Fall 2012 - American Heritage Girls

American Heritage Girls’
H e r i ta g e
Headlines
Dear Friends,
The holidays are upon us. Joy fills the air.
Inside this edition:
AHG’s National Day of Service Program Opportunities
Outdoors
Brand Updates
Girl Leadership
New Merchandise
p. 2-4
p. 4-6
p. 7-11
p. 11
p. 12-18
p. 19
celebrated it as a traditional English harvest feast,
to which they invited the local Wampanoag Indians.
Days of thanksgiving were celebrated throughout
One of my favorite holidays is Thanksgiving. I love the
the colonies after fall harvests. All thirteen colonies
pure essence of the concept of such a holiday. Although
did not, however, celebrate Thanksgiving at the
it may seem like we live in a very different America than
same time until October 1777. George Washington
the one the pilgrims settled, it is still vitally important that
was the first president to declare the holiday, in
Americans give thanks to their Maker, the provider of all
1789 and by the mid–1800s, many states observed
gifts. Setting apart a date on the national calendar is vital
a Thanksgiving holiday. Meanwhile, the poet and
to a God loving America and I
editor Sarah J. Hale had
pray that this commemoration
begun lobbying for a
is never abolished for
national
Thanksgiving
a nation without God will
To these bounties, which are so
holiday. During the Civil
certainly perish.
constantly enjoyed that we are prone
War, President Abraham
Lincoln,
looking
for
to forget the source from which they
Each year I am hostess to
ways to unite the nation,
dozens of loved ones as we
come, others have been added which
discussed the subject
gather at our table to celebrate
are
of
so
extraordinary
a
nature
with Hale. In 1863, he
the blessings of our Father. As
that they cannot fail to penetrate
gave his Thanksgiving
we pray before the meal we
Proclamation, declaring
thank God for the gifts of food,
and soften even the heart which
the last Thursday in
health and family. But what
is habitually insensible to the everNovember a day of
we must add is a thankfulness
watchful
providence
of
Almighty
God.
thanksgiving.
for God – the fact that He is
triune and lives within us
Abraham Lincoln,
I am grateful for Bradford,
each and every day. Sure the
Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1863
Washington, Hale and
food, health and family are
Lincoln for securing the
important but if all of these
place in history that we
were lost, we would still have
know as Thanksgiving.
our relationship with God – the
May
we
continue
this
important
tradition despite
only True Blessing that withstands all of life’s trials.
the current state of America and provide its people
David knew of the True Blessing given to mankind even
a day of reflection for the blessing of His gift and
before the birth of Christ. He spoke of this and the need
the True Blessing of Jesus to each of those who
for Thanksgiving in Psalm 100: 4,5. “Enter His gates
have faith in Him.
with thanksgiving, And His courts with praise. Give
thanks to Him; bless His name. For the Lord is good; His
Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving, Christmas
loving kindness is everlasting, And His faithfulness to all
and New Year,
generations.”
The first American Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621,
to commemorate the harvest reaped by the Plymouth
Colony after a harsh winter. In that year Governor William
Bradford proclaimed a day of thanksgiving. The colonists
Patti
Patti Garibay
National Executive Director and Founder
1
National Day of Service
Open Arms and
Extended Hands
American Heritage Girls Troops
participate in First Annual
National Day of Service
o
:20
e
ex
t
en
h
31
“S
b
ds
er
s
r
Pro
v
he
AHG’s
National
Day of
Service
American
Heritage
Girls
demonstrated faith with open
arms and extended hands in acts
of kindness to celebrate the first
annual National Day of Service.
The National Day of Service is
AHG’s response to the command
of Jesus to “love one another.”
Across
the
nation,
Troops
coordinated efforts on the third week
of September. Troops selected
projects to fulfill the AHG mission to
serve God, family, community and
country. Projects include assisting
in pregnancy centers, collecting
and distributing food to the needy,
collecting and assembling toiletries
for the homeless and assisting
the elderly with home repair
projects. Many participated in
local beautification projects from
beaches to local parks. And many
served their charter organization
washing windows, cleaning and
hosting events.
“Service is a primary component of
AHG’s values to incorporate faith
in the development of integrity,
character and leadership skills,”
said Patti Garibay, national
executive director and founder of
2
The National Day of Service also
coincided with AHG’s seventeenth
anniversary. “There is no better way
to celebrate than to give back to
communities across our nation,” added
Garibay. More than 5,500 members
participated in the inaugural year.
the needy . ”
d
han
ut h e r hands
to
t o t h e poor
:,
d sh e stre
es
tch
An
American Heritage Girls.
“Real experience serving others gives
girls the opportunity to grow in their faith
and discover their God-given purpose.”
Last year AHG donated more than
230,000 hours of service to their
communities. This number could double
as new Troops start, existing Troops
expand and the National Day of Service
kick started the value of service in the
new program year.
Troop Tales from NDS 2012
MO1412 - “Service shows I care about
people,” Olivia said about her service
at a local pregnancy shelter. “I hope my
service shows that Jesus cares for them
too.” Olivia from MO1412 offered face
painting to the children at the pregnancy
shelter.
CA1776 La Mirada,CA participated
in a County wide effort to keep their
beaches clean by cleaning local water
channels that lead to the beach.
The Troop joined the La Habra
cleanup of Coyote Creek. They had
approximately 15 girls participate
from the Troop in addition to parents
and some siblings. One of the groups
of girls even pulled a shopping cart
out of the creek.
Troop KY2917 served their Charter
Organization, Simpsonville Baptist
Church by being greeters/hostesses
for their Senior Homecoming Social.
The girls found the experience very
fun and very rewarding.
OH124 sewed pillowcase dresses
for impoverished girls in Africa. The
dresses were made so girls on the
other side of the world will know that
they are worthy & greatly loved by
God. By the end of the event the
Troop had 15 finished dresses with
more being finished up at home.
OH3017 collected Items for HUGS
Bags! Their goal was to purchase
and fill 20 bags. Despite being a small
Troop of 18 girls … they reached
their goal! The Troop collected
enough money to purchase 20 bags
(to the penny!) and collected almost
200 items to fill the bags. God is
good!
MI0408 participated by cleaning
at Bennett Park. The girls swept,
raked, and picked up trash for 2
hours. Then they enjoyed a picnic
lunch and played.
Troop TN0131 had two project
options. A dozen PiPa’s participated
in the citizen-scientist program at
Tremont Institute in the Great Smoky
Mountains National Park. Their
job was to find and tag monarch
butterflies before they migrate to
Mexico. Another group of 30 girls
(mostly Pathfinders, Tenderhearts,
and Explorers), made “Brainbows,”
which are hair bows created to raise
funds for arteriovenous malformation
(AVM) research. One of the Troop’s
girls lost her cousin to AVM a few
years ago, so this cause is close to
their hearts. They also decorated gift
bags and made cards for the Sock
Monkey Ministry, which makes and
distributes adorable sock monkeys
to residents of nursing homes and
children’s hospitals. And finally girls
decorated patriotic pumpkins for
residents of a low-income senior
housing facility.
VA2345 participated with the Society
of St. Andrew to glean produce
provided by gardens at Virginia
Tech’s Kentland Farms, that would
be distributed to the local community
through Beans & Rice, Inc. Many cannot
afford fresh produce and these efforts
put some of the most nutritious and
healthy options directly into their hands.
It was also an opportunity for the girls
to learn about the biblical principles of
gleaning and study the book of Ruth and
her example.
Troop WV0252 helped at a local animal
shelter. They had many dogs that needed
to be walked. The dogs and shelter
workers were very appreciative of the
Troop’s help. The girls had a wonderful
time using their natural talents and love
for dogs to serve!
AL0125 decorated cupcakes to deliver
to those who
serve
others
every day. The
girls started their
delivery at the
Millbrook
Fire
Department and
were
thrilled
when an offer
to “pull out the
fire trucks” was
extended
and
beyond excited when the truck doors
were opened and they were allowed to
explore the equipment. Next they traveled
across the street to deliver cupcakes to
the Millbrook Police Department.
decorated and baked cookies and
made thank you cards for the Fire
Department. The girls were treated
to a tour of the fire station by the
gracious firefighters! The other group
participated in Buckner’s Shoes for
Orphan Souls. Shoes for Orphan
Souls®, the largest humanitarian
aid project of Buckner International,
provide new shoes and socks to
orphans and vulnerable children in
the United States and throughout
the world. The girls processed 1,200
pairs of shoes on Saturday!
