Over the years many AY Honor patches have been updated, redesigned or discarded, usually to keep up with new discoveries, technology and cultures. While almost all honors are simply updated in their requirements or design, a few no longer exist.
This page shows patches as they were before they changed: to show the history of Pathfindering, to clear up what a patch is supposed to look like, and to help identify old patches still found on sashes. Patches are arranged by shape, color and name.
Fire Safety was an honor created by several members of the PathfindersOnline forum, when it was still an active community. The first patch fabricated for this honor displayed a fire extinguisher spouting out flames, as if it were a blowtorch. This is obviously the complete opposite of what the honor requirements intend. The patch was corrected to show an extinguisher spraying foam instead.
Technology is constantly changing, improving, and upgrading. The original design for this patch had a model similar to the first personal computers. The design was changed by the General Conference to include several devices that now act and are used as computers. The requirements were also updated, and most likely will continue to need revision as time goes on and technology continues to change.
The North American Division added to the name “Mobile Devices” and updated some requirements that the General Conference does not have.
Like many of the technological honors, the Internet honor design can become outdated quickly. The previous design had a cable looping around the acronym “HTTP”, which stands for “Hypertext Transfer Protocol”. The internet is mostly accessed by wireless nowadays and so the cable was eliminated from the design. An “S” was added after HTTP, which signifies “secure”, as most websites now have extensive security protocols.
Originally named Automobile Repair, Automobile Mechanics originaly showcased an open end wrench and monkey wrench. The design was changed to display a propped up car as if in a car shop.
This patch was the original version for this proposed honor given out at the Forever Faithful Camporee in 2014 at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The presentation was given in English and Spanish. It had a red background to denote its Vocational category and included a fedora hat (stereotypically associated with archaeologists due to the popularity of the Indiana Jones movies), a hand shovel, and an artifact. The South American Division had come up with a similar honor in 2012 and its requirements were combined and integrated to form the current requirements. The SAD’s version of the patch design was also adopted, showcasing what appears to be an Egyptian mummy tomb and having a dark blue background, which belongs to the Spiritual Growth, Outreach & Heritage category.
The Bookbinding honor originally had a black silhouette on a red background. The Vocational category was once completely retired and labeled as antique. During this time, the patches were produced with a gray background. This is the example seen here with Bookbinding. The Vocational category was brought back after a large outcry and the designs are now back to a red background.
House Painting - Exterior used to just have a black outline of painting materials. Later, Vocational category was completely retired and labeled as antique. During this time, the patches were produced with a gray background. This is the example seen here with House Painting - Exterior. The Vocational category was brought back after a large outcry and the designs are now back to a red background. It was then changed to color and the circular outline of the honor was made half gray and half yellow.
House Painting - Interior used to have originally an outline of a broad paintbrush. Later, Vocational category was completely retired and labeled as antique. During this time, the patches were produced with a gray background. This is the example seen here with Masonry. The Vocational category was brought back after a large outcry and the designs are now back to a red background. It was changed to color and a roller paintbrush.
The Leathercraft honor used to belong to the Vocational category, as working with leather is a trade that can become a profession. However, it was later moved to the Arts, Crafts and Hobbies category.
The Masonry honor originally had a small black shovel with a brick background. Later, Vocational category was completely retired and labeled as antique. During this time, the patches were produced with a gray background. This is the example seen here with Masonry. The Vocational category was brought back after a large outcry and the designs are now back to a red background. The shovel, however, was kept gray.
The Plumbing honor originally was a black silhouette on a red background. The Vocational category was once completely retired and labeled as antique. During this time, the patches were produced with a gray background. This is the example seen here with Plumbing. The Vocational category was brought back after a large outcry and the designs are now back to a red background. The new Plumbing honor kept the white tap used in the Antique era instead of black tap previously used when revived on the red background.
Sailing was originally a diamond patch as it was being piloted and tried out as a new honor. Sailing was originally placed in the Vocational category, but was later moved to the to the Recreation category.
