VOLUME EIGHTEEN | SUMMER 2021 | AMERICANHERITAGEGIRLS.ORG
HERITAGEHEADLINES LIVE FREE
Debuting the 2021-2022 Program Year Theme
South Dakota Troop Takes High Adventure Trip of a Lifetime
Meet AHG Alumna Sister M. Elizabeth Donahue, FSGM High Impact Insight:
Helping Troops Thrive With a Theme This Program Year
AHG3151 Heritage Headlines Volume 18 Summer 2021 2
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Dear friends, Live Free, the 2021-22 AHG Program Year Theme. What a timely message. We have lived through a most interesting time in history. The pandemic mysteriously affected the four corners of the earth, plaguing millions with a disease of a reportedly unknown origin. This disease shut down the world economy, forced people to stay in their homes and when they did leave, they were mandated to wear masks and “socially distance”. The COVID-19 pandemic robbed the common man of his freedom, forcing him into behaviors that were unnatural and difficult. For the Christian, our freedom does not come from the U.S. Constitution or any other manmade document or manifesto. It comes from the Lord God Himself. The complete story of the Bible can best be summed up in the word “free.” From the stories in Exodus, when God’s people are enslaved in Egypt and then set free by the Lord in the Promised Land, to all of the books in the New Testament extolling God’s sacrifice of His one and only son for the sole purpose of freeing mankind from the slavery of sin; the Bible is truly the Freedom Book. Jesus brings us the ability to live free. It is only through Him that true freedom can exist. Faith in the Lord allows for freedom from physical pain, from guilt, from vices, from fear and anxiety, from believing falsehoods and false gods, from our own destructive thoughts. He brings us peace, He brings us rest, He brings us truth, He brings us satisfaction, and He brings us the ability to love and to serve. Masks, indoor orders, vaccination fears, climbing death tolls are serious and provoke anxiety, certainly. But no matter what our form of “imprisonment” may be, our chains can fall. We can live free despite our circumstances. Paul represents this so well. Despite his chains, he states in Ephesians 3:1 that he may be in prison but he is still free in Christ. Paul had hope in his present situation and he had hope for the future as he believed in the Author and Creator of hope. Jesus offers us the very same hope He generously gave to Paul. He invites us to “live free.” And this is my prayer for all of the members of the American Heritage Girls that this year, as we reunite in our Troops and in our meeting places, that we live free with the joy of the Lord coloring our every day. With love and prayers,
Patti Garibay AHG Founder & Executive Director
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS
SUMMER ISSUE JULY 2021
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AHG News Sharing the AHG Program with audiences across the country on The Christian Post, Point of View Radio Talk Show, America’s Voice News, and more.
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Service Stories
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COVER STORY
Embracing the Promises of Christ in a PostChristian World
American Heritage Girls are fulfilling God’s call to be His hands and feet. Read about Troop service projects and their impact on local communities across the country. 12
Girl Stories Troop activities, special events, girl leadership, and more! AHG gives girls the safe and Spirit-filled space to grow in their identity and abilities.
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Badge Stories AHG Badges give girls the opportunity to develop applicable life skills, grow in faith, and discover new passions.
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Charter Organization Spotlight The secret to a thriving AHG Troop is a strong, supportive Charter Organization. Lucas Christian Academy in Lucas, Texas is just that for the girls and volunteers of TX0613.
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Alumnae Spotlight Meet Sister M. Elizabeth Grace Donahue, a novice with the Order of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George.
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Stars & Stripes Award Recipient Highlight Meet Makayla Keplinger, Stars & Stripes Award Recipient #709 from VA1199.
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High Impact Insight Stephanie Marshall, D.C. Metro Area Event Coordinator, shares valuable information on how Troops can thrive with a theme this Program Year.
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AHG, Inc. Updates Exciting updates, changes, and news from the AHG, Inc. Office and Staff in Cincinnati, OH.
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“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” —2 Corinthians 3:17, NIV
ABOUT THE COVER MEET OUR AHG COVER GIRL
BEHIND THE COVER Bright sunshine, blooming flowers, and AHG girls enjoying outdoor adventure nationwide all means one thing—summer is here! Did you know that all AHG publications, social media photos, and video content feature the smiling faces of reallive American Heritage Girls? The AHG Marketing & Communications Team creates regular opportunities to photograph AHG girls and volunteers, hosting Cincinnati-local Troops at photoshoots and photographing girls from across the country at national events. This photoshoot featured sisters Eden and Eva and their cousin Liv—all Girl Members of Middletown, OH Troop OH3722. The girls met the AHG Staff for an impromptu photoshoot just as spring blooms were popping up across the Cincinnati area! The giggly girls donned colorful Reach Higher Class B T-Shirts, the preferred uniform for fun adventures too messy for AHG Official Class A Uniforms!
Sisters Eden (L) and Eva (R) of OH3722 joined AHG, Inc. Staff for an afternoon of giggles and fun!
Cousins sharing the bond of AHG sisterhood, what could be sweeter? Joining Eden and Eva is Liv, also from OH3722.
Looking to share this issue with friends, family, or someone you think might love the AHG Program? Share the digital version FREE by visiting issuu.com/americanheritagegirls. Want an extra hard copy for your daughter’s memory box or to give to a potential local Charter Organization? Order today from the AHGstore by visiting americanheritagegirls.org/store! Don’t miss a single issue all year, sign-up with AHG’s new subscription service!