NM2010 created pocket dolls for
orphans in South Korea. American
military men and women there
volunteer their
time with the
children of the
orphanage.
The girls, with
the help of
their parents,
sewed 4 dolls
each,
each
one
totally
unique, using
old clothing scraps. Each doll has
a little pocket, to hold a small toy.
The Troop took a photo of each
girl holding the doll she made and
attached the photo to the doll.
“She opens her arms
to the poor and extends
her hands to the needy.”
Proverbs 31:20
TX1007 participated in two separate
service projects. One group of girls
SD1191 spent an hour volunteering
at Children’s Care Hospital and
3
School. Girls had the opportunity to learn
about the children that reside there while
assisting with therapies and play activities.
This service project coincided with Free to
Be Blessing activities, emphasizing the idea
that although some of the children at CCHS
may be different, they are all special to God.
Troops participating in AHG’s First Annual
National Day of Service include:
AL0125
AZ0015
CA0029
CA0222
CA0316
CA0415
CA1271
CA1615
CA1776
CA2911
CA7416
CO0002
CO3125
FL1107
FL0001
FL0912
FL1107
FL2101
FL4678
FL7145
GA0098
GA0593
IL1230
IN0410
KY0522
KY2917
LA0035
LA0401
LA0412
MD1208
MD0413
MI0138
MI0226
MI0408
4
MI1313
MI3130
MI3498
MN0031
MN2931
MO1412
MO1345
MO2005
NC0103
NM0323
NM2010
NY3130
OH3210
OH0025
OH0128
OH0316
OH0702
OH0998
OH1027
OH1206
OH1412
OH2004
OH3017
OH3124
OH3130
OH5657
OH8118
OK1776
OK1991
OR1603
OR1945
PA0304
PA2551
PA0267
SC2116
SC7777
SD1191
T N0131
T N0516
T N0911
T N2011
Trailblazers
T X0129
T X0191
T X0226
T X0240
T X0771
T X1007
T X1202
T X1221
T X1230
T X1318
T X2010
T X2012
T X2134
T X2928
T X6122
VA0226
VA1212
VA1975
VA2345
VA0711
WA0722
WV0252
WV1816
WY0220
Troop TX6122 conducted a door-to-door
canned food drive to benefit Community
Storehouse. Twenty six girls participated
and they collected 255 lbs. of canned
food!!! One of the groups encountered a
man who sadly said he had nothing in his
pantry and couldn’t give; the girls left a bag
of food collected from his neighbors on his
doorstep! The girls were blessed in both the
giving and receiving!!
TX1318 washed windows at their Charter
Organization. Girls from all Units, Pathfinders
to Patriots, enjoyed doing this project so
much, the Troop will likely begin conducting
this project several times a year for their
Charter Organization.
OH2262 donated wonderful new goodies for
the animals! Along with several kitty condos,
the girls also brought in dog bandanas,
catnip toys, cat blankets, dog toys and
treats, collars, leashes and even some
timothy hay tubes for the pocket pets! The
kitties are enjoying the new condos and the
catnip toys already!
KY2521 served lunch at the Lord’s Kitchen.
In addition, some girls spent the morning
sorting bracelets for Beading to Beat Autism;
and some girls (and parents) took time out
of their afternoon to spread mulch around
the Highlands Latin School playground.
TX0226 prepared baked goods during the
week, gathered on Saturday to package
them and make cards, and delivered them
to
Free to Serve at
National Day of Service
To Celebrate AHG’s Birthday and
the National Day of Service, several
American Heritage Girls’ Troops,
families and individuals utilized the
Frieda B resources!
Troop CA0029 in Palms, CA: Our
girls read the Frieda B. book, and
discussed our dreams, talents,
gifts, and loves. We talked about
serving in our community. Then the
girls made brownies and packaged
them up and took them to the 3 fire
stations in our community.
Troop PA0304 in Hershey, PA:
The girls made pillowcases for the
Ronald McDonald house. They
give these pillowcases to the very ill
youngsters coming to the Hershey
Medical Center for treatments for
their life threatening illnesses. They
used the Frieda B format to introduce
service and used their skills to help
others and then worked together to
make pillowcases as a blessing to
others.
IN3712 served at an outreach
center for low income families with
meals, medicine, prayer and daily
necessities. The girls also learned
crocheting while working on sleeping
mats for the homeless.
American Heritage Girls are
Free to Be a Blessing
AHG is thrilled to partner with children’s
author Renata Bowers to teach girls to
discover their one-of-a-kind important
story that God has created for them,
and use it to be a blessing to others.
The new “Free to Be a Blessing”
program is based on Bower’s adorable
book, Frieda B. Herself, about a little
girl with a BIG imagination.
The Free to B. a Blessing (FBAB)
program guides AHG Troops, families
and individuals of all ages through the
process of:
• Believing and exploring the story
God wrote for each of us (Jeremiah
29:11)
• Dreaming Big about our story and
purpose (Ephesians 3:20)
• Doing for others...using our unique
gifts and passions to directly be a
blessing, a light, to the world around
us (Matthew 5:16)
To aid Troops in bringing this important
message to their girls, Frieda B. and
AHG have worked together to develop
a number of resources. You’ll find
many Free to B. a Blessing resources
to help you carry out everything from an
individual activity to a full Troop event
and service project at:
www.ahgonline.org/fbab.
Free to B. a Blessing patches are
available at FriedaB.com/AHG and
store.ahgonline.org. To earn a patch,
a girl must: read/discuss Frieda B.
Herself; complete one or more of the
program activities; and carry-out a
service event related to her gifts and
passions. FBAB activities also can
assist in earning a Daughter of the
King badge.
Penniless Princess DVD,
Patch Program & Event Kit
American Heritage Girls has once
again partnered with VeggieTales in
promoting their newest DVD, The
Penniless Princess: God’s Little Girl.
VeggieTales’ The Penniless Princess
DVD teaches girls that God is always
with you – no matter what! It reminds
girls that true worth is not about what
you have, but what is in your heart.
Whatever is true, honorable, pure
and lovely... practice these things.” –
Philippians 4:8. Visit www.ahgonline.
org/veggietales to view the official
trailer for The Penniless Princess.
Penniless Princess Party
To go along with this fun-filled show,
VeggieTales has worked with AHG
to create a guide on planning a
Troop Princess Party! A Princess
Party featuring the NEW Penniless
Princess DVD is a great way to share
the faith, service and fun that is AHG
with the girls in your community.
You can find a copy of the Princess
Party Event Guide at www.ahgonline.
org/veggietales or by visiting the
Leader portal of the AHG Website. In
addition to offering this free resource,
Troops planning a Princess Party
can also order special event patches
from VeggieTales.com.
5
Troop Tales
Would you walk down a red
carpet? How about if that
carpet was on the produce
aisle? What about walking
one that goes down a hill to a fire ring so you could
visit your favorite vegetables? Sounds special, you
say? Let’s ramp it up a little. You are not only walking
the red carpet and being treated like a celebrity but you
are among the very first in the whole world to see these
Veggies in their newest movie! Calls for extra popcorn,
doesn’t it?
AHG’s great partnership with Veggie Tales created this
awesome event. Camp Wannacombac, AHG Southeast
Regional Camp, was among several AHG camps that
were offered the opportunity to premier the newest
Veggie Tales film, “The Penniless Princess.”
The excitement built all week as Leaders explained
what a premier is. “You mean we’re the first to see it?”
was heard frequently. The night of the event, Leaders
dressed up and strutted the red carpet along with 115
girls. The paparazzi flashed and the fans screamed. The
reviews raved:
“I love this story. I’m so glad Veggie Tales made it
into a movie.” – Missy
“That was so much fun. Popcorn and a movie
outside with no mosquitoes. I just wish Bob and
Larry could’ve been here.” – Sarah
“How special can we be?! Wow, our own premier.
Thank you, Veggie Tales for allowing our sneak
preview and making still another quality film.” –
Debbie
“Can we do it again next year?” – Ava
Do you feel like you missed out? Don’t worry; you can
have your own “red carpet down the produce aisle” event.
