American Heritage Girls’
H e r i ta g e
Headlines
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the Summer Camp Edition of the Heritage
Headlines!
Since the founding of AHG in 1995, camping has been
a staple of the program and a revered tradition. The
first 100 members enjoyed a full day camp the first year
of AHG and plunged into a full week long summer camp
experience just a few years later. Having a summer
camp experience for all of our members continues to
be important – whether it is a week long day camp for
Pathfinders and Tenderhearts or a week long overnight
camp for Explorers to Patriots – AHG loves to camp!
Not only is summer camp a very fun activity, it brings
many valuable lessons with it. As parents, we really do
want the very best for our kids and pray that they will
be happy and successful. Developing healthy habits
through physical activity , honing an ability to get along
with others, learning the importance of teamwork and
collaboration, developing thinking and problem solving
skills, learning self -reliance and developing a good self
-concept are all fruits of a camp
experience. And, in the case of
AHG, adding the Christ centered
mentorship of our leaders and
program enhances the spiritual
development of each girl.
Peter Scales, a senior fellow
with
the
Search
Institute
states, “Camp is one of the few
institutions where young people
can experience and satisfy their
need for physical activity, creative
expression and true participation
in a community environment.
Most schools don’t satisfy these needs.”
From a secular viewpoint, camp is an amazing attribute
to a girl’s formation but when coupled with a Christ
Summer 2013
Inside this edition:
Letters From Camp
Traditions
Back to School Blessings
Growth & Marketing
Upcoming Events
Girl Leadership
p. 2-8
p. 3
p. 9
p. 10-11
p. 11
p. 12-13
centered program and loving camp counselors,
the impact is even greater. Allowing appointed
times at camp for girls to be “alone with God” and
to worship Him while enjoying His gift of nature
can be life changing. And when girls make new
friends who share their beliefs and can openly
talk about them, there is growth socially and
spiritually.
AHG is currently looking for Christ centered
camp experiences in your area. As we continue
to grow, our needs for camp facilities grow.
Might you know of a great Christ-centered camp
that has blessed you or a family member’s life?
If you do, we would love to hear about it! Please
contact AHG’s Program Manager, Brenda
Bayliss at [email protected]. She would
love to hear about your favorite camp and why it
is near and dear to your heart, while she builds
a database of camps from which our Troops can
choose.
And as Bob Ditter, a specialist in child and
adolescent
treatment
stated, “ It is in the crucible
of this community that
children gain self-esteem
with humility, overcomes
their inflated sense of self
and develop a lifelong
sense of grace and
wonder.”
Enjoy this edition of
Heritage Headlines and
learn how AHG girls across
the nation grew socially,
emotionally, intellectually,
physically and spiritually.
Patti
1
Summer & Camping Go Hand In Hand
Enjoying God’s Creation
Girl leadership is a core value
in American Heritage Girls and
so is summer camping
Dear AHG,
“Camp was great! Camp was great!
We had a lot of fun, but we stayed up
too late.
We did archery,
swimming too.
horses,
and
Maybe next year, we’ll take you!!!”
This little ditty was composed on the
trip home by some of the girls who
attended Camp R.E.A.L. in Linwood,
Kansas this summer. Hosted by
KS1209, we had more than 90 girls
and 50 adults participating. With a
theme this year of “Love, Loving,
Lovely”, we enjoyed the opportunity
to renew friendships from previous
events and make new friends from
many Troops in eastern Kansas and
western Missouri.
2
Interviewing the girls, the clear “camp”
favorite was the variety of outdoor
activities. Tall Oaks Conference Center
does a wonderful job with archery,
horseback riding, and swimming
programs. In fact, they enjoyed getting
outdoors so much that many girls claimed
they would like to skip breakfast to do
more! Among the adults, the meals were
a highlight -- they were tasty, plentiful,
and having them prepared for us was a
real treat.
In our quieter moments, the girls worked
on the Freedom Seekers badge, learning
about the Underground Railroad. We
read the story of Henry “Box” Brown, and
let the girls climb into a wooden crate to
imagine what it might have been like for
him. We designed maps like those that an
escaping slave might have used to find
the route north, and located the Drinking
Gourd in the night sky. As a wrap-up, on
our final night we held a mock escape, in
which the girls hiked over four miles en
route to seven different “stations”, each
with a challenge activity to complete.
While it was a challenging activity, it gave
them a taste of the difficulties of the flight
to freedom, and it is one they are not
likely to forget.
While Freedom Seekers can be
a difficult subject to address,
particularly with younger girls,
we emphasized the work of the
conductors and station masters,
who accepted significant personal
risk to help fellow human beings. As
Christ told us, “Greater love has no
one than this, than to lay down one’s
life for his friends.” (John 15:13,
NKJV) and those who worked on the
Underground Railroad accepted this
risk for the sake of strangers, in the
name of love.
We wrapped up camp on with
an outdoor worship service and
“Sundaes on Sunday” before
heading back home -- already
looking forward to Camp R.E.A.L.
2014!
Thank you,
Keelie Shrader
Troop Coordinator
KS0252
Dear AHG,
I was delighted to hear my daughter,
Bethany, helped Joanna earn her
Swimming Badge by encouraging
her to tread water for 3 minutes. I am
so very thankful for the opportunities
AHG brings to our lives all to the glory
of God.
Blessings,
Melissa Heartfelths
Mother
VA0412
Dear AHG,
I attended camp at Camp Pollack
in Lake Arrowhead, California this
summer. It was my first “camping”
camp experience. I had never slept in
a sleeping bag, let alone in a tent in
the forest!