The Shoe Repair honor originally had a boot silhouette in its design. Later, Vocational category was completely retired and labeled as antique. During this time, the patches were produced with a gray background. The Vocational category was brought back after a large outcry and the designs are now back to a red background. It then was changed to a more detailed outline of a boot.
Caving originally had an image of a cave from the perspective on the outside. The design was changed to show from inside the cave looking out, as the requirements are about being inside caves, not outside.
Lifesaving used to have a white outline of a lifesaver used by lifeguards. It was changed to color.
Philately, later renamed Stamps, used to be part of the Recreation category, but was changed to the Arts, Crafts, and Hobbies category.
The patch depicts a pair of clubs or meels that are a type of exercise equipment used for developing strength. The wooden clubs are of varying sizes and weights, which were swung in certain patterns as part of a carefully choreographed routine and in unison by a group of exercisers, led by an instructor in front, similar to modern aerobics classes. Clubs ranged from a few pounds to fifty pounds. Physical Culture was changed to Physical Fitness in 1963.
Swimming originally had for its design a diver with outstretched arms. It was later changed to the diver touching their toes.
Coins (first named Coin Collection, then Coins, and finally Currency) used to be part of the Recreation category, but was changed to the Arts, Crafts and Hobbies category.
This patch had a green background which usually belongs to the Recreation category. It was changed to a white background to reflect the Nature category.
Communications (called Signaling in 1986) had a green background making it a part of the Recreation category. It was changed to the Vocational category and the flags were also changed.
This patch was specific to the North American Division. This honor was discontinued due to safety and insurance concerns. The AY Honor Skateboarding honor can still be found within the South Pacific Division, albeit with very different requirements.
Canning, now named Food - Canning, originally had what appeared to be a tin can on its patch. It was changed to a transparent jar.
Knitting was originally part of the Household Arts category. It was changed to the Arts, Crafts & Hobbies category.
Laundering originally only had a simple iron facing left in its design. Later, it was changed to a more detailed iron facing right.
Needle Craft was used to be part of the Household Arts category, but was changed to the Arts, Crafts and Hobbies category. In 1944, the name was changed to Needlework and then discontinued in 1970. It was reinstated in 1977.
Aboriginal Lore used to be part of the Nature category, but was changed to the Arts, Crafts & Hobbies category.
Chemistry used to be part of the Nature category, but was changed to the Health & Science category.
Flower Arrangement originally had a white background, but was later changed to light blue to reflect it being in the Arts, Crafts and Hobbies category.
Knot Tying originally had a white background, but was later changed to green to reflect it being in the Recreation category.
Optics used to be part of the Nature category, but was changed to the Health & Science category.
Orientation used to be part of the Nature category, but was changed to the Recreation category.
Physics used to be part of the Nature category, but was changed to the Health and Science category.
This older design was the original conference patch from the North Pacific Union Conference. The NAD adopted this honor and modified the requirements and patch design to better fit the broad range of cultures and people that the North American Division represents.
Accounting was originally colored with a light blue background. It was part of the Vocational honors that were discontinued in 1956, but brought back. Once brought back, it was changed to a red background to reflect the Vocational category.
The Vocational category was once completely retired and labeled as antique. During this time, the patches were produced with a gray background. This is the example seen here with Barbering (later renamed Barbering & Hairstyling). The Vocational category was brought back after a large outcry and the designs are now back to a red background.
Bookkeeping used to be part of the Arts, Crafts and Hobbies category, but was changed to the Vocational category. This shifted the background color from light blue to red to reflect the category change.
There were several different versions of honors or patches from different divisions and conferences that went over the history of the Adventist Church. Eventually, all of these different requirements were put together to form one final honor known as Adventist Pioneer Heritage.
Environmental Conservation previously was fabricated with a blue background, simply for aesthetically pleasing purposes. Once it was defined as part of the Nature category, it was printed with the corresponding white background.