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NEW PROGRAM YEAR, NEW ARRIVALS! The AHGstore is ready to outfit your entire Troop with new LIVE FREE swag. Girls, leaders, and alumnae will all love these pieces (along with the rest of the collection)! Shop online anytime at: store.americanheritagegirls.org
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AHGNEWS RECENT MEDIA SPOTS FOR AHG, INC. AHG was all over the airwaves this quarter! Check out the many interviews AHG Founder and Executive Director Patti Garibay participated in with news outlets all over the country:
Bott Radio Network Special Encounter bottradionetwork.com/ministry/encounter-magazine/2021-04-09-specialencounter-patty-garibay
The Christian Post 10 Creative Ways to Make this Easter the Most Memorable christianpost.com/voices/10-creative-ways-to-make-this-easter-the-mostmemorable.html
Real America’s Voice The Road Forward with Dr. Tim Clinton, start video at 28:52 americasvoice.news/video/uJJx5xbRx0Hjv4D
Whether it’s faith, service or fun, communities across the nation are witnessing contributions of local AHG Troops. Heritage Headlines, AHG’s quarterly magazine, seeks to spread those good news stories while encouraging other Troops to follow in their footsteps. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Patti Garibay
Faith Radio The Meeting House with Bob Crittenden faithradio.org/programming/media-center/garibay-patti-americanheritage-girls-raising-godly-girls-guide-to-fear-and-anxiety-in-uncertaintimes
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MINISTRY EXPANSION
Rachael Culpepper
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Michelle Beckham-Corbin
MomStrong International Ministry The Heidi St. John Podcast heidistjohn.com/blog/podcasts/light-candle-patti-garibay
KKMS 980 AM, The Mission CrossWalk, Live interview on 5/4/21, start listening at 04:15 omny.fm/shows/crosswalk-mn/05-04-21-episode-309
CONTENT MARKETING SPECIALIST
Erin Marco
GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST
Becky Lipps
CONTRIBUTORS
Stephanie Marshall
Point of View Live interview on 5/5/21, start listening at 02:00 pointofview.net/show/wednesday-may-5-2021
Catholic Faith Network CFN Live, start watching at 14:25 vimeopro.com/user98187253/catholic-faith-network-cfn/video/545537715
WMUZ 103.5 FM, The Light The Bob Dutko Show
Direct all Letters to the Editor, address changes, or other correspondence to: American Heritage Girls, Inc. 35 Tri-County Parkway Cincinnati, OH 45246 513-771-2025
wmuz.com/bob-dutko-show-summary-monday-05-10-21
news@ahgonline.org americanheritagegirls.org
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AHGONLINE
SOCIAL CHANNELS
CELEBRATING AHG TROOPS ACROSS THE WEB
Check out our social media channels for the latest AHG updates and happenings.
GET FEATURED Share your Troop photos with the hashtag #ahgfun on Instagram for a chance to be shared in Heritage Headlines.
THE JUMP www.thejump.com/ ahgcommunity
PINTEREST www.pinterest.com/ americanheritagegirls @emwegenka
COMMENTS & CONVERSATION Ever wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail? It’s the longest hiking-only footpath on the planet—over 2,000 miles long! Lydia, one of AHG Troop VA1010’s Explorers (9-12 year-olds), backpacked her way through a portion of the trail for five days, camping on the trail for four nights and completing various requirements of Outdoor Skills Badges along the way! That’s no easy feat—talk about impressive!
FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ AmericanHeritageGirls
@craniofamilystyle
INSTAGRAM @ahgfun
“Amazing What a wonderful experience and accomplishment. Keep reaching for the stars.” –Delinda Phillips “Incredible! My daughter (8 years) and son (6 years) have been begging to do the AT. Can’t wait to show them this post! Great job, Lydia! Maybe you’ll be a thru-hiker one day!” –Dana Cluff “Lydia you are such a blessing to be around. I’m proud to know you and I’m so proud of you for doing hard things, like hiking for five days.” –Marianne Alexander Heddings
“An amazing accomplishment! Hope you journaled so you can look back on this time in your life and appreciate your journey!”
–Cathy Schrader Born
@ahgnews
“Lydia, I am so impressed by your courage, confidence, and fortitude. Phenomenal!” –Kristin King
@mgvp2012
“Lydia, I am blessed to co-lead our squad this year. If this isn’t perseverance, I don’t know what is! Keep aiming high!”
www.linkedin.com/ company/ American-Heritage-Girls
–Linda Beaty “Wow Lydia! That’s cool! Congratulations on doing such an amazing thing!”
YOUTUBE
–Hope Sellers Smith @olivia.happy.olga
www.youtube.com/ AHGchannel AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS | 9
SERVICESTORIES WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN ACTIVE CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES Service projects look a little different in today’s circumstances, but that hasn’t stopped American Heritage Girls across the country from giving back to their communities! Troop leaders looking for service ideas that are compatible with socialdistancing and virtual settings are invited to download the AHG in a Virtual Setting and Service in a Virtual Setting addendum from AHG’s online resource library.
HAVE A STORY OF SERVICE OR A CREATIVE IDEA YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?
Submit your photos and project details to AHG via https://bit.ly/AHGphoto for a chance to be featured on social media or in a future issue of Heritage Headlines!
VIRGINIA TROOP CARES FOR COMMUNITY The girls of VA1318 donned their AHG Class B T-Shirts and safety vests for a weekend service project to benefit their beautiful community. Hitting the Gloucester Point Beach Park for a sunshine-filled day of volunteering, girls participated in the community-wide “Clean Gloucester Weekend”. The Troop spent two hours collecting litter, picking up five full bags of trash ready for proper disposal. Thanks to their efforts, the coastline of the bay area was trash-free that day, protecting our oceans and marine life from being filled with more waste pollution.
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CALIFORNIA GIRLS PACK “TOTES OF HOPE” FOR LOCAL KIDS There’s a longtime trend among American Heritage Girls service projects— serving foster children local to the Troop community. For foster kids, moving frequently means packing up their few belongings quickly, sometimes without warning, into any kind of bag they can find. AHG Troops like CA0414 recognize that one simple way to make foster kids feel a bit more secure is to donate bags and essentials to Child and Family Services. The Troop partnered with the Hopeful Hands Students in Action team to pack “Totes of Hope” care bags for foster youth who are temporarily living at Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services in Woodland Hills, California. Each tote was filled with a basic needs pack that included a toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, undergarments, and a hairbrush. They also included items that would be an encouragement to the foster children, like scented hand lotions, beauty face masks, stuffed animals, kick balls, journals and pens, and coloring books and crayons.