I found all the animals at camp to be
very interesting. There was a mountain
lion. I saw a deer during canoeing
and there were tons of lizards and
baby snakes. I even saw the biggest
snake of the week, a three-and-a-halffoot-long timber snake which I almost
stepped on. Oops.
I loved all of the activities, but my
favorite part was the polar bear swim.
You know, when you jump into the
freezing cold pool at 6:00 am while
getting squirted with an icy hose. Yes,
this is actually fun. I loved it!
Traditions
AHG Camp will make you “Wannacombac”
Camp Wannacombac is steeped in tradition. For seven years, American
Heritage Girls Leaders from South Carolina Troop SC7777 have prayed,
dreamed, developed and executed their own personalized AHG camp
experience. Year after year, they seek not only a fun camp experience, but
they diligently create an environment where girls can grow in their faith and
have fun.
One of the most noteworthy traditions eagerly anticipated by the adults and
girls alike are the yearly themes and decorations that accompany camp. The
themes continue to be unexpected, whimsical and meaningful, says Melanie
Reid, AHG Adult Leader and Camp Wannacombac Program Director.
Mrs. Reid, known to the girls as Miz Mel (just add a southern drawl to her
name and you’ll hear it), goes all-out to keep the tradition and the spirit of the
camp alive. Her background in theatre, the creativity of the camp team and
their strong faith has merged to give camp a one-of-a-kind experience.
“Every theme and every decoration has meaning and application in the camp
experience,” say Miz Mel. “The visual elements remind them of the spiritual
lessons learned.”
For example, this summer’s theme was “Renaissance Faire” which lent
itself to a deeper understanding of the AHG Creed. A medieval theme
featuring knights and codes of honor turned to devotions about the AHG
Creed words: compassionate, helpful, honest, loyal, perseverant, pure,
resourceful, respectful, responsible and reverent. Here are a few of the Camp
Wannacombac themes that lent themselves to fun decorations, meaningful
devotions and some pretty wacky activities:
- Renaissance Faire
- Funshine
- Native Americans
- Hillbilly Olympiks: Folk Ways and Traditions
- Survivor: The Art of Missions; The Mission of the Arts
- Christmas in July: Jesus is the Reason for the Season
- Treasure Island: X Marks the Spot
Overall, American Heritage Girls
camp was very fun. I left with friends,
memories and an experience that will
last forever.
Catherine
Explorer
Troop CA0480
Dear AHG,
The Pioneers and Patriots of CA0222
organized a camping trip to Mt. Diablo
State Park, California, for the Explorers
to earn the Camping badge. After
setting up camp one of the Patriots
taught about wild animals in our state.
3
Dinner was made by the Explorers
with the older girls leading.
Evening program consisted of skits
and devotion.
Due to high fire
danger S’Mores were made over the
Coleman stoves!
Saturday morning we woke to gale
winds which literally pulled my tent
stakes out of the ground and sent
it flying! We quickly packed up
camp and headed on a hike to the
summit to complete Camping Badge
requirement number 16 which is to
gain at least 750 vertical feet. Along
the way we learned about poison oak
and wildflowers.
After descending the mountain and
having lunch we headed to Rock
City where this picture was taken.
Twenty-three people went on the trip
and two girls experienced their first
camping trip ever!
with other Pioneers and Patriots from
West Virginia, Maryland and other parts
of Virginia.
Sonja Myers
Ministry Expansion Lead (MEL)
AHG Central Virginia
Dear AHG,
The Tenderhearts and Explorers had
a great time as ‘Ladies of the Court’
with King Arthur and the Scouts of the
Roundtable theme at Cub and Webelos
Adventure Camp in the BSA Heart of
Virginia Scout Reservation in Maidens,
VA. Our ladies were treated to a royal
experience with camp activities, AHG
badges, swaps, a Medieval Faire and
great weather.
Sonja Myers
Ministry Expansion Lead (MEL)
AHG Central Virginia
Dear AHG,
Camp was so fun. It was a great
experience. I got to make new friends
with girls from other AHG Troops. It was
really fun getting to sleep on a cot in a
tent. Plus sleeping in a forest for the first
time was cool, too. I hope to go to camp
again every year.
Thank you AHG!
Cynthia Herrmann
Troop Coordinator
CA 0222
Dear AHG,
The Pioneer and Patriot girls were
thrilled to participate in a real scout
camp at Camp Marriott Goshen
Scout Reservation in the mountains
of Virginia with patrol camping, heater
stacks, AHG badges, wakeboarding,
mountain
boarding,
shooting,
archery, emergency preparedness,
outdoor cooking, pirate breakfast,
polar bear swim, ecology classes
and hikes. The girls enjoyed the
rustic experience and making friends
4
Izzie
Tenderheart
Troop CA0480
Dear AHG,
The things we do for children sometimes
goes above and beyond. I am not what
one would call an outdoorsy type. I don’t
think I ever went camping as a child.
But when my daughters Catherine (10)
and Izzie (6) said they wanted to go to
camp, I agreed to go with them. When
our Troop Leader said we were staying
in the tents, I agreed to that, too. So,
I borrowed some sleeping bags and set
off for the unknown.
