1. Service comes from a girl’s heart.

2. Service is outwardly focused (not for self, one’s family, or the Troop).

3. No compensation is given for service (monetary or gift).

AHG emphasizes community service!  All AHG girls will have the chance to serve their local community both as a troop and individually. The older girls will even have opportunities to plan a community service event.  AHG girls will keep track of their service hours during the year to earn Service Stars. The Service Hour Tracking Sheet is available on our General Documents page.

Service hours can be accumulated as a group when they participate in planned service projects or individually outside of troop time. Service hours are meant to be community-oriented and would include any non-paid service done outside of the home. For example: raking leaves for a neighbor, volunteering in the church nursery, being a mother’s helper, baking cookies for someone, picking up litter on a hike, writing letters to a soldier, etc.

Depending on the girl’s level, she will receive a Service Star after she’s completed a certain number of hours of service. Pathfinders earn one service bead for their Pathfinder necklace for each community service event they attend or participate in. The hour requirements for all other units are below:

• Tenderhearts – 1 blue service star for every 5 hours of community service

• Explorers – 1 red service star for every 10 hours of community service

• Pioneers – 1 white service star for every 15 hours of community service

• Patriots – 1 yellow service star for every 20 hours of community service

We have 2 awards ceremonies per year. A midyear ceremony takes place in January and an end of the Year Court of Awards that takes place in May.  These events are where the girls are awarded the bulk of their awards.

Fun Patches are generally awarded as they are earned.