PATRIOT LEVEL AWARD SERVICE PROJECT BENEFITS PENNSYLVANIA WILDLIFE CENTER Jaiden and Molly, Patriots from PA3031, are both working on the Abigail Adams Level Award Service Project. The girls each chose for their service efforts to “care for creation” by benefitting the West Shore Wildlife Center near Harrisburg, PA. The local non-profit organization takes in injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife for care before releasing back into the wild. They collected paper towels, toilet paper, soap, tissues, bandage supplies, tape, Ziploc bags, cotton balls, and food! The Patriots also started a “Penny War,” a fun change-collecting competition among girls in the Troop to collect funds to benefit the animal rescue center. “All of these muchneeded items will be put to use daily at the wildlife center and help us care for our patients,” said Emily Garrigan, Director of the West Shore Wildlife Center.
STUFFED ANIMALS DONATED TO FLORIDA POLICE DEPARTMENT When police are called to the scene of an accident involving families, the situation is often scary and traumatizing for children. In an effort to provide some comfort and reduce the effects of stress, officers gift children with stuffed animals. The girls of Winter Haven-area Troop FL2511 collected enough donated new and gently-used stuffed animals to fill two industrial-sized trash bags for their county Sheriff’s Department.
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GIRLSTORIES INCREDIBLE TALES OF LEADERSHIP, VOLUNTEERING & FRIENDSHIP
SOUTH DAKOTA GIRLS ENJOY HIGH ADVENTURE TRIP OF A LIFETIME Hidden between the steep terrain of the Colorado Rockies is the Royal Gorge, a stunning canyon boasting daring activities for the entry-level adventurer to the thrill-seeking aficionado. The girls of SD1268 set out for the Centennial State for a five-day camping trip this spring. Together with their Troop leaders, the girls embarked on a white water rafting adventure on the Arkansas River through the gorge, taking in stunning views of the mountains and Royal Gorge Bridge that hangs above 956 ft. from the rushing river rapids. Girls also enjoyed rock climbing, hiking, and kayaking during their trip before returning home to Sioux Falls. 12 | AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS
SUNSHINE IN THE NY FORECAST CALLS FOR AN OUTDOOR SKILLS DAY When the sun is shining in April in the Hudson Valley, you know AHG girls will find their way outdoors! In order to fully enjoy the uncharacteristically summer-like weather, the leaders and girls of Walden, New York AHG Troop NY4813 set up camp chairs and enjoyed an Outdoor Skills Day at a local park! The Pioneer/Patriot Unit Leader,
Mrs. Monahan, instructed the girls on knot tying and rope skills, including techniques like square lashing, shear lashing, diagonal lashing, and floor lashing. The girls used their newly-honed skills to construct a flag pole, a usable ladder, and a stretcher for carrying an injured person.
TRAILBLAZER DISCOVERS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE & SERVICE OPPORTUNITY ON HIKING TRAIL As a Trailblazer, Miriam, an AHG Pioneer, knows a thing or two about forging her own path through the world! While enjoying a day hiking in the springtime sun, Miriam noticed that the nature preserve trails endured some damage during the harsh New York Winter. Free from the confines of having to schedule and coordinate formal Troop activities, Miriam was able to quickly declare that the hike be a day of service! She cleared the path of debris, adjusted trail signage, and made the trail safe for other families in her community. Originally created to meet the needs of military and missionary families, the Trailblazer program allows girls to experience the AHG Program without a Troop affiliation. Although AHG believes that its program is best delivered in a Troop setting, AHG also recognizes that many girls are unable to experience the AHG Program in a traditional Troop setting due to location, availability, or accessibility. For more information on the AHG Trailblazer Program, visit americanheritagegirls.org/trailblazer-program AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS | 13
BADGESTORIES LEARNING LIFE SKILLS AND BUILDING CONFIDENCE
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HIKING BADGE Hiking is a wonderful way to spend time outdoors. It’s also a great way to exercise. There are many things to see on a hike. You can hike in the city or in a forest, searching for wildlife. Anytime you decide to hike, always plan ahead, dress appropriately, keep safe, and learn the necessary skills to have an enjoyable time.
OUTDOOR SKILLS & OUTDOOR COOKING BADGES Outdoor Skills are essential to have safe and fun outdoor experiences. Whether embarking on a four-day backpacking trip or a short hike at your local park, a basic knowledge of outdoor skills will add to the enjoyment and safety of your adventures.
The Tenderheart Unit of Port St. Lucie Troop FL2545 departed from their spring campsite for an afternoon of fulfilling requirements for the Hiking Badge. The South Florida Troop mucked through muddy trails, identifying native plants and, from a safe distance, even spotted some of Florida’s notorious toothy residents—alligators!
Being in the outdoors is a lot of fun. Cooking outside can add to the experience. You don’t have to eat boring food while camping. You can enjoy many foods you cook at home or create delicious recipes savored only in the outdoors. The Explorer Unit of Colorado Springs area Troop CO2017 bundled up for a day of springtime outdoor fun! Together the girls completed requirements for two different badges in the Outdoor Skills Frontier—the Outdoor Skills Badge and the Outdoor Cooking Badge! Girls spent the day learning outdoor essentials like knife skills and how to plan for campside cooking. Girls learned an important lesson about proper coal placement for Dutch oven cooking the hard way—their first attempt at a campfire confection resulted in some seriously-singed cinnamon rolls! But with their newlylearned skills on proper heat regulation, the Explorers successfully completed a second attempt and enjoyed their sweets in camp chairs around the fire as a Unit!