Upon arriving at Camp Pollack in Lake
Arrowhead, CA, I immediately thought,
“What have I agreed to and how do
I get out of it?” I tried to plan my
escape route. But, I stayed and
soon I was beginning to take it all
in. I began to enjoy the beauty that
surrounded me. I acknowledged
and welcomed the family of spiders
that co-occupied my tent. I began
to experience this rare time with my
daughters through newly opened
eyes. What a gift I was being given.
I realized soon that my cell phone
didn’t have a signal up in the
mountains. Good. I could checkout without guilt and enjoy the
experiences. I realized that the
tents don’t have mirrors. Good. I
never once put any makeup on and
began to enjoy the ease of waking
up and going. I realized that I started
making friends and shooting guns
and creating lanyards. I realized
that I was participating in camp.
Here I am, an adult and I am getting
to enjoy my camp experience, too.
Good!
If you told me in the beginning of the
week that I would consider coming
back to camp, I would have said
you were crazy. But as I left camp
on the last day, I knew that I would
come back not just because my girls
want to, but because I truly enjoyed
myself. I left with friendships I hope
to continue, a beautiful relationship
with the members of our own
troop and with a closer bond with
my daughters. I’d say that was a
successful camp experience.
Nina Nagy
Catherine and Izzie’s mom
Troop CA0480
Dear AHG,
I attended the 2013 AHG Southwest
Regional Camp in the beautiful BSA
Camp Tahuaya with my daughter
who is an Explorer. Mid-week in
the afternoon of our fourth day in
camp I received word my daughter
was overheated and cooling off in
the health lodge. Upon arrival she
had a headache, was emotional,
and frustrated about the geocaching
activity from that afternoon.
As a father who was eager to
please and stop the tears I accepted
her desire to sit the rest of the
geocaching session out while she
cooled off and calmed down. I was
unaware an AHG Leader facilitating
the camp’s geocaching session was
in the health lodge watching what
was going on. When she heard me
accept my daughter’s request for
quitting the activity, she approached
my daughter and suggested she
complete the activity by placing her
geocache outside the immediate
area of the health lodge.
What the Leader had done was
find a way for my daughter to finish
the task and complete the activity;
she saw a solution to a problem and
took the opportunity to focus on my
daughter’s development of character
and self-confidence and offered a path
of accomplishment and perseverance.
In hindsight, I see this event as an
example of how adults can work together
to provide a teaching moment for my
daughter. I was focused on getting her
to feel better by letting her quit, while
the AHG Leader saw an opportunity
for her to complete the task with a little
extra help. I am very appreciative of this
Leader and her example and leadership
style is good for our girls.
I am an Eagle Scout, Woodbadge
graduate, have one Eagle Scout son,
have another 16 year old Life Scout,
two daughters in AHG, and over 20
years of adult leadership in the BSA. I
recognize the value of adults interested
in developing our youth through
challenging activities…I believe AHG
leaders do too.
Thank you,
An AHG Dad
Dear AHG,
Hi! Let me tell you about AHG Camp!
Wow, did I ever have fun!! We learned
about Native Americans.
On the first day, we played lacrosse,
which was a game played by Native
Americans way back when. It was a
big hit! For crafts, we created sand
art pictures. Each girl made Native
American symbols with the sand.
During story time, we heard about
the way houses were built and all
sorts of other stuff about Native
American life. We also made pots; I
loved seeing everyone’s pots! Some
of them were so creative. I designed
mine to look like a cat.
On the second day, we painted
our pots. They were beautiful! I
decided to paint my cat pot yellow
and orange. Once again, game time
was fun. During story time, the older
girls in our Troop painted our faces
like Native Americans. Each group
had a different tribal face paint,
which made for a really cool group
of faces when we gathered together
as a group again. During craft time,
we constructed mini igloos out of
Styrofoam and cotton balls. They
were very cute.
On the third and final day of camp
we met at Sequoyah’s birthplace in
5
This was my first time to attend AHG
Camp. I hope I can attend the next
AHG Camp and maybe someday be a
volunteer. I really enjoyed my experiences
at camp this summer! (Want to know
something extra cool? I earned the AHG
Native American badge while having all
this fun!)
Love,
Eden
Explorer
AHG Troop TN0131
Dear AHG,
Thank you for sending me to this AHG
Gardening Day Camp! I am having so
much fun! So far we have learned about
splitting plants to reproduce, the celery
experiment, and spray-painted shoes and
planted flowers in them! It is so awesome
here!
There are girls representing five different
Troops from Minnesota here. And there
are so many awesome Leaders and
volunteers from the Master Gardeners!
One of my favorite parts has been
designing a garden! I designed a
vegetable and fruit garden consisting
of peppers, basil, peas, green beans,
strawberries, and rhubarb!
I also learned more about how to take
care of the plants we have at our house!
Thanks again!
Ella
Pioneer
MN0300
Dear AHG,
MI0408 had their annual MotherDaughter Camping Trip on June 28-30
at Shady Green Pastures Bible Camp in
Charlotte Michigan. The Tenderhearts
stayed one night. The Explorers and
6
Pioneers stayed two nights. All girls
who stayed earned their Textile Arts
Badge as well as the Fire Safety
& Fire Building Badge, if it had not
been previously earned.
In addition Explorers and Pioneers
worked on the Insect-a Inspect-a
Badge and Explorers that had not
previously earned them earned
the Camping and Outdoor Cooking
Badges.
