Trainer Tip: Before you begin, set the mood for fun and lightheartedness by playing the “AHG Sings CD.” Group Training with a Trainer – The notes provided on each slide are to assist you with presenting the material in this training. Be sure that all content that is explained in the notes is shared with the audience. There is also a training guide is located on the Training section of the Leader Area of the AHG Website as well as on the 2009 Training Resource CD.

“Welcome to the American Heritage Girls Pathfinder Breakout Training.”

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“I would like to introduce myself, I am _______________________. I will be your trainer for today. My goal is to help you to understand the objectives of the Pathfinder program while equipping you to minister to AHG’s youngest members. ” [Tell about your background Have each participant introduce themselves. After this is complete, officially open the training with prayer.

“Let’s open this training with prayer.” [pray] “Much of the information that is discussed during this training is available in the Pathfinder Handbook. It is strongly encouraged that each Pathfinder Leader own a current version of the Pathfinder Handbook. “

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American Heritage Girls is a ministry for girls that has been developed to glorify God and to bring girls into a stronger relationship with Him through the accomplishment of our mission… to “build women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country.” Over the years, AHG has impacted the lives of thousands of girls and their families. As a Unit Leader and primary influencer for the health and impact of the Pathfinder Unit, you have been entrusted with sacred keys. You will be an influencer on the lives of the parents and girls within the Pathfinder unit and the local ministry. You will be changed forever as you begin and continue to serve in this transforming organization.

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Besides the AHG Mission statement, there are additional foundational principles of the American Heritage Girls: The AHG Oath: “I promise to Love God, cherish my family, honor my country and serve in my community.” The AHG Creed:

Compassionate: Understanding others in fellowship, empathy, kindness, and caring. Respect others’ opinions and emotions. Helpful: Willingly serve others. Honest: Always tell the truth and keep my promise. Loyal: True to God, family, friends, community, and country. Perseverant: Continuing to strive toward a goal despite obstacles. Pure: Keep my mind and body pure. Resourceful: Wisely use my time, materials and talents. Respectful: Honor my country, be obedient to those in authority and courteous to all. Responsible: Accountable for my own actions. Reliable in all situations. Reverent: Faithful and honoring to God. Respectful to the beliefs of others.

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The Pathfinder program is the first of AHG’s 5 levels of programming. The 5 levels are divided by age and grade. Troops are comprised of multi-levels which include: Pathfinder ages 5-6, tenderheart ages 6-9, Explorer- ages 9-12, Pioneer- ages 12-14, and Patriot ages 14-18. Program Focus: The Pathfinder level’s main focus is to have FUN through socialization. The girls will learn about the AHG program by exploring the outdoors, singing songs, doing arts and crafts and performing simple service projects and acts of kindness in their homes and community. The curriculum revolves around the AHG Oath. “I promise to love God, cherish my family, honor my country and serve in my community.” Age Requirement: All girls must be age 5 and in Kindergarten at the time of registration in order to participate.

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Uniform: The Pathfinder uniform is the “official” Pathfinder T-shirt, navy blue skort or navy blue bottoms (no jeans or cargo pants, please). The Pathfinder T-shirt is available through the AHG Attic only. (AHG’s merchandising department.) The adult helper’s uniform is the official Pathfinder Adult T-shirt also available through the AHG Attic. In addition to this required uniform, a necklace is included and should be worn by the girl to every meeting.

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Necklace: The Pathfinder necklace tracks attendance, advancement and memory verse aptitude. Girls get pony beads (round beads) for each meeting attended; an AHG block bead when they complete a curriculum module (Introduction and part of AHG oath); and a heart bead every time they memorize and recite a Bible passage featured in the curriculum. The heart bead represents “Hiding God’s word in my heart.” When a girl finishes the Pathfinder program she will have achieved four block beads and several attendance beads in addition to the verses she has memorized.

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Insert picture

of Pathfinder

necklace

Handbook: The Pathfinder handbook is an official publication of AHG, Inc. for both the Pathfinder girl and adult helper. Each handbook contains program guidelines and curriculum, advancement tracking, and volunteer/helper resources. These handbooks are purchased through the AHG Attic. Each girl member and adult leader is required to have a Pathfinder handbook.