CANOEING BADGE Being on the water is a wonderful way to experience nature. You need only a few inches of water to float a canoe, so it’s possible to go many places you could not go in a large boat. Whether merely paddling down a small stream or around a lake, canoeing is an activity that allows people at all skill levels to find great enjoyment. There are many places you can take canoeing lessons and most large cities have clubs that can be a big help in learning the basics. The Pioneer and Patriots of TX1202 tested their balance, teamwork, and swimming skills while earning the Canoeing Badge this spring! The girls developed their basic skills in a swimming pool, practicing different strokes, how to properly capsize their canoe, and how to adhere to canoeing safety measures. Once they were confident in their newlylearned skills, the girls put their knowledge to the test on a six-mile canoe trip downriver. Recent storm conditions left natural debris in the river, allowing girls the opportunity to practice their steering and learn how to navigate the canoe when the path is obstructed (hint, when the river current is blocked, getting into the water and lifting the canoe in sync with your partner is your only option!) After their paddling trip, girls enjoyed lunch on the river bank and reminisced on the fun of the outdoor adventure! AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS | 15
CHARTER ORGANIZATIONSPOTLIGHT
LUCAS CHRISTIAN ACADEMYTX0613 LUCAS, TEXAS
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 similarlyaligned 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. 16 | AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS
This issue, AHG is excited to shine a light on Lucas Christian Academy in Lucas, TX, home to TX0613. Charter Representative Lucy Allen and Troop Coordinator Regina Wall reflect on their first year of chartering an AHG Troop at their school and the significant impact AHG has had on their community.
WHY DID YOUR SCHOOL DECIDE TO CHARTER AN AHG TROOP?
HOW ELSE HAS AHG AFFECTED YOUR ORGANIZATION’S MINISTRY EFFORTS?
In the summer of 2020, a parent in our community approached us about the possibility of starting an AHG Troop at Lucas Christian Academy (LCA). As we learned more about AHG, we were excited about starting an LCA Troop because our vision is very similar. Located in Lucas, TX, we are a hybrid school that partners with parents in Christian community to transform lives and build warriors for Christ. AHG’s Mission of building women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country is the heart of what we are pursuing as a school and provides practical ways for our students to fulfill our common objectives.
The girls’ service hours combined have provided well over 200 hours to bless our local community during our first year as a Troop. By having a lively parade for dementia patients during COVID-19, packing essentials for the homeless, and pulling weeds and picking up trash for the school and athletics field, our girls actively served our community. Part of our charter’s mission statement is to transform lives through servant leadership. Our Troop has upheld and strengthened those core values by living out their faith in practical, life-changing ways that enhance the lives of others.
Our Troop Coordinator, Regina Wall, served as an Air Force pilot for 12 years and currently serves as an Admissions Liaison Officer for the United State Air Force Academy. Her experiences gained in training and in combat inspired her passion to lead the board and establish Troop TX0613 (inspired by Isaiah 61:3). All of the current Troop Board Members, and many of the Unit Leaders and volunteers, got their start from working outdoors or camping with their families, and learning leadership skills through various retreats or professions.
HOW MANY YEARS HAS YOUR SCHOOL HAD AN AHG TROOP? Founded in the fall of 2020, Troop TX0613 just finished its first Program Year. We started with a goal of 15 new members and ended the year with 27 active girls. We are delighted to be recognized as a First Year National Honor Troop! Our success was due to the enthusiasm and active engagement of our girls and the exceptional parents who volunteered their time and energy to build our Troop. It has been an amazing year of watching these girls grow in their faith each and every time we get together despite the challenges this year has brought. In our first year, they were brave by taking calculated risks (all within AHG Health & Safety policies and guidelines, of course) by camping, hiking, climbing a high rope course, and learning how to start their own fires. Whether they were singing songs or running silly relay races, there was always fun to be had (while still providing service)!
HOW HAVE YOU SEEN GROWTH IN YOUR MINISTRY PROGRAMMING SINCE CHARTERING AN AHG TROOP?
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER POTENTIAL CHARTER ORGANIZATIONS LOOKING TO CHARTER AN AHG TROOP? Leadership trickles down. Find Troop leaders and volunteers who are passionate about impacting the next generation for Christ; those who will sacrifice their time, talents, and resources to empower and equip the precious young women in your community. As an organization, take a risk and invest your resources to start an AHG Troop. I am absolutely thrilled that our young women have the opportunity to participate in AHG and for the practical ways they are learning, growing, and thriving through their involvement. Our parents and volunteers not only serve but bond and develop strong connections that enhance their personal lives, families, and our school community. Starting AHG at LCA is one of the best initiatives we have pursued at LCA in the 13 years that I have served on staff. I am confident that our leaders, volunteers, and students will look back upon their experiences with AHG as some of their most valuable and treasured memories.
Lucy Allen
I love that our AHG Troop is committed to community service and leadership by providing multiple opportunities for our girls to grow and flourish. Our first and last events were community service projects. During our second semester, we started emphasizing leadership and are planning a full-blown leadership program next year. Many of these events coincided with our “bring a friend” days. The girls’ confidence has grown exponentially since the beginning of the year with many eagerly pursuing leadership positions. It has been encouraging to hear many parents of our guests praise our girls’ character and the amazing work they do for our community. The relationship between a Charter Organization and its Troop is designed to be a partnership. As a ministry partner, the AHG Troop serves as an extension of the Charter Organization. AHG values the role of the Charter Organization in the AHG Ministry as they are the “owners” of their Troop. For more information on the chartering process, visit americanheritagegirls.org/start-a-troop/charter-organizations AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS | 17
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Have you ever sat in an open field, wooded area, or nature reserve and observed how birds respond to life in God’s creation? They seem to live with such carefree spirits—not bound by walls of limitations or confined by the uncertainties of their future. They live in the moment and for the moment. As they soar through the sky, bounce from tree limb to tree limb, sing beautiful melodies in chorus, and busily build nests for the spring arrival of their young, they seem to live in confidence and almost joy for what each day brings. They live to do what they were born to do— they live free.
Embracing the Promises of Christ in a Post-Christian World
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What Does it Mean to Live Free? According to the Strong’s Bible Concordance, the word “free” is defined as being delivered from an obligation and no longer under restraint. As Christ-followers, we have the opportunity to live free in the joy of His love. Our relationship with Christ allows us to wear different lenses and see things through His eyes. We no longer are bound by the chains of sin but set free through faith! We know that His saving grace frees us from many things that try to trap us in life. We are free from worry, doubt, and fear because we know God is in control. We are free from allowing circumstances to defeat us, knowing God is growing our character. He promises to use everything we face for our betterment and bring glory to Him. A relationship with Christ does not free us to do whatever we want but gives every Christ-follower the privilege to do what is right, just, and true in our Father’s eyes. Free to live a Compassionate, Helpful, Honest, Loyal, Perseverant, Pure, Resourceful, Respectful, Responsible, and Reverent life in Christ, just as the AHG Creed instructs! Join AHG girls, leaders, volunteers, and Staff this Program Year as we dive into the 2021-2022 Program Year Theme, LIVE FREE.