Thank you
opportunity,
for
this
wonderful
Patty Hannahs
Troop Coordinator
MI0408
Dear AHG,
Even in the misting rain, the sounds
of summer filled the air as VA2345
held its annual, rain or shine, Day
Camp last Saturday. This year’s
camp was entirely focused on
Physical Fitness and Sports. Led by
the Pioneer Unit, the Troop worked
on badges and sports pins through
hands-on, fun, activity stations run
by the Leaders, parents, and guest
presenters from the community.
Girls learned the importance
of exercise, types of exercises,
frequency
of
exercise,
cardiovascular fitness, and how to
check heart rate. The girls learned
about good posture, and how good
posture reflects your self-esteem
and the impression you give others.
The girls even learned a few Zumba
moves.
The girls learned the fundamentals
of volleyball by sharing the rules
of the game, practicing skills and
strategies needed to play the sport.
The girls had a chance to practice
what they learned by playing a
couple of games as a Troop.
An expert from Virginia Tech came
out to teach the girls about proper
nutrition. The girls learned about a
food pyramid as well as the daily
caloric needs for older girls and how
much water to drink. They discussed
obesity in childhood and among
teens.
New Troop Nook
Vonore, Tennessee. Sequoyah invented
the Cherokee syllabary (which is different
from an alphabet). We toured the
museum, listened to a lecture from the
Park historian, and enjoyed eating the
trail mix we made the day before.
Dear AHG,
Our Troop started in January 2013. Besides having
many people new to scout leadership, our girls were
new to the experience. We have strived this half
year to make the experience exciting and diverse.
Therefore, we wanted to camp this summer. Many
of our girls had not slept away from home, at a
friend’s house, or let alone slept in a tent.
Following the AHG guidelines for progressive
programming, we decided to do a “practice
camping”. We camped in my one acre yard next to
a farm and woods. We pitched tents, cooked out,
had a campfire and sang camp songs. Our girls are
so excited and ready
to camp for real.
It was a great way
to test the girls
and ourselves. I
recommend
this
to any troop that
is unsure about
camping. It also
helped us plan for
our upcoming twonight stay at the
metro park.
Sincerely,
Heidi
Tenderheart Leader
Troop MI0413
All of the Pioneers were required to
teach their own exercise class to the
Troop making sure that everyone
understood the importance of
warming up and cooling down
exercises.
Having fun while running, these
girls didn’t realize they were still
“exercising” as they participated
in learning more about soccer and
softball. The girls were challenged
by an obstacle course set up by
the Explorers, then learned a few
strokes as they began working on
earning a Golf Badge. As the day
camp came to a close and everyone
went home exhausted, you could
see there was a glow on each girls
face from having fun! “Sometimes
exercise just involves getting outside
and “playing”, said Kim.
Thank you AHG,
Dawn Norris
AHG VA2345 Troop Shepherd
Area Ministry Expansion Lead
Dear AHG,
We have a great family in AHG. At
Camp Narroway in Knoxville, our
camp director Lydia is an amazing
AHG Leader. Her mother, Anne,
who happens to be a veteran
scout mom, transported girls to the
Horsemanship Badge off campus.
Her Stars & Stripes daughter,
Brianna, taught a badge to the
Explorers, while her Eagle scout
son, Matthew, taught a badge, while
her other three daughters, Meghan,
Clare, and Mary, attended the camp.
Wish I had a picture, but I just had
to write about them. They are a
blessing.
Amy Hamby-Scott
Troop Coordinator
TN0413
Dear AHG,
I didn’t want to go to camp. But on
my last day there, I didn’t want to
leave! Some things, like ticks and
Dear AHG,
Six Explorer girls from Troop CA1271 camped in a teepee for five days and
four nights! Our Troop Coordinator and myself (parent Leader) accompanied
the girls.
The Camp Theme was Jeremiah 17:7-8, which all the girls memorized:
“Blessed is the man who trust in the Lord. Whose confidence is in Him. He
will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It
does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries
in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
My favorite thing about camp was how our daily devotions were centered
on the tree discussed in Jeremiah 17:7-8 and every day we studied various
aspects of the Giant Sequoia trees growing around the camp itself! Our
other verses from daily devotions were: The Seed (Luke 8:15), The Roots
(Colossians 2:6-7), The Bark/Trunk (Psalm 5:11-12), Tree Rings/Growth
(Romans 5:3-4), and Bearing Fruit (John 15:8).
My not-so favorite thing about camp was the abundance of mosquitos this
year!
I was thrilled to see all our girls complete their Explorer Fire Safety & Fire
Building Badge! Also as a result of the many wonderful actives we did at
camp, with a little “homework” to complete a few requirements, the girls can
earn their Camping, Climb On!, Hiking, Outdoor Cooking, and Outdoor Skills
badges!
The girls were challenged spiritually, physically, and emotionally, as they
accomplished so many things! All the girls attempted a ropes course and
exceed the goals they’d set for themselves. They also kayaked, enjoyed
paddle boats, swam in a lake, swam in a river dotted with waterfalls, cooked
over a fire, built a fire in the wilderness with one match, visited a Miwok Indian
village and ground acorns in 600 year old grinding rocks, learned how to spot
and identify animal tracks, worshiped around the evening campfire, built and
altar to the Lord, slept on the ground in a teepee, and hiked miles and miles
by day and night!
Every girl (and Leader), mosquito bites and all, can’t wait to return to Calvin
Crest next year for Northern California AHG Regional Camp!
Karen Yuen
Mom/parent Leader
CA1271
7
the first night. They were so funny!
They were so funny that the whole
trip, I kept thinking about them and
randomly laughing, which earned me
the nickname “Giggle Girl”.