Visit www.ahgonline.org/veggietales for resources that
will make for a star-studded event. Consider a DadDaughter event. Can’t you see Dad dress in formal wear
or maybe as his favorite vegetable?
After your visit to the WWW, U + UR AHG BFFs B ROFL!
C U L8R, T8R!!
National Pen Pal Program
If your daughter registered for the 2013 National Pen Pal
Program, she will be receiving her match information via email at
the beginning of January. Patches will be sent to Troop Leaders
for distribution. Troop Coordinators will also receive a list of
participants (in their Troop) and their pen pal’s address so you
have a local contact for misplaced addresses!
Girls are encouraged to get that first letter off quickly and
introduce themselves. Include a picture and all the neat stuff
she is interested in.
6
Stay in touch! Remember, when girls sign up for the
Pen Pal program they commit to writing at least once
a month for the calendar year.
Registration for the American Heritage Girls’ National
Pen Pal program occurs each fall and provides a
great way for girls to connect with other girls from
other parts of the country. Girls can exchange ideas,
dreams, their faith and pictures. If you missed
registration this year, don’t worry - your daughter
will have the opportunity to participate next fall.
Questions about the National Pen Pal Program can
be sent to penpal@
ahgonline.org.
Please encourage girls
to write. Waiting on a
letter that never comes
is disheartening and so
many friendships are
waiting to start!
Ambassador to Boy Scout Council (ABC)
Inaugural Class
Congratulations to the following AHG volunteers who
have been selected to serve as the Ambassador to
Boy Scout Council (ABC) in their area. The ABC is
the liaison between the AHG Troops in their area
and their local BSA Council. This position includes
developing and fostering a relationship with the
local BSA Council professional staff and volunteers,
communicating to local Troops about trainings,
facilities use, mutual service activities and raising
the profile and impact of AHG within the BSA council
area.
Larry Carroll, Jr.: North Carolina, Occoneeche Council
Dennis Clark:Connecticut, Connecticut Rivers Council
Jacqui Coleman: Florida, North Florida Council
Jeffrey Davis: Ohio, Tecumseh Council
Luanne Dietz: Ohio, Dan Beard Council
Maria Esquela: Maryland, Baltimore Council
Lauren Huelsman: Arizona, Catalina Council
Carmen Maker: Louisiana, Norwela Council
Thomas McFadden: Florida, Central Florida Council
Sonja Myers: Virginia, Heart of Virginia Council
Dawn Norris: West Virginia, Buckskin Council
Lynn Sanders: Texas, Longhorn Council
Todd Skiles: Virginia, National Capital Council
Annie Slagboom: California, Ventura County Council
Beth Uchaker: Arizona, Grand Canyon Council
To learn more about this position, visit
www.ahgonline.org/areas
Outdoors
U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
Foundation’s (USSAF)
Trailblazer Adventure
Program
AHG Troops across the country to
introduce them to the enjoyment of the
outdoors and the connection between
American sportsmen and women and
conservation.
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
Foundation’s (USSAF) Trailblazer
Adventure Program and the
American Heritage Girls (AHG)
signed
a
Memorandum
of
Understanding on May 16, 2012.
Under this new agreement, all
current and potential members
of AHG nationwide will have an
opportunity to experience the
excitement of outdoor adventures
including shooting sports, archery,
fishing, and a host of other handson outdoor related activities.
USSAF Trailblazer Events
The Trailblazer Adventure Program is
an exciting one-day program that serves
as an all-around introduction to the thrill
of outdoor sports and the importance
of conservation.
Usually hosted at
a Boy Scout camp or similar facility,
Trailblazer Adventure Day features a
variety of activities, demonstrations,
and orientation sessions designed to
show kids and their families what the
outdoor lifestyle is all about. All activities
are conducted under the supervision
of experienced Trail Guides, with the
utmost emphasis on safety.
The USSAF Trailblazer Adventure
Program introduces youth and their
families to outdoor activities such
as shooting, fishing, hunting, and
trapping. More than 1.3 million youth
and their families have participated
in a Trailblazer program since its
inception in 2001.
The USSAF Trailblazer Adventure
Program staff will be working with
USSAF will be working with AHG to
develop outdoor programs (including
a Shooting Sports Badge slated for
2015 release) and create leadership
opportunities for girls. USSAF will
also teach outdoor training workshops
at AHG’s 2012 National Leadership
Conference.
Depending on resources available at
How do I plan a Trailblazer
Adventure Day?
Do you have an upcoming summer
camp? Are you having an AHG event with
a large number of attendees? Are you
looking for a new twist for a recruitment
event? If you answered “yes” to any of
this questions please contact the U.S.
Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation to find
out more about the Trailblazer Adventure
Program and how we can work with you
to bring the excitement of the outdoor
lifestyle to your next American Heritage
Girl event. If you would like to hold a
Trailblazer Adventure Day, contact the
U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation
at (614) 888-4868 or trailblazer@
ussportsmen.org. Visit our website at
www.trailblazeradventure.org.
your facility, Trailblazer Adventure
Day activities may include: fishing,
target shooting, boating orientation,
archery, wildlife identification, and
many more exciting outdoor related
activities! The Trailblazer Adventure
Program does not charge a fee
for the services provided. Finally,
the Trailblazer Adventure Program
supplies most of the needed
equipment to run an event and
can even assist in securing other
equipment resources if needed.
How will the Trailblazer Program
benefit AHG Troops?
The Trailblazer Adventure Program
is an exciting opportunity for all
Troops, as well as a great recruitment
tool. Trailblazer gives today’s youth
an opportunity they might otherwise
miss: the chance to experience the
wonders of nature firsthand, with
expert guidance from experienced
sportsmen. With unique activities
such as archery, target shooting,
and fishing and more, trailblazer
is often a first time experience for
many young girls and boys who do
not have the resources to participate
in such activities.
Trailblazer is also a proud partner
with the Boy Scouts of America,
and works closely with them for
most Trailblazer events. American
7
Heritage Girl Troops can use this as an opportunity
to hold joint Trailblazer events with both AHG and
BSA, to introduce young men and women to the great
outdoors at the same time.
Your Troop can also benefit from holding a Trailblazer
Adventure Day because it will allow for networking
opportunity with some of the potential outside
organizations and groups for future badge work events
and more!
definitely tap into this resource often.”
For more information on the U.S. Sportsman’s Alliance
Foundation and the Trailblazer Program, visit:
http://trailblazeradventure.org/.
USSAF Story – Troop Tales
May 16, 2012 saw another landmark day in the
history of American Heritage Girls. A Memorandum
of Understanding was signed between AHG and U.S.
Sportsman’s Alliance Foundation. This wonderful
partnership opens fantastic opportunities for AHG
Troops to explore the outdoors – an important aspect
of any girls’ experience in AHG.
USSAF plays a key role in protecting and advancing
America’s heritage of hunting, fishing and trapping,
and the USSAF’s Trailblazer Adventure Program is
the largest youth outdoor sports introduction program
in America. USSAF will work in partnership with
national, regional, and local AHG areas and troops
to conduct Trailblazer Adventure Programs for AHG’s
members, take part in outdoor activities, and promote
AHG advancement opportunities. Along with other
initiatives, USSAF will work with AHG to incorporate
its Target Challenge and other programs into the AHG
Regional Camp program.
One of the first Regional Camps to embrace this
new relationship has been Camp Wannacombac,
AHG’s Southeast Regional Camp. Derrek Shively,
of USSAF, worked directly with the camp’s Program
Director to secure archery equipment for the Archery
badge workshop.
“It was nice to have the ‘real’ bows to shoot,” said one
camper, “And then the state park let us use the 3D
targets, too. We learned so much.”
With a lake full of fish in the middle of the camp, it
was a natural fit to offer a Fishing badge workshop.
USSAF graciously provided not only rods and reels
but an instructor as well. According to the girls, “Our
fishing guy was the best. He made the classroomtype stuff fun and gave us lots of time to actually fish!
Mr. Jeff was great.”