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Meeting/Activities: The Pathfinder program is designed to meet in conjunction with other units of the Troop. The program was developed for 2 meetings per month; however, additional activities, field trips or service projects may be added should a Troop meet more often. (Note: The Troop will need to purchase additional participation beads if meeting weekly.) The average meeting length is 1-1 ½ hours for this age level.

Parents/Mentor: The Pathfinder program is designed as a “Parent & Me” program. All girls are encouraged to be accompanied by an adult. This person does not have to be the child’s parent, it could be an aunt, grandparent, adult friend, etc… This adult should be an active participant in the program and assist when needed. Troop Integration: In addition to the individual unit meetings, the Pathfinders should be integrated into the Troop happenings including the Troop opening and closing ceremony, service projects and special events. Pathfinders will marvel at their older Troop sisters and their participation will encourage their time and growth in the AHG program.

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Unit Finances: A unit budget should be developed by the Troop’s Board and communicated with the Pathfinder Volunteer & families before the year begins. Unit dues should be kept to a minimum and normally less than older unit’s dues within the Troop. Review the activity calendar over the summer with the Troop Ministry team to assist with estimating expenses. Be sure to plan for craft supplies, field trip activities and develop a plan before the program year begins. In addition to Troop Dues, most Troops charge the individual girl for the following Pathfinder items including:

•AHG Registration for each girl and adult member •Pathfinder Uniform (Pathfinder T-shirt and necklace set) •Pathfinder Handbook

The Pathfinder uniforms for both girls and adult leaders as well as the Pathfinder Handbook are available for purchase through the AHG Attic. Annually, all Troops are accountable for the Program Support Responsibility fee. This fee is charged per girl member after the Troop’s first year in the AHG program. This money should be budgeted annually by the Troop Board. It may be raised through offering fundraising opportunities (preferred method), or included in Troop dues.

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Qualifications of a Leader: The Pathfinder Leader is the facilitator of the

program. They are energetic, well trained and caring. This person must be an

AHG Registered adult volunteer and agree to the AHG Statement of Faith, be

approved by her Charter Organization, and sign the Unit Leader Ministry

Agreement annually. They must complete the AHG Volunteer Application

which verifies that a background check has been done by the Troop. AHG

Basic A & B training and Pathfinder Breakout are also required.

Leader Responsibilities: The Pathfinder leader will work with the other Unit

Leaders and attend Troop Ministry Team meetings to assist with Troop &

parent communication. The Pathfinder leader will also delegate the

meeting/activity planning to fellow parents to offer these new families a sense

of unit ownership. It also gives each girl a chance to work on leadership skills

while her parent is serving. The Pathfinder program, as mentioned, is a

partnership with the family and encourages family involvement and girl

leadership which will continue throughout the AHG program.

Trainer Tip: Have each participant take turns reading the listings on page 2 of

the Pathfinder Handbook. Stress to participants that everything we do as a

Pathfinder Leader should coincide with the AHG Oath, Creed, and Mission

Statement.

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Characteristics of a Pathfinder: On page 3 of the Pathfinder Handbook you will notice the different characteristics of each age group in the Pathfinder program. Each Pathfinder is developing at her own rate. Remember to refer to this information when making your meeting plans and be willing to make adjustments to meet the needs of all your unit members. Trainer Tip: Discuss the differences in the ages. Read through page 3. Share personal examples with participants and/or ask for their input.

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Progression charts for each Program Emphases have been developed for each unit level to assist with the implementation of these parts of the program in an age appropriate manner. This information is available to assist with each unit level and the integration of each unit. These AHG Program Emphases include:

•Life Skill Enhancement acquired through meeting activities. •Developing Teamwork & Building Confidence enhanced at each meeting as girls work together to achieve a common goal. •Social Development learned through playing games and meeting time. •Girl Leadership by providing opportunities at every AHG level. •Character Development by learning the AHG Oath and Creed and learning and acting on these qualities. •Spiritual Development enhanced and encouraged with prayer and thanksgiving and putting the Bible to memory.

These charts are located on the Volunteer portion of the AHG website and given to the Tenderheart-Patriot Leaders when trained. Here is the Pathfinder portion of each chart mentioned on the website for your assistance and review. (Trainer to pass out a copy of Progression Chart page to each participant and review.)