One of the things that surprised me
was how much fun S.T.E.M. class
was. At first I thought it would be
super boring, but it was actually very
interesting. I loved all the experiments
we did.
spiders and awful-smelling bug spray,
I didn’t like at all. But the fun parts
definitely made up for it.
I made new friends from our Troop,
and also new friends from other
Troops. I did lots of things I’ve never
done before, like sleeping in a tent
and almost getting hit by a flying
two-liter bottle half filled with water in
our S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology,
Engineering, Mathematics) class!
I think my favorite part were the
skits that the staff at Camp May at
Beaumont Scout Reservation did
Every morning, we had instructional
swim, and every afternoon we had
free swim. I learned a lot during
instructional swim. I learned different
strokes and floats, and I learned how
silly the lifeguards could be. When we
practiced rescuing drowning people,
the lifeguards made us say Peanut
Butter Sausage. When we were
supposed to rescue the lifeguards,
they
shrieked
“Peanut
Butter
Sausage!” in weird voices. We also
did archery and shot BB guns.
On Friday night, we performed our
own skits. They were fun to watch
and fun to perform. After that, we
made s’mores. They were delicious!
I had a lot of fun at camp and I will
probably go again.
Jennifer
Explorer
Troop MO1776
Great Summer Reading
from the AHG Attic!
Get your children reading this
summer with these and other
great books for kids.
Visit to:
store.aghonline.org to see our full
selection!
Prices range from $7.99 to $26.99.
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When you shop store.ahgonline.org, You support the American Heritage Girls Ministry. Thank You.
8
Camping in Hawaii
Discovering the Faith, Service
& Fun that is AHG
mom said, “Tory is challenged to live
the AHG Creed to be ‘compassionate,
helpful, honest, loyal, perseverant,
pure,
resourceful,
respectful,
responsible and reverent.’”
Tory’s Troop goes camping in the
mountains and the beach. The girls
have learned various outdoor skills
such as fire building, knot tying, knife
safety, camping, hiking, fishing, and
kayaking skills.
Tory enjoyed the Fire Safety and
Building Badge because she likes
learning wilderness survival skills.
“Learning how to build different fires
and start them in different ways is a
life skill she will never forget,” Michelle
said.
Twelve year old Tory Simon lives in
Honolulu, Hawaii. She loves art and
nature. And according to her family,
there’s no better place to be an
American Heritage Girl.
In addition to camping, the Simon
family was seeking an extracurricular
activity where Tory’s interests could
flourish and be shared with others
while being challenged. They also
wanted a ministry that matched their
values and Christian faith.
When her homeschool group posted
an announcement to start a new club
for girls, she knew she had found the
right ministry for her daughter when
she read the mission statement,
“Building women of integrity through
service to God, family, community
and country.”
Tory’s parents started an American
Heritage Girls (AHG) Troop at their
church. Their Troop number is
HI1711, referring to Acts 17:11 saying
“These were more fair-minded than
those in Thessalonica, in that they
received the word with all readiness,
and searched the Scriptures daily to
find out whether these things were
so.”
Every Troop meeting begins with the
AHG Oath, “I promise to love God,
cherish my family, honor my country
and serve in my community.” Her
In addition to enjoying her time in
God’s creation, Tory has also had the
opportunity to serve, grow in her faith
and have fun while being an American
Heritage Girl.
Even at the age of twelve, Tory
seeks meaningful experiences and
desires to make the world a better
place. Because service is the core
to the AHG program, Tory’s time in
AHG has offered her opportunities to
connect her passion with a world in
need. Michelle recalls participating in
Operation Christmas Child’s shoebox
service project. “Our Troop prayed
over the personal items. The girls
learned that reaching out to the needy
brought feelings of thankfulness and
compassion”.
Back to school Blessings
What’s your favorite Bible verse
as you head back to school? What
Bible verse guides you and blesses
you? Share your favorite verse on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/
AmericanHeritageGirls
“Don’t let anyone look down on you
because you are young, but set an
example for the believers in speech,
in conduct, in love, in faith and in
purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
“Have I not commanded you? Be
strong and courageous. Do not be
afraid; do not be discouraged, for
the Lord your God will be with you
wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“Jesus looked at them and said,
‘With man this is impossible, but
with God all things are possible.’”
Matthew 19:26
“I can do all this through him who
gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
grow through relevant weekly devotions.
And Tory has learned to lead the Troop
in devotions too,” Michelle said. “AHG
has truly been a blessing to Tori while
fulfilling our home school family goals
and Biblical vision for raising our family.”
From Mother-Daughter Tea Parties to
Father-Daughter Campouts, Tory’s AHG
Troop is intentional about creating an
atmosphere of fun that is ripe for memory
“I have watched my daughter’s faith making.
Home school mom, Michelle Simon says today’s girls face enormous challenges.
She believes American Heritage Girls (AHG) is countering the culture in many ways.
Michelle said culture is bombarding our daughters and many girls have trouble
recognizing and relating absolute, Biblical truth in their lives. She believes girls desire
to know who they are and why they are here. Girls need a safe place to know they are
created in the image of God and challenged to stay pure for his glory. Michelle said,
“AHG equips me to offer a Christ-centered, transforming ministry, modeling God’s love,
developing a healthy, Biblical self-image and instilling a sense of God-given purpose in
the lives of these young ladies.”