“The communication with USSAF was prompt and
helpful. Without their assistance, we would not have
been able to offer these workshops,” commented
Camp Wannacombac’s Program Director. “As a
result, 10 girls earned their Fishing badge and over 40
earned Archery. USSAF followed up with us to assure
that
8 we were satisfied with the arrangement. We will
American Heritage Girls complete historical
week at BSA Philmont
Scout Ranch
While young American Heritage Girls (AHG) were horseback
riding, shooting, and backcountry trekking at the Boy Scouts
of America (BSA) Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron, New
Mexico, their parents and Leaders participated in a historic
week of leadership training at the BSA Philmont Training
Center.
For the first time in BSA- Philmont history, 125 AHG participants
and family members from across the nation attended workshops
and participated in family programming. Workshop attendees
from the BSA, AHG and other faith-based organizations were
equipped to grow AHG and BSA Troops in their churches and
communities while attending the week long AHG class.
In 2009, BSA presented AHG with a Memorandum of Mutual
Support (MMS). AHG is the only all-girl scouting organization
partnered with the BSA.
Jay, a father, whose sons are BSA members said, “For years
my sons had a place to learn leadership in an organization
where their faith is honored and celebrated. And I was seeking
this same thing for my daughters. I found it in the American
Heritage Girls.” Jay is now an AHG member and Leader.
“The Philmont experience and the relationship with AHG and
the Boy Scouts of America, allows a true family approach to
Scouting. Now moms, dads, sisters and brothers can grow
emotionally, personally, spiritually and physically through a
scouting experience that encourages family involvement,” says
Patti Garibay, Executive Director and Founder of the American
Heritage Girls.
AHG has already been invited back to BSA Philmont in 2013 to
continue to equip and encourage the growth of BSA and AHG
Troops in the faith-based community.
Regional Camp Report
St. Louis Camp was “More Precious
than Gold!” filled with Olympic themes
The second annual St. Louis Regional
Camp was hosted in partnership with the
Greater St. Louis Area Boy Scout Council
at Beaumont Scout Ranch. Five American
Heritage Girls Troops attended from as
far away as Leavenworth, Kansas and
Batavia, Illinois. Three St. Louis area
Troops attended. The four-day, three-night
resident camp was attended by nearly 60
AHG Explorers, Pioneers, Patriots and
adult leaders who participated in archery,
swimming, and outdoor skills activities. The
infamous mud cave continues to be one of
the camp favorites … The only place where
girls try to get muddy! The final evening,
camp was opened to nearly 25 Tenderhearts
and their families who learned about hiking
and outdoor skills before joining a party,
campfire songs, skits, and smores. A
worship service was held in the outdoor
chapel. Girls from every denomination lifted
their voices in worship, prayer and praise.
The girls enjoyed devotions and activities
surrounded by the Olympics themes “More
Precious than Gold.” By the end of the week,
every girl earned a “gold medal” (made out
of spray-painted paper plates and ribbons)
for awards like the gold medal “giggler”
“happy camper” and “most muddy.” Faith,
Service and Fun was had by all!
Rose Hayes,
AHG Regional Camp Director
Goshen Scout Reservation Camp
experience makes a big splash for AHG
With over 10,000 acres of pristine mountain
forests surrounding the scenic Lake
Merriweather, Goshen has been providing a
classic American summer camp experience
since 1967. The dining halls, built from
hewn pine logs taken from the forests during
construction, are lined with rustic plaques
made by the thousands of units who have
made these camps their home for one week
a year, leaving a remarkable visual legacy
for those who follow them. Camp staff often
point out their own names on these plaques
to the new generation of campers, tying the
present to the past, and inviting campers to
become part of the legacy.
This year, American Heritage Girls was
added to that legacy. For one week,
Explorers, Pioneers and Patriots participated in swimming, shooting,
archery, crafts, canoeing, sailing, fishing, games, fires, skits, songs and
much more. For those Troops with a real sense of adventure, there was
the hike to Viewing Rock, with an elevation over 2400 feet with spectacular
views of Lake Merriweather. They participated in the exact same program
provided to their brothers and friends who attended the Boy Scout Camps
in the 5 weeks before them. These girls amazed the Camp Staff with their
ability to listen and shoot! (We had a lot of Annie Oakley’s out there!)
But perhaps the highest praise came from Monsignor Brady, the camp
chaplain, who noted to the National Capital Area Council’s Executive Board
weeks later that only one group of campers achieved 100% participation
in organized worship during the week - the American Heritage Girls. Each
Troop was provided with a package of ashes from the First AHG Campfire
in keeping with BSA tradition of keeping a “genealogy” of campfires. AHG
returns to Goshen in 2013 with TWO camps, one for Explorers and one
for Pioneers/Patriots. A third camp for Tenderhearts will also be added at
the Cub Adventure Camp at Camp T. Brady Saunders. A special thanks to
the BSA National Capital Area Council in the Washington D.C. area, and
Heart of Virginia Council in Richmond, VA.
Todd Skiles,
Ambassador, National Capital Area Council, Boy Scouts of America
“We are Sisters!” proclaimed at Colorado Day Camp
CO0002 We had such a fun and exciting day camp experience this
summer! For the first time in Colorado, the three Troops in Colorado
Springs worked together for months to plan and carry out a regional day
camp. With our theme “We are Sisters,” the girls were introduced to other
American Heritage Girls in town and had fun playing games, singing
songs, and completing badge work including making homemade paper,
jewelry and flower presses. As we closed our week, everyone said that we
should definitely do this again.
Lisa Roach,
Troop Coordinator
9
are thankful to FLSR for continuing
to partner with us. In 2011, our
camp had 30 participants. And in
2012, we grew to 107 participants
with a complete takeover of Camp
Pollock. Next year’s camp is already
scheduled and we have room for
more than 300. We hope you join
us. For more information, visit www.
ahgtroop480.org/.
Kip Haggerty,
AHG Camp Director
Horse Camp
The air was filled with excitement as one by one the girls arrived at the first
ever American Heritage Girl Horse Camp. The girls ranged from Explorers to
Patriots. Some of them had never even ridden before, while other girls had been
riding for years. Despite the range in age and experience, everyone shared one
thing in common: they all loved horses. It didn’t take long for the girls to make
new friends. After the morning flag ceremony, all the Explorers would hurry off
to the barn. In the afternoon the Pioneers and Patriots would go to the barn.
This way, everyone could earn their level specific badge requirements. The girls
learned the basics of horse riding, how to steer a horse, how to make it go, and
how to make it stop. By the end of the week many of the girls had learned how to
trot, canter, and even jump! They also learned the essentials to horse care, how
to treat an injury, what the farrier does, how to cool down a horse, and what to
feed a horse. They learned how to draw horses, and how to identify the different
parts of a horse as well as the different horse breeds and colors. Everyone
loved to gaze into the stalls and pet the horses, especially the foal.
But horses weren’t the only part of camp; archery, swimming, rifles, outdoor
skills, emergency preparedness, and other badges and activities made up a
large part of the time. Everyone enjoyed learning new skills and practicing old
ones. They all wanted to return to Horse Camp for another summer filled with
friends, horses, and fun!
Leanna Russell,
Techumseh Council
Southern California Regional Summer Camp
This summer, over one hundred girls and Leaders converged on Forest Lawn
Scout Reservation (FLSR) near Lake Arrowhead for our second Southern
California Regional Summer Camp. The camp welcomed us enthusiastically
and put on a full and adventurous program for the girls. Beginning each day with
a rousing assembly, we climbed the rock wall, rode horses, swam, canoed, shot
arrows and guns, took pictures, decorated leather, and explored nature until we
dropped into our cabin beds at night. One night, the older girls rode on horseback
to the horse camp and slept under the stars. The younger girls studied the stars
at the astronomy overnighter. We also took a group of Patriots on a 22-hour
overnight Loggers jamboree outpost which included chopping, sawing, High
COPE, birling on an artificial log, and learning about firefighting. As the week
progressed, the girls developed new friendships, enjoyed inviting their favorite
councilors
to eat meals at their tables, and mastered the camp chants. We
10
ALASKA REGIONAL CAMP:
Daughters of the King!
We are surprised every year by
God’s blessing in each of our camps.
This year was no exception, and this
time the “Surprised by Joy” moments
revolved around the chosen camp
theme: Daughter of the King.
