Charter Organization Spotlight

CHRIST CHURCH, PRESBYTERIAN

GA2345 EVANS, GEORGIA

This issue, AHG is excited to shine a light on Christ Church, Presbyterian in Evans, GA, home to GA2345. Charter Representative Diane Norkus and Troop Coordinator Laura Doss reflect on six years of chartering an AHG Troop at their church and the significant impact AHG has had on their faith community.

ARGUABLY THE MOST IMPACTFUL FORCE IN THE WELL-BEING OF AN AHG TROOP IS THE CHARTER ORGANIZATION.

Every Troop is owned by a Charter Organization, which is typically a church, school, or similarly-aligned Christian organization. Without the support of their Charter Organization, an AHG Troop would not exist. When the Charter Organization and Charter Representative are involved beyond simply providing meeting space, the AHG Ministry can have an incredible impact on the outreach of the organization.

Charter Organizations serve a crucial role in the AHG Ministry, as they own and operate AHG Troops. Though volunteers implement the AHG Program, the Charter Organization is able to customize their AHG Troop to best accomplish their ministry goals.

WHY DID YOUR CHURCH DECIDE TO CHARTER AN AHG TROOP?

Our church decided to charter an AHG Troop at the request of a few moms in the church. We had sons who were in the church’s Trail Life USA troop and we wanted something similar for our girls. We found out about AHG, took the information to the leadership of Christ Church, Presbyterian, and they were fully supportive!

HOW MANY YEARS HAS YOUR CHURCH HAD AN AHG TROOP?

This is our Troop’s sixth year at Christ Church, Presbyterian.

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN GROWTH IN YOUR YOUTH/ FAMILY/WOMEN’S MINISTRY PROGRAMMING SINCE CHARTERING AN AHG TROOP?

Since chartering our Troop, Christ Church, Presbyterian has grown in membership through several families who joined the Troop. These members have subsequently gotten involved in our youth, family, and women’s ministries. They have integrated into the life of the church and have been active in youth group, youth leadership, fellowship, hospitality, and in other capacities.

HOW ELSE HAS AHG AFFECTED YOUR ORGANIZATION’S MINISTRY EFFORTS?

Christ Church, Presbyterian has incorporated us into their missions conference and has supported us as an outreach ministry. They have graciously allowed us to use the campus freely for meetings, service projects, fundraisers, and outreach. They have been nothing but encouraging in our quest to “build women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country.”

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER POTENTIAL CHARTER ORGANIZATIONS LOOKING TO CHARTER AN AHG TROOP?

My advice to potential charter organizations is to be involved, interested, and supportive (both verbally and financially). Keep an open line of communication and check in regularly to make sure the needs of the Troop are being met. On the flip side, I would encourage the Troop to keep in regular contact with the Charter Representative and church staff. Maintaining good relationships is key to a healthy Troop. Lastly, regularly expressing gratitude to the Charter Organization is helpful and appropriate.