American Heritage Girls is a faith-based character development program for girls
ages 5 – 18. AHG is dedicated to the mission of building women of integrity through
service to God, family, community and country. With emphasis on Christian values and
family involvement, girls participate in badge programs, service projects, leadership
opportunities and outdoor experiences. AHG has nearly 30,000 members nationwide
with Troops in 48 states. To join an existing Troop or to start a new one, visit www.
ahgonline.org.
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God continues to bless
AHG with growth
American Heritage Girls, Inc. experienced a 48% growth in
new Troops last program year, and expects to surpass 30,000
members this fall! With more than 671 Troops in 48 states and
Trailblazers in 4 international countries, AHG continues to be
humbled by the way God continues to bless the ministry.
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us,
But to Your name give glory,
Because of Your mercy,
Because of Your truth. Psalm 115:1
New Troop Tuesday!
Keep up with AHG’s rapid
growth via Facebook
Join AHG on Facebook every Tuesday and watch AHG grow!
Here’s a glimpse at the new Troops so far this summer.
Alabama
AL0813 Central Baptist Church, Decatur
AL3129 Gilliam Springs Baptist Church, Arab
Arkansas
AR2911 Midtowne Church, Benton
California
CA0016 Big Trees Community Bible Church, Arnold
CA0121 Stonecreek Christian Church, Rancho Santa Margarita
CA0311 Mission Viejo Christian School, Mission Viejo
CA0613 Live Oak Vineyard Church, Monrovia
CA1594 St. Hyacinth Academy San Jacinto
CA2324 Faith Academy, Simi Valley
Florida
FL0138 St Luke Catholic Church - Middleburg
FL0516 St. Catherine’s Catholic Church - Orange Park
Georgia
GA0088 First Baptist Church of Smyrna, Smyrna
GA0100 Harmony Grove United Methodist Church, Lilburn
GA0575 McKendree United Methodist Church-Lawrenceville
Hawaii
HI0050 Trinity Church of Central Oahu - Mililani
Iowa
IA0449 Westkirk Presbyterian Church-Urbandale
Illinois
IL0908 Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church-Naperville
KY0828 Mallard Point Baptist Church, Georgetown,
Louisiana
LA0516 The Life Gate Church, Maudeville
Massachusets
MA0716 Our Lady of Mt. Carmel/St. Anne Worcester
Michigan
MI1016 Divine Child Catholic Church, Dearborn
MI1230 Warren Woods Christian School, Warren
MI1505 St Mary Mystical Rose Parish, Armada
MI1871 St Mary Roman Catholic Church-Manchester
Minnesota
MN0678 Willmar Community Christian School, Willmar
Missouri
MO1113 The Catholic Center, Springfield
MO2013 St. Peter Catholic Church - Kirkwood
Montana
MT0316 First Baptist Church of Butte, Butte
North Carolina
NC0220 Providence Presbyterian Church of Concord,
Concord
NC0513 Four Oaks Church of God - Four Oaks
NC1273 Gainsville Baptist Church – Lincolnton
New Mexico
NM0031 Calvary Chapel Rio Rancho
Ohio
OH0377 Faith Baptist, Mt Vernon
OH3129 Faith Life Church, New Albany
OH6800 Faith Christian Fellowship Church, Newtown
OH8611 West Chester Church Of The Nazarene, West
Chester
Oregon
OR0613 Sanctuary Church, Gresham
Tennessee
TN0139 HomeLife Academy, Jackson
TN7777 Heritage Christian Academy, Mt. Juliet
Texas
TX0010 New Work Family Worship Center, Liberty
TX0013 Sacred Heart Catholic Church/Knights of
Columbus, Wichita Falls
TX1618 New Life Bible Church Gainesville
TX2289 Beverly Hills Church of Christ, Hooks
TX2756 Fellowship of The Parks, Ft Worth
TX3126 Houston’s First Baptist Church, Houston
TX3137 RockPointe Church - Flower Mound
TX4412 Austin Baptist Church, Austin
Indiana
IN1334 Hope Missionary Church, Bluffton
IN1468 First Christian Church-Newburgh
IN2237 The Point Church and Community Center, Greenwood
IN2911 St John’s Lutheran School - La Porte
Virginia
VA0312 Grace Life Community Church, Bristow
VA0428 All Saints’ Church, Woodbridge
VA0683 St Raymond of Penafort Springfield
VA1024 Ivey Memorial United Methodist Church, South
Chesterfield
Kentucky
KY0408 Benedictus Books & Gifts, Lexington
West Virginia
West WV1556 Covenant Baptist Church, Princeton
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Interested in helping
AHG grow?
There are a number of ways to
assist AHG in reaching more girls.
From building awareness to starting
new Troops to joining the AHG staff,
there is a place for you!
NEW 2D animated video!
Have you watched the new 2D
animated promotional video from
AHG? Use this video to promote
AHG with your church, family and
friends
http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=vRWNgOXexy0.
Are you ready to start
a new Troop?
Learn how to LAUNCH AHG into
your community by visiting www.
ahgonline.org/startatroop
and
access great marketing tools at
www.ahgonline.org/news.
Can
you help AHG reach all 50 states
this year? Delaware and Maine are
still in need of AHG Troops!
Job Opportunities at AHG
Is God Calling You to Ministry Work?
AHG is growing! AHG needs Christdriven employees who are eager
to share their talents and skills
in a high energy, faith-filled work
environment. 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.
