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Heritage Headlines

Inside this edition:AHG’s National Day of Service p. 2-4Program Opportunities p. 4-6Outdoors p. 7-11Brand Updates p. 11Girl Leadership p. 12-18New Merchandise p. 19

Dear Friends,

The holidays are upon us. Joy fills the air.

One of my favorite holidays is Thanksgiving. I love the pure essence of the concept of such a holiday. Although it may seem like we live in a very different America than the one the pilgrims settled, it is still vitally important that Americans give thanks to their Maker, the provider of all gifts. Setting apart a date on the national calendar is vital to a God loving America and I pray that this commemoration is never abolished - for a nation without God will certainly perish.

Each year I am hostess to dozens of loved ones as we gather at our table to celebrate the blessings of our Father. As we pray before the meal we thank God for the gifts of food, health and family. But what we must add is a thankfulness for God – the fact that He is triune and lives within us each and every day. Sure the food, health and family are important but if all of these were lost, we would still have our relationship with God – the only True Blessing that withstands all of life’s trials.

David knew of the True Blessing given to mankind even before the birth of Christ. He spoke of this and the need for Thanksgiving in Psalm 100: 4,5. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name. For the Lord is good; His loving kindness is everlasting, And His faithfulness to all 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

celebrated it as a traditional English harvest feast, to which they invited the local Wampanoag Indians.

Days of thanksgiving were celebrated throughout the colonies after fall harvests. All thirteen colonies did not, however, celebrate Thanksgiving at the same time until October 1777. George Washington was the first president to declare the holiday, in 1789 and by the mid–1800s, many states observed a Thanksgiving holiday. Meanwhile, the poet and

editor Sarah J. Hale had begun lobbying for a national Thanksgiving holiday. During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln, looking for ways to unite the nation, discussed the subject with Hale. In 1863, he gave his Thanksgiving Proclamation, declaring the last Thursday in November a day of thanksgiving.

I am grateful for Bradford, Washington, Hale and Lincoln for securing the place in history that we know as Thanksgiving.

May we continue this important tradition despite the current state of America and provide its people a day of reflection for the blessing of His gift and the True Blessing of Jesus to each of those who have faith in Him.

Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year,

Patt iPatti GaribayNational Executive Director and Founder

To these bounties, which are so constant ly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.

Abraham Lincoln, Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1863

Amer ican Her i tage Gir ls ’

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Open Arms and Extended Hands

American Heritage Girls Troops participate in First Annual 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

American Heritage Girls.“Real experience serving others gives girls the opportunity to grow in their faith and discover their God-given purpose.”

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.

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

“She

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to the poor:,

And she stretches

out her hands to the needy.” Proverbs 31:20

AHG’sNational Day of Service

National Day of Service

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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.

TX1007 participated in two separate service projects. One group of girls

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 o r p h a n a g e . 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.

SD1191 spent an hour volunteering at Children’s Care Hospital and

“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.”

Proverbs 31:20

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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.

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

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Troops part icipat ing in AHG’s First Annual Nat ional Day of Service include:

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American Heritage Girls are

Free to Be a BlessingAHG 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.

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.

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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.

Troop TalesWould 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 Dad-Daughter 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!!

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 CouncilDennis Clark: Connecticut, Connecticut Rivers CouncilJacqui Coleman: Florida, North Florida CouncilJeffrey Davis: Ohio, Tecumseh CouncilLuanne Dietz: Ohio, Dan Beard CouncilMaria Esquela: Maryland, Baltimore CouncilLauren Huelsman: Arizona, Catalina CouncilCarmen Maker: Louisiana, Norwela CouncilThomas McFadden: Florida, Central Florida CouncilSonja Myers: Virginia, Heart of Virginia CouncilDawn Norris: West Virginia, Buckskin CouncilLynn Sanders: Texas, Longhorn CouncilTodd Skiles: Virginia, National Capital CouncilAnnie Slagboom: California, Ventura County CouncilBeth Uchaker: Arizona, Grand Canyon Council

To learn more about this position, visit www.ahgonline.org/areas

Outdoors

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U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation’s (USSAF) Trailblazer Adventure

ProgramThe 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 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 hands-on outdoor related activities.

The USSAF Trailblazer Adventure Program staff will be working with

AHG Troops across the country to introduce them to the enjoyment of the outdoors and the connection between American sportsmen and women and conservation.

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.

USSAF Trailblazer EventsThe 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.

Depending on resources available at

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

Outdoors

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.

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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!

USSAF Story – Troop TalesMay 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 classroom-type 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 we were satisfied with the arrangement. We will

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/.

American Heritage Girls complete historical week at BSA Philmont

Scout RanchWhile 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.

