Pathfinder Award Program

There are seven (7) awards to attain. They are presented in the order in which they are earned and received:

1.) Bear Claws		5.) Owl
2.) Turtle		6.) Wowitan
3.) Horse		7.) Running Bear
4.) Deer

Each level requires that mandatory activities and optional activities be successfully completed. The second level cannot be received prior to the first, the third before the second, and so on. However, multiple levels can be awarded at the banquet so long as they are sequential (i.e. Bear Claws, Turtle and Horse, Horse and Deer, and so on).

AWARDS CEREMONY

Two elements make up the Awards Ceremony: 1) Necklace Pin and bear claws for Levels 1 through 5; Wowitan headdress and medallion for Level 6; Running Bear award for Level 7; and 2) The applicable multi-colored Participation Pin for the particular calendar year in the Pathfinder Program

Necklace Patch Awards

Upon successful completion of the four activities for the Bear Claws award, the Pathfinder will receive the Necklace and Bear Claws to be worn on the necklace. After completing the required number of activities for Levels 2 through 5, the Pathfinder is eligible for the respective pin award. The pin is of acrylic enamel over metal with the image of each level, and is to be worn on the necklace/lanyard, which is included with the Bear Claws Award.

Wowitan

The Wowitan, which is the Indian word for honor, is the highest activity award a Pathfinder can achieve. The Wowitan signifies that the Pathfinder has earned the right to wear the Wowitan headdress and medallion for completing forty activities. The Wowitan headdress is distinguishable by the white plumes attached to the top of the feathers. The amount of feathers in the headdress signifies the years the Pathfinder has been in the program. The Wowitan medallion, which is worn on a necklace, includes an inscription of the Pathfinder’s Indian name.

Running Bear

The Running Bear award is named in recognition of Mr. Rob Olford. Rob was a leading force in the evolution of this program. In particular, Rob’s commitment in guiding the Nation’s efforts in community service has been an inspiration to us all.

The Running Bear award requires that the Pathfinder perform an additional eight activities. Upon completion of these activities the Pathfinder will receive two gold bear claws to wear with the Wowitan medallion, a white feather with a red plume, and a certificate to display her accomplishment. Additional bear claws can be earned for additional activities completed.

Participation Awards

Each year at the Awards Ceremony the Pathfinder, whether or not she receives an award, will receive a multi-colored, enameled pin representing the calendar year for which she has participated in the program. Thirteen different pins will be used in a revolving cycle allowing the girls to participate from Kindergarten thru Grade 12 without ever receiving the same “year pin”.