AHG prepares to
LAUNCH new Troops
Back to school also means extra-curricular
activities. Families continue to seek
programs to complement their faith and
values while teaching leadership and life
skills. AHG is blessed to offer churches,
pastors and families a quality faith-based
character development program for girls
in grades Kindergarten through 12th
grade. With emphasis on Christian values
and family involvement, girls participate
in badge programs, service projects,
leadership opportunities and outdoor
experiences. Families can find a Troop
near them by visiting www.ahgonline.
org/trooplocator or by contacting AHG’s
National Membership Department at
[email protected].
AHG’s Annual National
Day of Service is
September 21
American Heritage Girls Troops will serve
in their communities across the nation the
third Saturday of September to celebrate
AHG’s 18th anniversary and participate in
the annual National Day of Service. Girls
are discovering their God-given passion
and purpose through acts of service. No
job is too big or too small for the servant
hearts at AHG.
world in need, as
well as stateside
destinations, such
as
Oklahoma.
How
did
your
Troop to serve in
its community this
year? Share your
story at [email protected].
June 26-28, 2014
Save the Date!
AHG is thrilled to announce that
the 2014 National Leadership
Conference will be held in the
Washington D.C./Northern Virginia
area! This will be the first time
AHG’s
National
Leadership
Conference will be offered outside
of AHG headquarters’ hometown.
In a culture that places importance
on political correctness and
tolerance at a compromise to
personal values, let’s turn things
inside out and reflect the leadership
of Jesus by leading from the heart.
As volunteers gather together for a
time of equipping, networking, and
fellowship, it is AHG’s hope that
every individual leave renewed
and with a burning passion to be
more like Jesus.
New and seasoned AHG Leaders,
won’t want to miss this event!
Troops are encouraged to include
this training opportunity in this
year’s budget. Travel with your
Troop Leadership Team or consider
adding on a few extra days and
making this event part of your
Troops can register their event and find family’s vacation plans. Save the
helpful resources at www.ahgonline. date and spread the word!
org/nds.
Additional information will be
posted to the AHG website at
AHG, Inc. Staff www.ahgonline.org/2014NLC.
Workshops,
pricing,
hotel
Summer Service Project information, schedule of events,
Employees of AHG, Inc., and their families and more will be available later this
joined Troop OH3712 to serve at Matthew fall. Registration
25 Ministries. After a tour to learn about will open in early
the history and mission of Matthew 25 2014.
inside
Ministries, they sorted clothing and other
donations for shipment. These items D e u t e r o n o m y
leading from the heart
deuteronomy 6:6-7
will be shipped to places around the 6:6-7
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“Service is the practical expression of a
girl’s faith,” says AHG Executive Director
and Founder Patti Garibay. “Watching
girls grow in their faith and discover
their God-given purpose through the
development of servant hearts is the
greatest achievement of AHG.”
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Leanna Russell, #82
Leanna, of OH3124 has a passion
to serve the persecuted church.
She worked to help the Voice of
the Martyrs through organizing a
parachute and action pack making
party. She learned “to persevere,
pre-plan, manage my time better,
e
Elizabeth Robak, #84
“I promise to…honor my country and
serve in my community” Elizabeth
Robak from MN0100 fulfilled that
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Colette Ohotnicky, #83
For Colette, building a nature trail
was her dream project. “I feel that
God is calling me to work in the
outdoors, and this project is the
beginning of that work.” She took
her passion for God’s creation and
created a beautiful nature trail for the
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
in Alaska. Colette found that she
learned new skills each step of
the way, from different types of
vegetation to how to apply for a grant.
Congratulations Collette on your
perseverance and accomplishment
of your dream project!
Stars &
Stripes
g
Lydia Bishop, #81
Lydia Bishop (TX0191) conquered
many obstacles and fears to achieve
her Stars and Stripes award. Lydia’s
desire was to honor the veterans
in her community and specifically
honoring her grandfather’s memory,
by holding a Veteran’s Day Parade.
Even after breaking two fingers, she
was able to complete her project.
She stepped out of her comfort zone
on numerous occasions. God Bless
you, Lydia for you hard work!
AHG promise during her Stars and
Stripes project. She cleaned and
replaced the memorial flags on
veteran’s graces, and cemented
them in place. She honored the
veterans of our country through
her service to Oakwood Cemetery.
“I wanted a project that would
honor our local veterans and show
my appreciation for their service”.
Elizabeth, keep up the good work
honoring and serving!
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Maria Platt, #80
Maria, of KY0522, has a special
heart for Japanese people and their
culture. She used this as a launching
ground for her Stars and Stripes
project. God used her project in
unexpected ways. Through Maria’s
arrangement of a Japanese Culture
Summer Festival and creation of
CDs and Booklets, Maria’s mother
was able to invite new members into
her English as a Second Language
class that teaches English with the
Bible. Maria says there are two
things that she will always remember
about her project experience,
“peace in God’s perfect power” and
“amazement of God’s awesome
agenda”. Congratulations, Maria!
m
Herit
A candidate must complete a number of requirements to achieve this honor, including:
- Complete the Dolley Madison Level Award
- Earn a total of 16 Badges
- Earn the Religious Recognition associated with their denomination
- Have held a leadership position in their Troop for a minimum of six months
- Plan, develop, and provide leadership to others in a 100+ hour service project
- Writ a Life Ambition/ Spiritual Walk Essay and mini-resume
- Receive at least 3 Letters of Reference
- Pass a Board of Review
A
The Stars and Stripes Award is the highest recognition in American Heritage Girls. It is a multi-faceted
award that honors girls who epitomize the AHG Oath and Creed. The Stars and Stripes Award teaches girls
perseverance, self-respect and a strong feeling of satisfaction. Girls who earn the Stars and Stripes Award
reflect the mission of AHG to build women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country.
be patient, organize, work hard, trust
God in everything, and pray about the
little things.” Leanna did a great time
organizing and implementing a project
benefiting Christians throughout the
world who do not have religious freedom.