Living Free in Christ in a Post-Christian World Today’s girls are surrounded by a culture that places great importance on freedom—freedom of expression, specifically. The ability to define oneself and one’s opinions is at the bedrock of the Gen Z identity. This generation of American Heritage Girls has grown up in a self-obsessed, Post-Christian America. Post-Christianity is known to be the loss of the primacy of the Christian worldview in political affairs, especially in our Western world where Christianity had previously flourished, in favor of alternative worldviews such as secularism or nationalism. How crushing it must feel to exist in our world of darkness without the light of Christ. But what would it look like to raise a generation of girls who placed their hope—their joy, their confidence, their fulfillment—not in the promises of the world, but in the freedom Christ offers each of us? AHG works diligently each day to make that vision and the ministry’s Mission of building women of integrity a reality. Parents of today’s girls are searching for a way to raise up their Gen-Zers with a strong and life-giving faith. American Heritage Girls is that Godly space for tens of thousands of families nationwide. Thanks to a program fully formed and centered around Jesus Christ, girls are learning, first-hand, how (and why!) to live a life of virtue.
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Living Free in Girlhood As a Christ-follower, an American Heritage Girl can, from a young age, learn to establish an identity in Christ instead of in her self-interest. Today’s world places so much pressure on girls to look, speak, believe, and behave in a certain social media-approved way. During adolescence, girls are beginning to discover who they are, and sadly for so many, who they wish they should be based on societal standards. A recent study conducted by the Dove Self-Esteem Project discovered a staggering 80% of girls under the age of 13 have used an appearance-changing retouching app or “beauty” filter on their photos and videos, and 52% of these girls use them every day. In the digital landscape, a girl’s own self-perception is skewed by these unrealistic standards. In today’s predominately online landscape, including virtual school, girls are looking at themselves more than ever before and, in turn, wrapping themselves in the chains of worldly expectation. At AHG, girls are welcomed just as they are to discover the identity, vocation, and purpose God has in store for each of them. By combining life skills, service, and fun, time spent in AHG shows girls how to keep God at the center of every aspect of their daily lives—not just within the confines of church or religious education time. AHG gives girls the space to develop a healthy understanding of self, a lasting understanding of her faith tradition, and a deep relationship with Jesus Christ. Romans 8 reminds us that the limitations of this world do not bind us if we are in a relationship with Jesus Christ. God makes us strong in our weakness. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us according to the will of God. God uses all our circumstances for His glory and purpose. If the Almighty God is for us and we have made Him the author of our dreams and plans, who or what can stop our accomplishments? AHG is committed to teaching girls that nothing can separate them from God’s love. That His grace and mercy give them the ability to try new things, fail, and continue pursuing difficult dreams. When we rely on His strength, instead of our own abilities, we have the courageous ability to live free in Christ and accomplish anything He calls us to do in His unlimited love!
NOW THE LORD IS THE SPIRIT, AND WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS, THERE IS FREEDOM.
Embarking on a Year of Living Free Jesus Christ came to the earth to die for our sins and restore our relationship with the Heavenly Father. We can now go to Him with our cares and concerns as He wraps His loving arms around us and reminds us we are forgiven and accepted by Him. To live free as a Christfollower, Jesus Christ must be our focus and not the feelings, obstacles, or circumstances that face us. God did not create us and desire to be in a relationship with us to merely survive through daily life. He calls us to build a relationship with Him so we can thrive in the life He has given us. Think again of the birds in an open field, wooded area, or nature reserve. Just like those birds living freely in nature, God wants us to live free. He wants us to soar through life under the shelter of His wing, bounce back from difficulties we face knowing He is the source of our joy and peace, sing praises to Him for His goodness, and invest in the new life He brings to our lives and the lives around us. This year, each Troop, each member, and each friend of the ministry are encouraged to remember that through Jesus Christ, we are born to LIVE FREE.
For more information on the 2021-2022 Program Year Theme and LIVE FREE activities, volunteers can visit AHGresource, AHG’s online resource library. AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS | 21
ALUMNASPOTLIGHT ALUMNASPOTLIGHT Since 1995, the Mission of American Heritage Girls has been to build women of integrity. While the AHG Program targets those in girlhood, the sincerity and faith-filled spirit that is nurtured and grown through AHG continues as girls develop and mature into women.
MEET SISTER M. ELIZABETH GRACE DONAHUE, FSGM Sr. M. Elizabeth Grace is a Stars & Stripes Award Recipient, camp-lover, and AHG Alumna.