Girls from Troops in South-Central
Alaska gathered and experienced
everything you might expect from
summer camp: Canoeing, Hiking,
Rock Wall Climbing at our local BSA
campground. But what made this
camp different was the focus on the
Daughter of the King badge, and the
growing relationships and lasting
impact that brought for our girls.
Troop AK0489 (Wasilla) sponsored
the camp, and provided Study
Guides, customized for each AHG
level. These guides and discussion
questions provided consistency
between campsites, and ensured
that each adult leader was wellequipped. Several parents became
committed leaders after watching
the spiritual development that took
place and the relationships that
formed between the girls.
Greg Schmidt
AK2008
Camp R.E.A.L. “Ready, Engaged,
Authentic, and Loving”
Camp R.E.A.L. (Ready,Engaged,
Authentic, and Loving) was the
Kansas City area’s first regional
AHG camp. Four area troops
participated with approximately 50
girls and 30 moms in attendance.
We spent three days learning about
true beauty and reflecting on how to
apply 1 Peter 3:4 to our lives.
Girls had a blast with horseback riding, archery,
swimming and more. Each level also worked on
various badges including Fire Safety & Building
and Physical Fitness. Pioneer and Patriot girls
were able to gain leadership experience as they
taught the younger girls badge requirements
and led games, devotionals, and songs. The
highlight of camp came on Sunday morning as we
gathered for our worship time before parting ways.
Listening to 80 sweet voices sing praises to God
and celebrate being together was very moving.
Planning camp was a big job, but everyone
agreed that it was well worth it. The friendships
made and the lessons learned that weekend were
so incredibly valuable. We can’t wait for Camp
R.E.A.L. 2013!
Tonia Collins,
Coordinator KS1209
American Heritage Girls LAUNCH
New Brand
Animated Video Connects Girls to
Faith. Service. Fun.
What do karaoke, canoeing and cupcakes have
in common? According to a 2-D animated video
from the American Heritage Girls (AHG), it’s
where faith, service and fun come together!
AHG encourages members to share this video
with families who are seeking a Christ-centered
scouting experience for their daughters. Church
services, Scout Sunday, Information Meetings,
conferences,
back-to-school
nights
and
community events are all wonderful venues.
• LAUNCH from YouTube:
www.youtube.com/ahgchannel
• LAUNCH from Vimeo:
https://vimeo.com/50996101
• LAUNCH from the AHG website:
www.ahgonline.org
Journey of a Lifetime
The video, just over two minutes in length, begins with the life of a
little girl with big dreams. A literal stage suddenly expands to the girl
reading her favorite book called “You can learn to fly.” The narrator
asks if she has heard of American Heritage Girls. An inquisitive
“no” begins a journey of a lifetime unveiling the AHG program.
According to the video, AHG will help girls follow Christ, have lots
of adventures, and discover their God-given dreams and purpose.
The girl is swept onto a stage to experience several activities
including theater, cake-decorating, canoeing and even sign
language.
The action quickly places the girl into a paper airplane thus living
out her deepest desire to be a pilot, missionary and translator.
In the end, the enthusiastic young girl is ready to join AHG. The
video, part of the AHG Brand, is a copyright of American Heritage
Girls, Inc. and must be used in its entirety.
AHG is grateful to have worked with Luke Milton of Vision House
Studio, who produced the video. Vision House Studio is a full
service video production and web design company and specializes
in production for church and parachurch organizations.
New AHG Brand
In addition to the video, AHG has launched new marketing materials
to reflect a revised Brand. These marketing and communication
tools will equip and encourage families and Christian organizations
to grow existing Troops and start new Troops.
Find the new Brand at the AHG website on the “Marketing AHG”
page available via www.ahgonline.org/news.
And purchase the new marketing materials in the AHG merchandise
Attic store at http://store.ahgonline.org/
Job Opportunities at AHG
Is God Calling You to Ministry Work?
AHG is growing! AHG needs Christ-driven employees who are eager to share their talents
and skills in a high energy, faith-filled work environment. Most of the positions are located
at the AHG National Headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, but some remote positions are also
available. For a list of positions and job descriptions, visit www.ahgonline.org/workforahg.
AHG invites you to answer God’s calling and to share your career skills by building women
of integrity through service to God, family, community and country.
11
Girl Leadership
How CA2911 is growing Girl
Leadership opportunities
better relationships with girls.
One opportunity I had was to
serve when our Troop did rotating
stations, and we led younger
AHG girls in First Aid, Knots, Fire
Building, Cooking. I also help
AHG Troop CA2911 belongs to the girls.
It is their Troop. AHG is their opportunity
to practice success and failure in a gracefilled environment. AHG
is a “grace place” to
grow into strong young
AHG is a “grace place” to grow into
women of faith and grow
strong young women of faith and grow
in the Fruit of the Spirit
(Ephesians 5:22). The girls
in the Fruit of the Spirit.”
are responsible for running
the bi-monthly meetings,
But the fruit of the Spirit is love,
hosting the girls’ night,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
Court of Honor, and much
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
more. As adult Leaders,
Ephesians 5:22
we are there to support
them as they overcome
their weaknesses through
Christ and soar to new
heights with their new found strengths. guide the younger girls through
Our support consists of: guiding them in the Joining Award requirements.
their leadership roles, holding half-day My favorite part of being a leader
workshops, leadership training meetings, is getting to know the girls better
consistent
communication,
providing and helping them to get to know
resources, prayer, and being examples as Jesus more. I have grown in
servant leaders. Our hope is for American leadership because all this time
Heritage Girls of CA 2911 to be equipped, by I thought being a leader was all
the grace of our Lord, to know what it means about having fun. It is, but it is
to lead by serving and to yearn to hear: also about knowing how to guide
“Well done, good and faithful servant!...” ~ our younger AHG sisters with
healthy boundaries and pointing
Matthew 25:21.
them in the right direction.
Pioneers talk about leadership
opportunities
Hi, I’m Desirae. I am the Troop Leader in
Training. Our Troop has about 40 girls and
is located in Oxnard, CA. I enjoy leading
because it gives me a different perspective
on our Troop. Leading helps me cultivate
12
Hi, my name is Elizabeth and I
am the Jr. Troop Shepherdess.
Sometimes I will prepare
devotions for my Troop and read
it to the girls. It makes me a little
nervous but that is one way AHG
has made me grow. Another way
AHG helps me grow is by being
a role model and a friend to our
younger AHG sisters. Yes, it is
hard when I don’t get to play all
the games, because I am leading
them, but the girls’ happiness,
plus me knowing that I did the
right thing pays off. My goal as a
Patrol Leader is to be a confident
role model and leader, and to
teach the girls in my Troop the
Word of God.
NAYLE: The Ultimate
Leadership Experience
Upon arriving at Philmont Scout
Ranch in the beautiful Sangre de
Cristo Mountains of New Mexico this
past August, I expected what I’ve
experienced so many times before:
a simple summer camp. When I left
a week later however, I wouldn’t
describe my time at the ranch as
simple. In fact, it would be hard for
me to appropriately articulate my
time at NAYLE at all. The program,
an acronym for National Advanced
Youth Leadership Experience is a
BSA training camp. The experience
manifestation however, fostered
personal growth on levels that I’ve
never before been privileged to
encounter.
During NAYLE, I was exposed to
not only emotional and physical
challenges, but also (and perhaps
most importantly) to a specific lifelong challenge: servant leadership.
This goal was encouraged through
various crew-centered objectives.
Throughout the course of the
week, my Crew, (who were initially
complete strangers from around the
country), became like family. We
hiked, completed a COPE course,
cooked in the rain, performed
skits, climbed the legendary Tooth
of Time, hung bear bags, sang
together, told stories, completed a
geo-caching activity, learned and
administered wilderness first aid,
argued, encouraged, backpacked,
completed
chores,
performed
search and rescue, and ran away
from mini-bears, to name a few.
Combined,
these
experiences
empowered participants to become
the servant leaders that so many
scouts and scout leaders have been
before us. It is a quality experience
like NAYLE that develops today’s
scouts into tomorrow’s exceptional
leaders. I am both blessed and
honored to consider myself a
graduate. – Annalisa Wurm, 2012
Session 6 Participant and AHG
Stars and Stripes recipient 2010
Anna and Ali are S&S recipients
2010, 2011 respectively and Angie
is in her last year of AHG and is
earning her S&S this year. They are
also part of an all-girl Venturing Crew
3730, chartered First Church of the
Nazarene, Pasadena, CA. Start a
joint-Venture Crew today so your
girls can participate in the fabulous
NAYLE program!