Excellent job Leanna!
Brianna Donahue, #85
Many recipients choose their projects
based on something significant in their
lives. Brianna from TN0413 chose to build
a prayer garden for St. John Neumann
Parish, a church that has played a large
role in her life and decisions. Her intention
was to create “a quiet place for personal
prayer and spiritual contemplation”.
Brianna believes she has a special life
calling as a Franciscan nun in the Order
of the Poor Sisters of St. Clare. Thank
you Brianna for your personal investment
and achievement!
Alexandria Hersom, #87
All aboard the Polar Express! Alexandria
of WV0001 threw a Polar Express
Christmas party for children of Military
families. She encourages other girls to
achieve their Stars and Stripes saying,
“it helps you define who you really are
and how to live in Jesus’s footsteps in
every aspect of life”. Alexandria put
much time and effort into planning and
implementing her project so it would run
smoothly. Congratulations Alexandria
on your achievement of your Stars and
Stripes Award!
Brooke Boling, #86
Brooke’s project was all about team
building and leadership development.
She led a team to build two elements
in a low ropes course, Nitro Crossing
and Wild Woozey, for Emerald Hills
Team Expansion. These elements
were designed to build strong teams
and effective leaders. Brooke (KY3130)
learned that “good leaders are servants,
not imperious foremen”. Brooke, great
job being a servant leader!
Cora Wilson, #88
The Stars and Stripes project process is
many times where most of the growing
and learning occurs. Cora Wilson, of
TN0226, learned that “everything doesn’t
always go as planned; no matter how
much you plan and try it’s not always
perfect”. Cora learned how to deal
with disappointments and challenges
in her plan, but she stuck to her cause
and reaped the benefits of a completed
project. She built a covered bench for
the playground of Rickman Elementary
School. Excellent job on your project,
Cora!
Hannah Friedeman, #89
It is a joy to see girls take their personal
passions and turn them into Stars and
Stripes projects. Hannah Friedeman of
MS1029, took her passion to serve the
world through missions and shared it with
the children at DaySpring Community
Church at the Kid’s Missions Jamboree.
She hopes “to have awakened a desire
within some of the kids to serve the
Kingdom of God in other cultures around
the world”. Hannah arranged stations to
teach the children about different aspects
of Mexican and Central American cultures
such as foods and drinks, shopping and
bartering, and traditional crafts and
music. Congratulations Hannah on your
success!
patient and trust in people”. Jessie
created English/Swahili flashcards,
put together luggage tags and
packaged salvation bracelets, which
will be taken to Kenya by those
going on a mission trip with White
River Christian Church. Excellent
work, Jessie!
Taylor Baker, #91
An American Heritage Girl promises
to serve in her community. Taylor, of
IN4540, wanted to serve her Troop’s
charter church in a way that would
benefit them the most. She wanted
her project to be a “‘Thank you”’ to
Indianapolis Christian Fellowship for
letting our American Heritage Girls
Troop use their property and facility”.
Her and her volunteers tidied up the
church grounds and playground
by raking, power washing and
mulching. They even got a surprise
blessing of an extra load of mulch!
Thank you, Taylor, for serving your
community.
Brianne Poor, #92
Passion is contagious! Brianne,
of IN0410, hopes that her Passion
for Purity conference sparks in the
attendees a love for Christ and a
desire to wait for their husbands. Her
goal for the project was “preventing
others from making mistakes,
while showing the girls that they
are fearfully and wonderfully made
and that God loves them as they
are”. At the end of the event, held
at The First Brethren Church, each
girl was presented with a purity
ring and certificate to demonstrate
their commitment to purity for God.
Congratulations, Brianne!
AHG is turning 18!
September 13th, 2013 marks the
American Heritage Girls’ 18th
Birthday! AHG is so thankful for
the bountiful blessings that God
has bestowed upon the ministry
over the years, and can’t wait to
see what the next 18 years will
bring!
Join in the Celebration!
Does your Troop or family want
to say “Happy Birthday”? Please
feel free to send birthday wishes,
in the form of cards, video
greetings, or quick messages to
[email protected] or to
175 TriCounty Parkway, Suite100
Cincinnati, OH 45246
Birthday greetings may be
shared via AHG website, blog
or Facebook page as part of the
week-long birthday celebration.
Let’s Celebrate!
AHG’s 18th birthday is September
13, 2013 and AHG is ready to
throw a PARTY - a Facebook
Party that is! Help AHG celebrate
18 years of God’s amazing
blessings by visiting the AHG
Facebook page daily for great
giveaways! The birthday fun will
begin Monday, September 9th
and conclude Friday, September
13th. Grab your party hat and join
the festivities at www.facebook.
com/AmericanHeritageGirls.
Jessie Hartline, #90
Jessie, of IN2324, discovered a lot about
herself and her leadership style through
her Stars and Stripes project. She learned
“how to direct people and reach out to
people to help, and I learned how to be
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Check out the Fall 2013 Edition of the Heritage
Headlines for exciting updates and inspiring
stories from Troops across the country!
ica
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OAT H
g
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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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