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Troop/Unit Constitution: All units including the Pathfinders should develop a Troop or unit “constitution” (a set of guidelines) for appropriate behavior and conduct. Girls, with clear direction, can create a constitution. All girls should sign this document and agree to abide by it’s “rules.” The unit constitution should be displayed at all meetings and be referred to when needed. Discipline Policy: A Troop Discipline Policy is very important. It should be created by the Troop Board and be a part of the Troop’s Policy and Procedure manual distributed to the Troop families annually at the Parent Registration Night or at the time of the girl member’s registration. Since parents are in attendance during the Pathfinder meetings in activities, they will and can assist with the girls; however, remember at this age all of the girls mature and develop differently. Keep in mind that this time is to be FUN and active. Enjoy and embrace the time with your girls!

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The Tribal Ring is the best and most utilized form of government for Pathfinders. By modeling this form of government now, the girls will learn to expect it as a tenderheart and beyond. During a meeting of the tribal ring, the leader generates discussion asking for input from the girls. Girls stand/sit in circle and are encouraged to participate and speak on the week’s activities or a topic important to her at the time. You may use some sort of time monitoring (Example: length of yarn woven around the hand) to keep one girl from using all of the discussion time.

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Parent Helper: All girls should have an adult helper in attendance at every meeting or activity. The adult helper can be their parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, adult friend, etc. The adult helpers should be expected to plan (or at least assist the leader in planning) one month of meetings/activities. If there are not enough adult helpers to cover each month then they can rotate so that the program year is covered. By incorporating each parent into the planning and facilitating you are planting seeds for the future and garnering volunteer help should not be a concern for your growing unit. Trainer Tip: Share personal experience and examples of how your Troop has elicited parent help. Parent Communication: In today’s busy world, effective communication is an

important part of keeping girls and families informed of Troop happenings and activities. As the Unit leader you will need to work with your Troop Coordinator (may even include feedback from parents) to devise a way to communicate information with families. (Share personal examples of your Troop/Unit means of communication:)

•Newsletter (monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, etc.) •Letter (mailed or distributed at meeting) •E-mail (may need alternate method for those families without email) •Phone Tree •Insert information in girls’ folders or handbooks

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Curriculum (Refer to pages 10-37 in Pathfinder Handbook.) A Pathfinder Leader and their adult helpers should be able to implement the unit’s activities with ease. The curriculum was developed by trained experts and age appropriate activities are included. Learning about the AHG Oath is the theme of the Pathfinder year. The Handbook is divided into 4 themed modules and includes crafts, songs, games and a Bible verse for each module. These activities can be modified to suit the needs of the girls as long as the objectives listed at the top of the module are attained. The curriculum is set up for a one hour meeting twice per month. If your Troop meeting is longer and is held more frequently, then you will need to plan extra activities to keep your girls’ interest. There are sample activities in the curriculum guide. Songs and games are included in the handbook that are loved by all 5-6 year olds as well as helpful tips on “Why teach games?” and “Tips for Teaching Crafts to Pathfinders.” These fun activities will help get the “wiggles” out and make lasting memories. AHG has developed the “AHG Sings the Story” CD to assist with song time and is available through the AHG Attic. All you’ll need is a CD player. Additional resources are also available in the quarterly Leader Resource Guide and the AHG Leader site: www.ahgonline.org/leaders. Utilize these tools as needs arise. Trainer Tip: Think of delegating songs and games to an adult helper with their daughter/girl member as the helper.

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Here are some ideas taken from many of AHG’s most successful Troops that may be helpful: Snack Time : Depending on what time of day your meetings are planned, will determine when and if a snack will need to be provided. (i.e. if meeting is right after school, a snack may be necessary.) One of the parents may assist with the task of coordinating snack time and assist with communicating a reminder to parents responsible. A unit may work this expense into their budget. This is up to the Troop Board. Today food allergies are relevant. Please be sure to review health histories and announce any food allergies in advance to insure the safety of all your girls and families while avoiding any medical emergencies due to an allergic reaction. Craft Supplies: Supplies needed with a Pathfinder Unit include-safe scissors, glue sticks, large washable markers/crayons, table covers, wet wipes, etc. (Refer to the Pathfinder Handbook for supplies needed for each craft. Share examples of ways to accumulate these items:

•Craft “shower” •Part of dues •Troop Supplies •Individual supply boxes-girls bring to each meeting)

Trainer Tip: (Refer to page 5 of the Pathfinder Handbook) Let’s read through some of the “Tips for Teaching Crafts.” (Trainer to assist with personal examples and relevant stories if applicable.) A Kaper System is a job chart that allows each unit member to participate in all duties (Kapers) throughout a given cycle. Here you see that each girl will be assigned a different job at the meeting, but by using this system, no one will be left out and substitutions are made easily if a girl misses a meeting.