Since 1995, the Mission of American Heritage Girls has been to build women of integrity. While the AHG Program targets those in girlhood, the sincerity and faith-filled spirit that is nurtured and grown through AHG continues as girls develop and mature into women. 22 | AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS
Before answering her vocational call and joining the Order of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George in Alton, Illinois as a novice (a new religious sister), Sr. M. Elizabeth Grace enjoyed eight years as an American Heritage Girl. Shortly after moving to Tennessee as a child, Sr. M. Elizabeth Grace joined the newly-formed TN0413 during her Explorer years. Fellow Troop Members remember her as “Brianna”, her name before she chose her religious name upon entering the Order. Today, Sr. M. Elizabeth Grace reflects on her years as an American Heritage Girl as a critical time spent forming a strong foundation of faith in Christ. “I feel that [my time in AHG] really equipped me with the tools I need to take on many different situations, trusting first in God’s help, and has given me a real support in Christian friendship and prayer.” As an American Heritage Girl, Sr. M. Elizabeth Grace enjoyed the time she spent with her fellow girls and their Troop leaders. AHG gave her the space to foster lifelong friendships with other girls of faith. “I learned so much in my years at AHG, especially by having friendships and role models with Christ at the center,” said Sr. M. Elizabeth Grace. By experiencing girlhood in a Christ-centered environment, Sr. M. Elizabeth Grace was able to experience Christian belief in action and begin to discover the seeds of faith God had sown for her life of service. Through regular volunteer opportunities with her AHG Troop, Sr. M. Elizabeth Grace learned how to be a servant leader and fostered a heart for serving those in need within her community. “AHG provided me with lots of opportunities
for leadership as service, and I learned responsibility and accountability towards those I was leading. I also learned, mostly through my Stars & Stripes Award project, to be flexible and open to the requests of those the project would serve.” Like so many AHG Alumnae, Sr. M. Elizabeth Grace recognizes her time in the AHG Program as a period of tremendous growth. Challenging experiences, like camp and other outdoor adventures, led Sr. M. Elizabeth Grace to discover a confidence in her abilities because of the empowerment she received through the gifting of the Holy Spirit. Relying on the words of her Troop’s favorite Scripture verse, Philippians 4:13, she came to learn that she can rely on Christ’s strength and presence in her life. Beloved Troop memories include earning the Canoeing Badge at Camp Narroway, an annual regional AHG Camp, and camping in the Smokey Mountains. “So many aspects of my life have been enriched by AHG, and I feel that I have been given a great gift by my time in it. The virtues that I was taught to foster in the Creed, the Mission to live as a woman of integrity in service, and the opportunities to learn from all different experiences, such as teaching all ages at summer camp over the years, all have changed who I am and have helped me in my religious life, as I strive to embody those virtues and make Christ’s merciful love visible in my service as a Sister.” Please join AHG in praying for Sr. M. Elizabeth Grace Donahue as she prepares to profess First Vows on August 2, 2021!
FASTFACTS Hometown: Knoxville, TN High School Alma Mater: Homeschool Siblings: Matthew (26), Meghan (23), Clare (21), and Mary (17) Favorite Book: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien Favorite TV Show: The Chosen Favorite Movie: The Lion King Favorite Travel Destination: Italy Favorite Bible Verse: Zephaniah 3:17 Favorite Food: Pizza Favorite Flavor of Ice Cream: Almost any, but probably Mint Chocolate Chip! Favorite Sport: Soccer Favorite Color: Turquoise Favorite AHG Badge: Canoeing Badge
“The Lord, your God, is in your
midst, a mighty savior, Who will
rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, Who will sing joyfully because of you,” –Zephaniah 3:17, NABRE
AHG Alumnae often report back on how much the AHG Program has benefitted their lives. These young women are making a remarkable difference in the world around them. AHG is looking to connect with its alumnae and create some exciting opportunities for them to reconnect with old friends and learn how they can share their leadership abilities! Are you an AHG Alumna? Visit americanheritagegirls.org/alumnae to update your contact information and share what you’ve been up to!
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STARS & STRIPESAWARD RECIPIENT
MAKAYLA KEPLINGER VA1199 STARS & STRIPES AWARD RECIPIENT #709
STARS & STRIPES AWARD RECIPIENTS AT A GLANCE
(Fourth Quarter 2020-2021 Program Year Facts & Figures)
2020-2021 Program Year Recipients: 119 Benefiting Organizations Served: 119 Creed Word Most Used in Writing: Helpful Total Service Hours: 27,490 Average Service Hours per Project: 231 What Stars & Stripes Award Recipients Like Most About AHG: Leadership Opportunities & Outdoor Activities #1 Thing Girls Learned: Take your Time, Give it to God! Total Number of Stars & Stripes Project Advisors: 21 24 | AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS
Benefiting Organization:
HIGHLAND RETREAT CENTER LOCATION: Bergton, VA PROJECT: Built a mobile library for campers to read books during lunch and quiet times, and made sit-upons to accompany the library. TOTAL SUPERVISORY HOURS: 10 OVERALL SERVICE HOURS: 100 FUTURE PLANS I am graduating high school and look forward to attending vocational school in the fall. ANY ADVICE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH FUTURE STARS & STRIPES AWARD CANDIDATES? First, I recommend that they take their time. This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity, so do not rush through it. Enjoy and learn each step of the way. Also, as you work with others, be careful of emotions. Some steps may be frustrating, and they will want to make sure to model patience and kindness, especially for the younger girls coming after them. Throughout the project, pray! Prayer is important in everything we do. On a side note, I want to make sure candidates know that their hours, as well as their volunteers’ hours, count toward the one hundred hours of service.
“As a summer camp director for over 26 years, I’ve observed numerous children who, while enjoying the many things camp has to offer in the out-of-door setting, have valued some ‘down HAVE YOU GROWN SPIRITUALLY THROUGH THIS AWARD PROCESS? From this experience, I grew spiritually as I learned to rely on God more. I also understood the Mission, Creed, and Oath more deeply. From the Mission, I grew to understand that this type of service can be hard work! But it is good work. The Creed speaks of being compassionate. During my project, I learned to be compassionate towards others, especially the younger girls because they were sometimes silly and off task. I needed to redirect them in a loving manner. I grew in the Oath as I helped my community in a hard time (the pandemic).
time’ from a busy camp schedule to relax and read a good book. I believe Makayla’s mobile book library will benefit these campers and help to improve their reading skills and love for reading while at summer camp.” –Dean E. Williams Highland Retreat Center Program Director
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DID YOU KNOW
18,000 GIRLS ARE WAITING TO PUT ON AN
AHG UNIFORM? END THE NATIONWIDE AHG TROOP SHORTAGE. MEET THE NEED in your community, visit americanheritagegirls.org/Start-a-Troop
NEWTROOPS See more every Tuesday at Facebook.com/AmericanHeritageGirls AZ2996
Prince of Peace Catholic Church / Sun City West
MI4657
St. Mary Catholic Church / Kalamazoo
CA0210
Calvary Chapel Oceanside / Oceanside
MO1819
Immanuel Baptist Church / Hannibal
IL2021
Galena Bible Church / Galena
MO7537
Covenant Reformed Church / Kansas City
IN3125
Ascension Lutheran Church and School / Fort Wayne
NC2212
Wake Cross Roads Baptist Church / Raleigh
LA0414
Tangipahoa Baptist Church / Kentwood
SC0209
Victorian Hills Community Church / Greer
MD1113
Crossroads Church of God / Fruitland
TN3911
New Prospect Baptist Church / Lawrenceburg
#NewTroopTuesday
26 | AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS
HIGHIMPACT INSIGHT ADVICE FROM DEDICATED HIGH IMPACT VOLUNTEERS Stephanie Marshall is in her sixth year of AHG as a member of WV0058 and is the Event Coordinator for the D.C. Metro Area Team. She loves to be creative, particularly in scrapbooking and photography. Her son and daughter keep her busy volunteering between football, church youth group, and being the PiPa Unit Leader to her daughter’s Unit! Her favorite part of AHG has been watching the girls in her Troop bloom in the gifts God has given them and gaining confidence to try new things.