Previously titled Indian Lore, this honor was renamed to Native American Lore so that the title would be culturally appropriate. The headdress was updated to all eagle feathers instead of multi-colored feathers. No tribes ever used multi-colored warbonnets.
Journalism used to be part of the Arts, Crafts and Hobbies category, but was changed to the Vocational category.
Photography technology has progressed a long way, and the image of a dry-plate camera became antique. It was replaced with a film camera (although some might already consider this image too an antique).
Shorthand used to be part of the Arts, Crafts and Hobbies category, but was changed to the Vocational category.
Typewriting used to be part of the Arts, Crafts and Hobbies category, but was changed to the Vocational category.
First Aid - Basic originally displayed St. John’s cross and a letter J in the center, signifying “junior”. This honor used to be part of the now defunct Outreach category, but was changed to the Health & Science category.
NOTE: Some countries, such as parts of Canada, England, and Australia, still use St. John Ambulance as their first aid procedure. This patch design might still be accepted in these regions.
First Aid originally displayed St. John’s cross. It is now divided into First Aid - Basic and First Aid - Standard. In some Divisions, there is a First Aid - Advanced also. This honor used to be part of the now defunct Outreach category, but was changed to the Health & Science category.
NOTE: Some countries, such as parts of Canada, England, and Australia, still use St. John Ambulance as their first aid procedure. This patch design might still be accepted in these regions.
Bible Evangelism used to be part of the now defunct Outreach category, but was changed to the Vocational category.
Christian Sales Principles used to be part of the now defunct Outreach category, but was changed to the Vocational category.
The Flags patch originally was misprinted with the Master Guide flag with wrong colors. The colors in this misprint had two cantons that were red, much like the AY flag. The correct colors for the cantons on the Master Guide flag are yellow and blue. The different colors are supposed to represent the two younger clubs that a Master Guide is equipped to lead: yellow for the Adventurer club and blue for the Pathfinder club.
The LEGO Design patch originally was misprinted with a dark blue background, which is reserved for honors within the Spiritual Growth, Outreach, and Heritage category. It was changed to light blue to reflect the correct category of Arts Crafts, and Hobbies.
Teaching used to be part of the now defunct Outreach category, but was changed to the Vocational category. Also, the flag in front of the building was of the USA; this made the insignia region-specific, instead of worldwide.
The Vocational category was once completely retired and labeled as antique. During this time, the patches were produced with a gray background. This is the example seen here with Colportage (later renamed Literature Evangelism). The Vocational category was brought back after a large outcry and the designs are now back to a red background. Colportage was then recategorized to the Spiritual Growth, Outreach and Heritage category.
The Vocational category was once completely retired and labeled as antique. During this time, the patches were produced with a gray background. This is the example seen here with Paperhanging. The Vocational category was brought back after a large outcry and the designs are now back to a red background.
The Spiritual Growth, Outreach, & Heritage category began to include many honors of a wide range of spiritual topics, besides specifically witnessing. Therefore, the Witnessing Master Award was divided into two groups Spiritual Growth and Ministries Master Award and Family, Origins and Heritage Master Award.
One of the original concepts for this award was to use the same image as the AY Honor Christian Citizenship honor. It has since been discontinued in favor of the current patch.
Adventurer for Christ was originally a specialized program meant to have a Pathfinder deepen their journey with Christ in a profound manner. The concept was such a celebrated idea, it became an official AY Honor in the year 1989 so that all Pathfinders and Adventist Youth worldwide could benefit from it’s requirements.
This patch is diamond-shaped, showing that it was originally a conference-specific honor, for the Georgia-Cumberland Conference. It was approved by the North American Division, and then the General Conference for worldwide use in 2014. Once approved, the design changed to the regular oval shape with a design including a baseball cap with pins.
This patch is diamond-shaped, showing that it was originally a conference-specific honor. It was approved by the North American Division, and then the General Conference for worldwide use in 2006. Once approved, the design changed to the regular oval shape.