On the first day, July 2nd we played all
sorts of ice breakers such as passing
a volleyball back and forth and saying
each other’s names. We played soccer,
I helped the girls cook lunch and we
painted the girl’s nails. I brought a bunch
of children’s books to the girls and the
group was reading them to the girls.
We played jump rope with either
hoses or jump ropes. We played
basketball with them and played
“pelota quemada” which is basically
a form of dodge ball and sharks and
minnows. While we were painting
the girls nails, there were some girls
that actually painted the nails of
Keane and Morgan (two of the boys
on our trip). We played games that
were similar to London Bridges and
also like a mixture of tag.
July 3rd, we painted the outside wall
The Stars and Stripes Award is meant to recognize girls who
epitomize the AHG Oath and Creed. It is AHG‟s highest honor
and similar to BSA‟s Eagle Scout. Earning this prestigious
award means that the candidate has worked diligently and
has fulfilled all six of AHG‟s program emphases by meeting
all of the award requirements. In essence, this award
recognizes that she has laid the foundation for becoming a
woman of integrity!
On June 13, my friend Clara and I
cut out all the fabric in advance and
made the first pillowcase. Before
the trip, some girls from my troop
and some of my friends made a
handful of pillowcases for each girl.
I had approx. 35 hours of volunteer’s
hours.
A candidate must complete a number of requirements to
achieve this honor, including:
- Completing the Dolley Madison Level Award
- Earning a total of 16 Badges
- Earning the Religious Recognition associated with their
denomination
- Having held a leadership position in their Troop for a minimum
of six months
- Planning, developing, and providing leadership to others in a
100+ hour service project
- Writing a Life Ambition/ Spiritual Walk Essay and mini-resume
- Receiving at least 3 Letters of Reference
- Passing a Board of Review
ica
er
n
l
Stars &
Stripes
Gi
r
The time spent at the orphanage
was July 2nd-July 5th. During these
four days, I had approx. 250 hours
of only volunteer’s hours.
m
Herit
s
A
A week and a half before I left to go
to Bolivia, my friends and a small
group of girls from our AHG Troop
made 35 uniquely made pillowcases.
I spent approx. 20 hours preparing,
organizing, and implementing all my
ideas onto paper and meeting with
leaders.
e
I had taken the time to learn how to make
the pillowcases, teach the girls how to
make the pillow cases and spent a whole
day dedicated to making the pillow cases
until we were done.
g
Final Project Report,
Abigail Lindquist
The project at the Bolivian Youth
Ministries Orphanage started when
I went on a trip to go to Bolivia.
This trip had 19 college students,
and three leaders. One of the
leaders gave me permission and
the opportunity to plan everything at
the orphanage, because I was the
only contact while we were there. I
planned a huge handful of games
and activities for the 30 girls at the
orphanage.
a
Stars & Stripes Spotlight
13
of the orphanage because there
was a lot of graffiti on the wall and
we needed to clean it up and make
it look nice.
After we painted the outside wall, we
went inside and played more jump
rope and volleyball with the girls. I
talked to the lady in charge about
some of the girl’s stories and they
were really sad, but it was important
for me to hear their stories.
July 4th was a day at the orphanage
where we celebrated the 4th of
July because the people that run
the orphanage are from the U.S.
We stayed for lunch, which was
hotdogs and watermelon. We had
a watermelon seed spitting contest.
We also painted their nails, read
the girls books books and played
a game of “pelota quemada” which
was the game similar to dodge
ball. We played soccer and had
the teams split up by Bolivians and
North Americans; the Bolivians won.
We had potato sack races, played
volleyball, and I gave out prizes to
each of the winning groups. This
was the second to last day that we
would be with the girls.
The last day, we knew that we would
only be there for a few hours. This
was our last day being with the girls.
I gave out the pillow cases on this
day because we had the time and all
the girls were there that day. It was
awesome and was really special to
see each girl get a pillowcase that
fit their personality. There was so
much excitement going on when
each girl got a pillowcase that they
knew was handmade specifically for
them.
14
July 5th was the last day at the
orphanage.
The weather was
really bad so we stayed inside. I
asked almost every girl if they had
accepted Jesus into their heart and
just asked them questions about
why they believe in God and about
their favorite Bible verses. Many
of the girls said they had accepted
Jesus into their hearts and that was
very exciting for me to hear, some
said no, which lead me to tell them
that I would just keep praying for
them and that I love each of them
so much. I got a stack of letters
that the girls had made for me and
other college students on the group.
The letters were very touching and
absolutely wonderful. Many, if not
all of us girls were in tears when
we had to leave. That’s always the
hardest thing for me to do; say good
bye.
One of the minor changes that we
had was having two groups going
each day. Originally I had planned
to have everyone come every day
but then I shortly realized that some
people could handle so much of
the girls. We had four to six people
come in the morning around 9 a.m.
and then the rest of the group came
later in the afternoon. One of the
days, I got sick so I had to let other
people take my place so it was nice
to have the project description with
all the games and it made my job
easier because I had everything
already planned out ahead of time.
I demonstrated leadership by
taking the groups of people to the
orphanage, planning the games and
keeping the girls occupied and doing
jobs that the house mom gave us to
do. I also took leadership by giving
the people in my groups game ideas
and giving them the enthusiasm to
complete each thing for the girls and
to treat each girl with great care and
love.
If I would have done anything
differently, I would have had more
paint brushes for painting the walls
of the outside of the orphanage. I
would have also brought down more
books if I had more time to collect
more books. The girls absolutely
loved the books and we read to
them constantly. I would have spent
more time with the girls.
There weren’t any problems; it was
a “go with the flow” basis each day.
I have learned that I am a leader
and that I can be very flexible
when it comes to needing to switch
something unexpectedly and being
okay under pressure.
My project benefitted thirty beautiful
girls at an orphanage in Bolivia and
helped better the kingdom of God on
earth. My project involved college
students putting their time, energy,
and resources for serving others.
We were all so blessed to be able to
serve these girls and be blessed to
be a part of their lives.
Stars and Stripes
Recipients
During the Spring & Summer of
2012, a number of young ladies
worked diligently and now have
the honor of being called a Stars
& Stripes Recipient! This quarter’s
recipients include:
Kindle Gossage
“Even though they have their
physical needs met, they still need
to most importantly remember God’s
love.” This need is what propelled
Kindle Gossage, of VA0711, into the
lives of homeless families at Good
Shepherd Alliance’s Hebron House.
Why not use a special day reserved
for expressions of love to share
God’s love? Valentine’s Day can be
very lonely for a mistreated woman
and her family, so Kindle decided to
turn the day around for the families
at Hebron House.
A little healthy competition on
change collection between Kindle’s
AHG Troop and the local Cub
Scouts, made for most of the
budget that was needed. Another
collaborative effort, a bake sale,
contributed the remaining monetary
needs. Toys, jewelry, art supplies
and candy were collected to make
gift baskets for the children staying
at Hebron House with their moms. The
day set aside for project event prep was
filled with cooking a lasagna dinner and
preparing gift baskets. The day of the
event involved practicing with the mime
team, arranging roses for each woman
to be present, setting up and covering it
all with prayer.
Kindle shared a devotional with the
group about God’s love for them. Then
her mime team presented three songs
reinforcing the devotional. Conversation
flowed and the children had instant
playmates for the evening. There were
even left-over’s to leave at the Hebron
House!
Kindle shares that allowing more time for
the project planning and fundraising is a
must. And be ready for anything…even
snow. Using the Project Description as
a guide for each step saved the day: “It
really did help, because at one point I was
preoccupied with some volunteers, and
several other volunteers wanted to know
what happed next, so they looked at my
description and found exactly what to do.
Descriptions are awesome!” We agree,
Kindle, the more detail you provide in a
Project Description, the smoother your
Project Implementation will be.
Congratulations, Kindle, on turning
your heart for sharing God’s love into a
memorable project for a group of people
who needed something extra special.