I love a theme. When my kids were little, and I had more free time and energy, I was “That Mom” who planned elaborate birthday parties. Give me a Pinterest board and an Etsy account and I will rock it out! I covered a wall in white paper and a rainbow of paint chips for a photo backdrop at my daughter’s art party. I hand-dyed and aged paper, then burned the edges to resemble a pirate’s map for the invitations to my son’s pirate party. Hours spent planning activities and packing goodie bags. It brought me joy and fulfilled that need God put in me to be creative and artistic. Themes? I am all in. While God gave me that creative need, He gave different gifts to my other mom friends. One, in particular, was a skilled accountant and business owner. She had no desire to throw over-the-top parties and was perfectly happy to rent out the party room of Chuck E. Cheese. The kids had just as much fun, and it was great! There was still a theme–birthday, fun, and laughter. We were there for the same reason and common goal–to celebrate. AHG Program Year Themes celebrate a common goal as well–uniting Troops around a focused Bible verse and central concept such as Chrysalis, Chosen, and now, Live Free. They are meant to bring us together across the country, a rallying cry for a common purpose and goal as we enter another year in AHG. Troops from California to Texas to my own in West Virginia will be claiming 2 Corinthians 3:17 for our Troop year to pray over our girls and a vision to Live Free in God’s love and spirit. We can all celebrate together the idea of this freedom we have in Christ. Themes are not meant to be a burden, or one more heavy responsibility for a Troop Coordinator to organize and carry out. They are meant to be fun; in whatever way you choose to interpret them. Whether that is all out with decorations and goodie bags or simply completing the patch program, there are many ways to incorporate the theme into your Troop’s Program Year planning.
Flag Ceremonies are a great place to introduce the year’s Bible Verse. Just like the girls memorize and recite the Oath and Creed, they can recite the verse together during announcements and work on memorizing it. It is a great way to keep God’s word at the forefront of AHG. Kick-off meetings set the tone for the year and are a very visible opportunity to introduce the new theme. Decorate your meeting space at your Charter Organization with streamers, balloons, and paper goods in the color scheme of the patch (blues, purple, and pink). Accent your decor with some themed experiential moments, like a craft and a fun snack, like bird’s nest cookies or edible bird nests. (Pinterest has several recipes and ideas!) Continue with the bird iconography in the AHG graphics and perhaps choose the Ornithology Badge (formerly Our Feathered Friends) as a first Troop-wide badge. Hold a “He & Me” or “She & Me” family event to make bird feeders/houses. (Creating a sense of belonging in the Troop space is important. By calling these events “He & Me” and “She & Me”, rather than “Daddy & Me” or “Mommy & Me”, girls without traditional family dynamics feel welcomed and included.) Troop Shepherds could hold a campout devotion with the older girls at a campout, probably at the PiPa Levels. After the devotion, have them write down things they want to be free from–fear, insecurity, self-doubt, whatever their prayer is to God—and place those pieces of paper in the fire as a representation of that freedom. Hillsong Worship’s “Where the Spirit of the Lord Is” is an uplifting song that would pair perfectly with this activity since, after all, it’s inspired by this year’s theme verse! Print out the lyrics and let them read, listen, and sing along. Themes are meant to help cast a unifying vision in a Program Year. However you choose to interpret or incorporate these themes, we pray they will help guide your Troop in planning a calendar full of faith, service, and fun.
Flag Ceremonies are a great place to introduce the year’s Bible Verse. It is a great way to keep God’s word at the forefront of AHG.
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The mission of building women of integrity is an incredible charge from the Lord given to American Heritage Girls. This is no easy task,
THERE ARE THREE CATEGORIES OF AWARDS:
which is why the Lord blesses the ministry with faithful and capable partners! AHG National Awards
• AHG National Awards
are a small way to recognize some
• AHG National Volunteer Awards
of these incredible people and
• AHG National Alumnae Awards
the outstanding work they do. A selection committee of AHG volunteers reviews all qualified nominees and then casts their vote for the top recipient in each award category.
To learn more about AHG National Awards, visit AHGresource, AHG’s online resource library. 28 | AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS
CONGRATULATIONS to the AHG
NATIONAL AWARDS RECIPIENTS for the 2020-2021 PROGRAM YEAR:
Unit Leader Level Awards About the Award The recipients of the AHG Unit Leader Level Awards* all exemplify AHG’s Oath & Creed and live by the AHG Statement of Faith. Each of these volunteers works to secure and maintain healthy relationships with their Charter Organization, Troop Board, Unit Leaders, Girl Members, and AHG family members. These outstanding Unit Leaders provide opportunities for girls to plan and implement activities, keeping age and maturity in mind. These volunteers welcome girls into their Unit and help them reach, and know, their potential. They encourage Girl Members to fulfill advancement requirements appropriate for their respective Program Levels. *Please note, thousands of Pathfinder and Pioneer Unit Leaders selflessly serve AHG Troops nationwide, but no qualified candidates were nominated for this award during the 2020-2021 Program Year.