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Ceremonies: (Refer to pages 6-9 in the Pathfinder Handbook) An integral part of the AHG program is the inclusion of a variety of ceremonies. These ceremonies assist with the development of girls’ leadership skills while celebrating their success. All Troop meetings should include an opening and closing flag ceremony where flag etiquette is taught and demonstrated. Some of the most popular ceremonies with Troops include: Joining Award or Dedication (Sample shown on pg. 9), Mid Year Badge ceremony and the End of Year Ceremony or Journey of the Pathfinder (p. 38.) Pathfinders and their families should be encouraged to participate. These ceremonies create fond memories and assist with the girls desire to continue in the AHG program.

•Flag Etiquette is described on page 7-8 in the Handbook. A Flag Ceremony should be taught during the Pathfinder year. Pathfinders should be encouraged to be a part of every opening and closing flag ceremony held at each Troop meeting. Pathfinders can assist their older Troop sisters by holding the flag and watching. This will offer them a better understanding of the AHG program and will enhance their learning of the AHG Oath and Creed. •Encourage participants to create a ceremonial closing to each meeting as well. They can re-join the Troop, do “Servants Circle” (prayer time) or sing a closing song with their Troop “sisters.”

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Attendance is a key factor of the Pathfinder program. The pony beads that the girls receive reflect their commitment and attendance. However, conflicts will arise so remember that a Pathfinder and her adult helper can complete an activity on their own if necessary. If the leader or another parent has supplies left over that were used during the missed meeting, make sure that the missing family can obtain these supplies. Since participation is the main goal of the Pathfinder, there is no competence or skill level required to earn the Eliza Shirley level award. One must simply complete all of the objectives listed at the beginning of each program module. Who was Eliza Shirley? Eliza Shirley was born in Coventry, England in 1863. Eliza Shirley was only 17 years old, when she traveled from London to Philadelphia. Here she began the first American branch of the Salvation Army. The “Journey of the Pathfinder” ceremony (refer to pages 38-39 in the Handbook) celebrates the achievement of the Eliza Shirley level award. Trainer Tip: Share other ceremony advancement ideas used in your Troop or in other Troops. Express that ceremonies are meaningful and enjoyed by all in attendance and that family and friends should always be invited to share in this success. Insure that ceremonies take place when family members can attend.

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Girls love to have fun and rate “ time with their friends” as the main reason they love AHG. The secure setting of an all girl environment supervised by trained, adult mentors allows for life-long friendships to develop and grow. Social development can be fostered through a number of avenues, including Special Events and Troop community. Pathfinders may receive participation patches for attending these events; however, they should place these patches onto their tenderheart vests once they move forward in the program.

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The AHG Oath and Creed provide the cornerstone of values that personify the AHG experience. Girls use these attributes as a “litmus” test to their success in fulfilling the mission of the American Heritage Girls, becoming women of integrity. In addition AHG’s strong service program encourages girls to put “legs on their faith” and put their values into action. AHG girls have an outward focus toward others’ needs rather than always seeking benefit to self. AHG offers experiences and opportunities for girls to have the right tools to make sound, moral decisions today and in the future. Service projects are woven throughout the Pathfinder curriculum and participation in Troop projects is highly encouraged. Pathfinders, however, are not eligible to earn Service Stars until they become a tenderheart. The Pathfinder program is meant to be a fun introduction to the AHG program, and therefore girls at this level should focus on earning their Pathfinder beads. Having girls wait to earn Service Stars until their tenderheart years, will help to build a sense of anticipation and assist with girl retention.

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Remember the key to your success as a Pathfinder leader is to provide a loving, fun environment for each girl and parent. Keep it simple, have fun and get to know each of your precious AHG families. Pray for one another and begin to build lifelong friendships.

Now that you have learned about the entire Pathfinder program and what being a

Pathfinder leader is like, it is now time for your questions. Trainer Tip: Please answer questions and add any personal experiences that may

have arisen as a Pathfinder leader that is not included in the training.

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Trainer- Have your participants complete the Breakout Training Evaluation and submit to Troop Coordinator (group session) or AHG Support Services Coordinator (individual.)

Thank your participants for attending. Close in prayer.

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