Cassie Hughes
Cassie removed her training wheels and
put the pedal to
the metal for her
Stars and Stripes
Project! Repairing
old bikes for the
kids at MurphyHarpst Children’s
Home was the
initial goal but
God had a bigger
picture. Donation letters raised enough
funds to repair 19 bikes and 12 used
helmets. Cassie looked beyond that
accomplishment and found more work
was needed.
A fund-raiser breakfast at her church was
very successful, providing enough funds
for 5 new bikes and 12 new helmets!
Seven more donated bikes came
along as well. Even more bikes
were repaired. Whew! When all was
said and done, Cassie had bought 5
new bikes, collected 51, repaired 32
(six of these were small and went to
another ministry) and pulled enough
parts to keep the Home supplied for
quite a while on replacement goods.
She also provided a big meal for
the kids and volunteers with time to
interact.
Cassie sums up the excitement of
the project, “When we were fixing
the bikes, the kids were ecstatic! No
sooner would we have a bike ready
to be ridden, it would be claimed.
The smiles from the kids were
probably one of the most rewarding
parts of my project. On my last
workday, I had a group of three kids
come up to me and say thank you. I
almost cried because I was thinking,
‘How could one person like me have
such an impact on another person’s
life?’ I can never know exactly how
I impacted these kids’ lives but I
would hope it is life long.”
Cassie, you presented a wonderful
example of touching lives with a
simple gift. Well done, GA2911 Stars
and Stripes Award recipient!
Tessa Gartin
The reason
for choosing
a particular
project
for
the
Stars
and Stripes
Award varies
with
each
young lady.
For
Tessa
Gartin of KY3130 it was a matter of
expanding on the teamwork lessons
and values she has gleaned from
being a part of American Heritage
Girls. In her words, “…the whole
goal of a low ropes course is to
teach teamwork and problem
solving. I chose Team Expansion
because teamwork is a part of their
core values and I feel like teamwork
and leadership are the two most
important things I learned from being
15
a member of AHG…The goal of my
project is to construct a low ropes
course element that will be used
to help train missionaries, teaching
them teamwork.”
So plans for a “Whale Watch” were
made. No, there’s not an ocean in
Kentucky! This particular element is
designed to “strengthen community
through challenge, cooperation and
communication. The entire group
must find balance on the giant
seesaw like platform.”
Tessa’s compassion and “can do”
attitude has lead her to become a
passionate fundraiser for several
ministries. Since fundraising does
not qualify as an Award project, she
turned that passion into a project
that would benefit others who are
equally passionate about God’s
calling in their life. The photos of
Tessa’s team working on the Whale
Watch, proves that team building
skills are already in practice at the
site. Way to go, Tessa. You found
the balance between hands-on and
paperwork in your Award process.
Esther Tschappler
The Veteran’s History Project, a
branch of the American Folklife
Center in the Library of Congress, is
an organization which was created
in 2000 by the 106th Congress to
collect and preserve the memories
of American war veterans. Without
interviews
of
living
veterans
conducted by volunteers, the
Veteran’s History Project is unable
to obtain the oral histories and firsthand accounts needed by current
and future researchers, historians,
and family members of veterans.
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Esther and her team documented
the experience of six veterans in her
area through video interviews and the
guidelines of the Veteran’s History
Project. “I realized that there was a
wealth of knowledge and experience
right here where I live in the Colorado
Springs area…this project is important
to me because of the time constraints
with hundreds of VVII and Korean War
veterans dying every day……Knowing
about the sacrifices of veterans and
active duty military members leads to
a greater appreciation of the cost of
freedom.”
Cristina Tuttle
Cristina’s
Project
provided hats to children
who have lost their hair
due to chemotherapy,
burns, or brain surgery.
The hats were distributed
across the country through Stiches
of Hope, a non-profit organization,
which makes and receives hats from
volunteers. “I realized that my love of
crocheting could help children,” said
Cristina. The project consisted of
gathering donated yarn and friends to
create 133 hats. She also held teaching
sessions to anyone who wanted to
learn how to crochet.
Victoria Wilson
The addition of fencing to property
own by her church, not only provided
Victoria with a Project but improved the
appearance and value of the property.
Her volunteers worked hard and the
Project was completed in half the time
she had planned. Victoria states, “I
noticed that I can manage a project more
effectively when I focus on efficiency
and organization. Reallocating where
people and tools went as needed
proved to be an effective leadership
technique.” Music, dance, acting,
leadership training, Venturing, AHG…
now Victoria adds Fence Building to
her list of activities outside of school!
Emma Shaw
Involved in the Project COPE at Camp
Friedlander both as a participant and
an instructor opened an opportunity
for Emma to meet a need. She and
her team constructed a new low
ropes element called the Artesian
Beams to encourage logic as well
as teamwork and communication.
Emma can also attest to the
importance of time management, “I
definitely got a chance to practice
my time management both in
planning and actually working on
this project because I have a very
busy schedule…it took a lot of time
to complete this project, but all the
hard
work
was worth it.”
And having
telephone
poles lying
a r o u n d
waiting to be
used was a
blessing!
Elizabeth Pearson
Elizabeth chose to benefit her
parish by providing it with a
permanent record of the valuables
in the church. She documented all
items both in a video recording and
on a spreadsheet. This will be a
record for inventory and insurance
purposes. She also photographed
many of these items and compiled
them into an instructional booklet
for the school children. Elizabeth
realized how hard a big project
could be. “Balancing my attention
between all aspects of the project
was a project unto itself. However,
I was able to develop a rhythm
that allowed me to oversee, and
still participate in, the project as a
whole.”
Heather
Freeman
Where do
you
find
a Project
I d e a ?
W h e r e
there is a
need and
the idea is
welcomed.
Heather
found such a welcome when she
proposed making and donating 100
blankets to the local hospital NICU.
The end result was 102 blankets,
8 coverlets for beds in NICU and
$208 left from donations to be
given to the hospital. Heather says,
“The mothers who are receiving
the blankets will know that there
is someone in the community who
cares about them and their child.
I hope the blankets help them feel
loved and let them know that they
aren’t alone.”
Ali Wurm
Sometimes the areas behind the
scenes at camps are neglected;
no one see them except staff.
However, a smooth running camp
depends on the maintenance of its
infrastructure. Ali sought to improve
the conditions of the shop area of
Angeles Crest Christian Camp,
a facility she has a love for. Old
fashioned elbow grease and bent
backs resulted in a proper drainage
system at the entrance of the shop.
“Through working on my Stars
and Stripes Project I have realized
that the AHG mission statement,
‘Building women of integrity through
service to God, Family, community
and country’ is an integral part of the
Stars and Stripes program and why
certain things are required to earn
this award, i.e., integrity through all
work, accounting of hours, writing
up reports, etc.”
Rachel McCausland
“I intended to create a lovely space
that would not only beautify my
church and city, but that would
create a welcoming atmosphere
for
those
who
come to the church
(Broadway UMC).”
That’s what Rachel
intended
and
that’s what she
accomplished.
Her project grew
in size as more
plants and garden
accoutrement
were
requested.
Proper planning and patience lead to a
beautiful entry and nearly 300 total hours
dedicated to the project. She says the
only thing she would do differently is keep
up with the details better, “The process
of writing [the Final Report] would have
gone smoother.”
Sarah Faubion
Sarah
was
disturbed by the
statistics of teen
pregnancies,
drug and alcohol
abuse, violence
and bullying in
her community
so she planned a
retreat program
to reach out to girls. “My goal in this
retreat, Girl in the Mirror, was and is to
show Christ’s love and hope by: building
self-confidence, modeling purity, teaching
skills, and empowering girls to make
wise decisions….Right now it seems
like 1-2 girls at a time, but just like the
ripples in a pond; the ripples grow bigger
and spread out with each wave as God
wills.” Her retreat offered fun, food and a
special encounter with twelve ladies who
“had been there, done that, and found a
way out through Christ.” The Girl in the
Mirror has the goal of helping girls see
themselves as God sees them. Sarah
has been asked to conduct more of these
retreats; her Stars & Stripes Project
became a successful trial run!