Specific only to the Florida Conference, this patch originally had a blue background to mimic a manatee swimming in the ocean. The background was recolored to gray to match all other FL-only honors.
Specific only to the Florida Conference, this patch originally had a man on the moon and a border embroidered with a gold color. It was changed to a man orbiting the earth, the border was recolored black, and the background was recolored to gray to match all other FL-only honors.
Specific only to the Florida Conference, this patch was originally made just a bit larger than a regular honor patch to distinguish it from a regular Division-level AY honor. Originally light-blue in color, it was changed to a normal AY honor patch size and the background was recolored to gray to match all other FL-only honors.
Specific only to the Florida Conference, this patch originally had a white background. The background was recolored to gray to match all other FL-only honors.
Specific only to the Florida Conference, this patch originally had a yellow background to match GC authorized Household Arts honors. The background was recolored to gray to match all other FL-only honors.
Specific only to the Florida Conference, this patch was originally made wide as to distinguish it from a regular Division-level AY honor. It was blue in color to reflect the Outreach category. It was changed to a normal AY honor patch size and the background was recolored to gray to match all other FL-only honors.
Specific only to places where ADRA serves (not available in the United States), this patch originally had the image of hands cradling something (which is evident in some other logos of different Adventist Ministries), in this case a checkmark. These ADRA patches originally appeared in 2002, but were later redesigned and some requirements modified in 2009.
Specific only to places where ADRA serves (not available in the United States), this patch originally had the image of hands cradling something (which is evident in some other logos of different Adventist Ministries), in this case a broken heart. It was renamed to Conflict Resolution. These ADRA patches originally appeared in 2002, but were later redesigned and some requirements modified in 2009.
Specific only to places where ADRA serves (not available in the United States), this patch originally had the image of hands cradling something (which is evident in some other logos of different Adventist Ministries), in this case a hospital tent. Later, an advanced level was added. These ADRA patches originally appeared in 2002, but were later redesigned and some requirements modified in 2009.
Specific only to places where ADRA serves (not available in the United States), this patch originally had the image of hands cradling something (which is evident in some other logos of different Adventist Ministries), in this case some stalks of wheat. It was later renamed to Hunger Relief. These ADRA patches originally appeared in 2002, but were later redesigned and some requirements modified in 2009.
Specific only to places where ADRA serves (not available in the United States), this patch originally had the image of hands cradling something (which is evident in some other logos of different Adventist Ministries), in this case what looks like a bag to carry belongings. It was later renamed to Refugee Resettlement. These ADRA patches originally appeared in 2002, but were later redesigned and some requirements modified in 2009.
Specific only to places where ADRA serves (not available in the United States), this patch originally had the image of hands cradling something (which is evident in some other logos of different Adventist Ministries), in this case a faucet with a drop of water where a tree is growing. This honor was later combined with Urban Development to create Community Development. These ADRA patches originally appeared in 2002, but were later redesigned and some requirements modified in 2009.
Specific only to places where ADRA serves (not available in the United States), this patch originally had the image of hands cradling something (which is evident in some other logos of different Adventist Ministries), in this case a building. It was later renamed to Community Service. These ADRA patches originally appeared in 2002, but were later redesigned and some requirements modified in 2009.
Specific only to places where ADRA serves (not available in the United States), this patch originally had the image of hands cradling something (which is evident in some other logos of different Adventist Ministries), in this case a small chalkboard with letters and numbers. It was later renamed to Literacy. These ADRA patches originally appeared in 2002, but were later redesigned and some requirements modified in 2009.
Specific only to places where ADRA serves (not available in the United States), this patch originally had the image of hands cradling something (which is evident in some other logos of different Adventist Ministries), in this case a city. This honor was later combined with Rural Development to create Community Development. These ADRA patches originally appeared in 2002, but were later redesigned and some requirements modified in 2009.
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