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Regional Camp ReportSt. Louis Camp was “More Precious than Gold!” filled with Olympic themesThe 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 AHGWith 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 CampCO0002 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

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Horse CampThe 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 CampThis 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

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

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 well-equipped. 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.

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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 LifetimeThe 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 BrandIn 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 AHGIs 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.

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How CA2911 is growing Girl Leadership opportunities

AHG Troop CA2911 belongs to the girls. It is their Troop. AHG is their opportunity to practice success and failure in a grace-filled environment. AHG is a “grace place” to grow into strong young women of faith and grow in the Fruit of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:22). The girls are responsible for running the bi-monthly meetings, hosting the girls’ night, Court of Honor, and much more. As adult Leaders, we are there to support them as they overcome their weaknesses through Christ and soar to new heights with their new found strengths. Our support consists of: guiding them in their leadership roles, holding half-day workshops, leadership training meetings, consistent communication, providing resources, prayer, and being examples as servant leaders. Our hope is for American Heritage Girls of CA 2911 to be equipped, by the grace of our Lord, to know what it means to lead by serving and to yearn to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant!...” ~ Matthew 25:21.

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

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

guide the younger girls through the Joining Award requirements. My favorite part of being a leader is getting to know the girls better and helping them to get to know Jesus more. I have grown in leadership because all this time I thought being a leader was all about having fun. It is, but it is also about knowing how to guide our younger AHG sisters with healthy boundaries and pointing them in the right direction.

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 life-long 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

Girl Leadership

AHG is a “grace place” to grow into strong young women of faith and grow

in the Fruit of the Spirit.” But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gent leness and self-control.

Ephesians 5:22

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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!

Stars & Stripes Spot lightFinal Project Report,

Abigail LindquistThe 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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Stars & Stripes

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!

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

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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. 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.

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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 HughesCassie removed her training wheels and

put the pedal to the metal for her Stars and Stripes Project! Repairing old bikes for the kids at Murphy-Harpst 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 GartinThe 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

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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 first-hand accounts needed by current and future researchers, historians, and family members of veterans.

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 t e l e p h o n e 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.”

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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. H e a t h e r

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

the baton. Her event rallied band directors, m u s i c i a n s , 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 e x e m p l i f i e d 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

for those who come to the church (Broadway UMC).” That’s what Rachel intended and that’s what she a c c o m p l i s h e d . Her project grew in size as more plants and garden a c c o u t r e m e n t 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 FaubionSarah was disturbed by the statistics of teen p r e g n a n c i e s , 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

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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

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

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

American Heritage Girls Board MembersEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mike Tillar, President – Cincinnati, OHGreg Schmidt, Vice President – Anchorage, AK

Hal Shoemaker, Treasurer – Cincinnati, OHLarry Cunningham, Chairman – Cincinnati, OH

MEMBERS AT LARGEVickie Burress – West Chester, OH

Larry Carpenter – Franklin, TNNancy Dendramis – Cincinnati, OHPat Garibay – West Chester, OH

Janet Griffin – Grapevine, TXCharles Holmes – Colleyville, TX

Dwight Stephenson – Cincinnati OHJohn Young – Loveland, OH

EX OFFICIOPatti Garibay – West Chester, OH

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NEW MerchandiseThe 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 was the winner with this Wooden Creed Ornament design. $6.00

Nalgene Water Bottle Pretty in pink, this new water bottle will help you keep hydrated. You can track your water in-take or mix with pre-packaged flavor packets and get just the right taste with the liquid measurement feature on back which measures 400 ml. or 14 oz. When filled to the top, this light-weight bottle actually holds 16 oz. of your favorite beverage. $10.00

Ultimate BackpackThe new Ultimate Backpack from AHG is Royal Blue and Black. This heavyweight, slouchy, double compartment back pack has all the right features and styling to make it a winner with teens and adults.

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 God has given - thank you for your understanding.

Includes: headphone opening, duel mesh side pockets, padded shoulder straps and a handy web handle. Take it with you on the go. Great for campouts or for everyday!$20.00

Tile EarringsEnjoy this pair of AHG logo earrings for leaders and girls alike. These acrylic earrings with the AHG Logo send a “clear” message about your dedication to our mission and they’ll match all your AHG apparel too! These earrings have a slight drop to dangle prettily from your ears and are for pierced ears only. $8.00

Tile RingSilver and fully adjustable, this tile ring has the AHG Logo embedded in a smooth acrylic tile. The new AHG tile ring will look great on any girl’s finger and is sure to bring a smile. $8.00

20www.ahgonline.org

American Heritage Girls, Inc175 TriCounty Pkwy, Suite 100Cincinnati, OH 45246

Read about the Faith,

Service & Fun that is AHG!

Check out the Winter 2013 Edition of the Heritage Headlines for complete coverage of AHG’s 2012 National Leadership Conference

and Veteran’s Day!

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OATH

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.