Juli Mickle
Juli wants youth to jump on the band
wagon…literally. The local school district
had dropped the program that introduced
sixth graders to band and interest in
joining in seventh grade was waning
rapidly. Juli took to the podium and grab
the baton. Her
event
rallied
band directors,
musicians,
instructors and
music stores to
“spark interest”
in as many kids
as possible to
the beauty of
music.
This
project was as big as a marching
band: 65 hours of planning for
a three hour event, for 84 sixth
graders and 100 volunteers giving
over 700 hours of service. We’ll
toot her horn for her…it was so
successful; she’s doing it again next
year and beginning the planning
earlier!
Cassie Kesslar
Through
her
Project, Cassie
exemplified
Perseverance.
Although
her
plan
for
a
Prayer Garden
behind
her
church
had
been cultivated by prayer, it had
more than its share of obstacles.
The weather was unpredictable.
Work days were scheduled at
the end of the school year and
volunteers were scarce. Then
a Project planner’s nightmare
happened … vandalism. Cassie
had to contend with destruction of
naturally occurring trees and plants.
She also had to reassess the layout
and fight the urge to give up. “It
was a challenge,” says Cassie,
“and even though there were ups
and downs, encouragements and
discouragements, during my time
working on this project, I realize that
this is a part of life and sometimes
you just have to go with it and make
the best of it. Pray, trust God and
have faith.”
A word of advice to one who’s
been there to those who are
considering the Stars & Stripes
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Award: “My advice to other girls
who would like to earn their Stars
and Stripes is to plan and get started
early. If weather is an issue like it
was for me, which is why I actually
put my plans off a year, I advise them
to either change your plans or push
forward with it. I‘d advise them to
keep good notes or get a volunteer
to keep notes for them if that
helps as it can get overwhelming.
I’d advise them to seek out other
girls who have already earn the
award or even a leader who has
had experience with a girl or girls
earning the award and have a sit
down discussion so you can ask
questions and get answers before
you begin. Try and be prepared for
whatever may happen, whether it’s
not enough money raised, or no
participation, or vandalism, just try
and be prepared. Also make sure
you have troop participation before
even starting. At last, make sure
you pick something you will enjoy. If
you pick something you won’t enjoy,
then all the problems will seem 100x
the Procedure by reviewing and approving the documentation required by the
Procedure. The SSPA does not take the place of the local Mentor but acts on
behalf of National for the approval processes. As the number of Candidates
increases over the years, it will become necessary to add other SSPA around
the country.
Questions about the Stars & Stripes Award process can be
directed to starsandstripes@ahgonline.org
American Heritage Girls Annual Family Stewardship Campaign (AFSC)
AHG annually requests that its members and friends consider giving through
AHG’s Annual Family Stewardship Campaign (AFSC) to help reach more
girls across the country! Prayerfully consider participating in this year’s
campaign which will run December 2012 - April 2013. Whether you
pledge a monthly amount or a one time gift, your contribution will work
toward the goal of making AHG available to every family who wishes to
participate. Every gift matters!
Families will receive mailers to allow for easy contribution in late
November, or they can give online through AHG’s secure donation page.
One-time gifts, or recurring monthly contributions can be made via check,
credit card or e-check.
Girls across the country are in need of programs that allow them to put
“legs on their faith” and become an outward sign of Christ’s love in their
community. AHG is just that type of program, and you can help bring this
ministry to girls in all 50 states! Encourage families in your Troop to join
you in giving to the AHG Ministry through this year’s AFSC!
“Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the
Lord your God
which he has given you.” Deuteronomy 16:17
www.ahgonline.org/donations/donate.aspx
www.ahgonline.org/ISupportAHG
worse than normal, and you will be
more tempted to quit.”
Stars & Stripes Application
for Candidacy
Applications for Candidacy into the
Stars & Stripes Award Procedure
are increasing daily. The number of
young ladies achieving the Award
is increasing as you can see from
the list above. To accommodate
the number of active Candidates,
AHG has created a volunteer
team of regional Stars & Stripes
Project Advisors (SSPA).
Once
a girl submits her Application for
Candidacy and is deemed eligible
to proceed, she will be assigned to
an SSPA who will guide her through
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American Heritage Girls Board Members
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Mike Tillar, President – Cincinnati, OH
Greg Schmidt, Vice President – Anchorage, AK
Hal Shoemaker, Treasurer – Cincinnati, OH
Larry Cunningham, Chairman – Cincinnati, OH
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Vickie Burress – West Chester, OH
Larry Carpenter – Franklin, TN
Nancy Dendramis – Cincinnati, OH
Pat Garibay – West Chester, OH
Janet Griffin – Grapevine, TX
Charles Holmes – Colleyville, TX
Dwight Stephenson – Cincinnati OH
John Young – Loveland, OH
EX OFFICIO
Patti Garibay – West Chester, OH
NEW Merchandise
The AHG Attic proudly introduces
the following new items:
Newest member of the Creed
Plush Collection: Pure Lamb
This soft lamb is the seventh in the
collection and represents “Pure” in
the AHG Creed. Released in 2012,
it is a must have. $12.00
AHG Wristbands
The new AHG wristbands make a
great gift for the girls and volunteers
in your Troop.
Individual Wristbands: $1.00
6 Pack of Wristbands: $5.00
AHG Wooden Creed Ornament
The AHG Attic is now carrying the
winning ornament design from its
first Design an Ornament Contest.
Melissa Grace age 10 of TN0516 Includes: headphone opening, duel mesh
was the winner with this Wooden side pockets, padded shoulder straps
and a handy web handle. Take it with
Creed Ornament design. $6.00
you on the go. Great for campouts or for
Nalgene Water Bottle everyday!
Pretty in pink, this new water bottle $20.00
will help you keep hydrated. You
Tile Earrings
can track your water in-take or mix
Enjoy
this
pair
of
AHG
logo
earrings for
with pre-packaged flavor packets
and get just the right taste with the leaders and girls alike. These acrylic
liquid measurement feature on back earrings with the AHG Logo send a “clear”
which measures 400 ml. or 14 oz. message about your dedication to our
When filled to the top, this light- mission and they’ll match all your AHG
weight bottle actually holds 16 oz. of apparel too! These earrings have a slight
drop to dangle prettily from your ears and
your favorite beverage. $10.00
are for pierced ears only. $8.00
Ultimate Backpack
Tile Ring
The new Ultimate Backpack from
Silver
and
fully
adjustable,
this
tile ring
AHG is Royal Blue and Black.
This heavyweight, slouchy, double has the AHG Logo embedded in a smooth
compartment back pack has all the acrylic tile. The new AHG tile ring will look
right features and styling to make great on any girl’s finger and is sure to
it a winner with teens and adults. bring a smile. $8.00
Visit the AHG Attic at store.ahgonline.org to purchase these great new gift items!
*A note on AHG shipping and handling charges: Troops often express frustration with AHG’s shipping rate, and the Merchandise
Department would like to share the “why” behind the “what”. AHG, Inc. does not make any profit from shipping charges, in fact last
year AHG, Inc’s UPS and USPS bill was slightly higher than the charges collected from customers. In addition to the actual shipping
bills, each order also requires a paid staff member to pull and pack items, packing materials, etc. Some Troops have expressed
confusion when reading their receipt and seeing that a large badge order, for example, includes a $29 shipping and handling charge
while the actual UPS charge is only $14. Though this appears unfair, customers often don’t notice the fall handbook order that
also incurred a $29 AHG shipping and handling charge actually cost $45 to ship due to its weight. Shipping and handling rates
are established to cover all items throughout the year, providing Troops with the most economical total cost possible while allowing
AHG,Inc. to break even. AHG, Inc. is constantly looking for ways to save Troops money while being good stewards of the resources
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God has given - thank you for your understanding.
Check out the Winter 2013 Edition of the
Heritage Headlines for complete coverage of
AHG’s 2012 National Leadership Conference
and Veteran’s Day!
ica
er
n
l
OAT H
g
e
Gi
r
American Heritage Girls, Inc
175 TriCounty Pkwy, Suite 100
Cincinnati, OH 45246
Herit
s
m
a
A
American Heritage Girls is family-friendly and
faith-based – perhaps the AHG Oath says it best:
I promise to Love God,
cherish my family,
Honor my country
and serve in my community.
Read about the Faith,
Service & Fun that is AHG!
www.ahgonline.org
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