TENDERHEART UNIT LEADER OF THE YEAR Mimi Holt—TX1061 EXPLORER UNIT LEADER OF THE YEAR Amanda Cooper—KY7070 PATRIOT UNIT LEADER OF THE YEAR Gretchen Magno—MD1208
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award Judith Riordon—MD0714 About the Award The recipient of this award is a volunteer who exemplifies AHG’s Oath & Creed and lives by the AHG Statement of Faith. This volunteer works to secure and maintain healthy relationships with their Charter Organization, Troop Board, Unit Leaders, Girl Members, and AHG family members. He or she submits to Christ and seeks God’s will for his or her life, follows Jesus’ model of leadership by putting others first. This volunteer invests in positive and loving relationships with others and clings to Christ even when emotions try to take control. The individual cares for his or her community as an active citizen through service and patriotism. He or she enjoys continual learning and sharing new things with girls and contributes to the growth and improvement of the AHG Program. This volunteer exemplifies dedication to serving others within AHG. His or her sacrifice of talent, creativity, drive, and time is well-recognized by all those who know this volunteer.
Outstanding Alumna Award Sarah Pittman—FL3130 About the Award This award exists to recognize an AHG Alumna who has made an outstanding contribution to the American Heritage Girls Ministry at a local, regional, or national level. This formerlyactive AHG Girl Member now performs distinctive service or significant contribution of time, talents, or treasure to the local or national scale of the AHG Ministry. This alumna is committed to further AHG’s Mission of building women of integrity. The recipient of this award conducts herself admirably by living out the AHG Oath and Creed in her everyday life.
AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS | 29
AHGUPDATES HAPPENINGS AT THE AHG, INC. OFFICE
HOWDY
HI OL’A
HELLO GREETINGS
WELCOME
HI
GLAD YOU’RE HERE
HELLO
NEW STAFF SPOTLIGHT The AHG, Inc. Staff is growing! New Staff members come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, but all are called to share their talents with the AHG Ministry.
AHG HOSTS OUTDOOR & CAMPING SKILLS VIRTUAL EVENT It’s no secret that American Heritage Girls values outdoor adventure. But did you know it’s actually part of the solution to many of the issues today’s girls face? Anxiety, depression, screen addiction—research has proven time and again that time spent in nature is the key to greater resilience, happiness, and confidence. AHG Troops across the country joined this week-long virtual event to sharpen their outdoor and camping skills to prepare for a summer full of fun and adventure in the great outdoors! Troop-submitted videos from AZ1212, MD1212, and FL2545 explaining outdoor essentials like Leave No Trace Principles and fire safety/fire building were the highlight of the event! As part of the event, Troops could enter AHG’s Tents and Primitive Structures Contest and video submission call for a chance to win a GoKot portable cot for their next overnight camping adventure!
PLEASE WELCOME
Madison Goodwin, Troop Coach
Madison is an AHG Alumna from IL0224 and Stars & Stripes Award Recipient #207! She will serve as the Troop Coach for the North Central Region.
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JEWELRY LINE EXPANSION ARRIVES TO THE AHGSTORE The AHG jewelry collection, a consistent AHG Member favorite, has expanded! New styles include an AHG Logo Necklace on a Sterling Silver Chain, sure to be a go-to gift for AHG leaders and graduating Patriots. Also new to the AHGstore is the AHG Heart Charm Necklace, a girl-favorite item featuring a faux Sapphire, the September birth stone, to fashionably mark the significance of AHG’s founding date! Shop online anytime at: store.americanheritagegirls.org
STAFFSCOOP KELLY MULLINS, ACCOUNTANT
“For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.”
How long have you been working at AHG? Two years.
Psalm 116:8, NKJV
What do you do in your position? It is my honor in my position to provide and ensure the accuracy of financial information for the organization. I also oversee the process of funds coming in and out of the organization. What’s your favorite part of working at AHG? I believe in the Ministry of AHG and what the program does to grow God’s kingdom. Working at AHG is more than a job, it is being part of a family on a mission for Christ. What a blessing! What is your favorite Bible verse? Psalm 116:8, NKJV: “For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.” This is a great reminder that God takes care of the big and small things in my life. He does not say our lives will be easy; in fact, He said as followers of Him that we will be persecuted. However, we can rest knowing God is always with us and everything is for His glory! What is your favorite part about visiting or being involved in a Troop? Seeing the volunteers and girls in action as they have fun learning and growing to love Christ more—that’s the best part!
BELONG CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCED BELONG is a campaign that creates the space for us to pause and acknowledge that we were created to be in community with others; that deep within each of us is a desire to belong. The pandemic tested our ability to connect, at times almost stifling it completely. After a year of isolation, we’ve come to realize just how valuable community is in our daily lives. The new Program Year brings fresh hope and people are seeking, perhaps more than ever before, a place to feel that sense of belonging. So, AHG is casting the vision that AHG Troops can be that place of connection and belonging for girls this coming fall! Troops will be asked to continue their Kingdom-building efforts to welcome new families to the AHG community. To that end, AHG wants to equip Troops with new recruitment resources and celebrate as Troops across the country gives girls a place to BELONG! While some might call BELONG a membership drive, AHG would rather call it a Kingdom Call. The impact of being a member of AHG doesn’t just result in a vest full of badges or a memory bank of camping skills—AHG is Kingdom-focused. By building the Ministry of AHG together, we’re welcoming more people into the family of God. By telling friends, family, and neighbors that they belong in AHG, we’re telling them that they belong in God’s eyes. AHG is a safe, welcoming, and Spirit-filled place for every girl in America. It’s a solution to the epidemic of loneliness and isolation felt across the globe. It’s a space for friendships to be formed, for seeds of lifelong faith to be planted, and for women of integrity to be built. AHG will be celebrating growth, from the individual level up to Troop multiplication, through a number of exciting incentives. More information will be coming soon to AHGresource, AHG’s online resource library, and belong.americanheritagegirls.org, but in the meantime start thinking about why you BELONG at AHG and how you might cast this vision to others in your community who are desperately searching for the connection they were created to desire!
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American Heritage Girls was born in 1995 out of the need for something new.
IT WAS A CANDLE LIT FOR OUR GIRLS IN THE DARKNESS OF OUR WORLD.
Your financial contribution to the Ministry of AHG can keep that flame aglow. It gives girls across the country the same opportunity, 25 years later, to emanate Christ’s light to their communities. Give your tax-deductible gift today: americanheritagegirls.org/donate 32 | AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS
