Stories of Faith, Service, & Fun

The American Heritage Girls Program enables a girl to grow in her FAITH, cultivate a heart for SERVICE, and have more FUN than she can imagine! The 2021-2022 LIVE FREE Program Year provided plenty of opportunities for girls nationwide to experience the promises of the AHG tagline.

FAITH

“Although I had been in American Heritage Girls for many years, I did not become a Christian until 2020. Through various circumstances, I came to saving faith by God’s grace during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, I have been blessed to have many people and activities encouraging me in my walk with the Lord, AHG being one of them. Before I was a Christian, I still participated in various PRAY studies which challenged me to seriously consider important questions regarding faith and examine where I was in relationship to God. After I was saved, I began to appreciate the blessing and benefits of AHG more.

AHG is designed to help ‘put legs on your faith’, and I believe it has done so in numerous ways. I’ve learned the importance of Christ-like, servant leadership; how our strength comes from the Lord, and the value of humility. Through service projects, I’ve recognized how we may be a witness for Christ in our service to those around us, whether that’s in our home, community, or more! Furthermore, through what we learn in badge requirements, AHG has taught me how to serve God in [ways that] may seem ordinary.

Whether it’s baking a cake, creating a budget, or learning CPR, I have been equipped to serve. AHG has taught me valuable lessons and skills, and the significance of serving others.

In addition, AHG has strengthened me in my walk with the Lord by surrounding me with like-minded women and girls who support and encourage me and allow me to do the same [for] them. Through PRAY studies, Patriot Bible studies, summer camp, and just regular Troop meetings, I am so blessed to have been poured into and prayed for throughout the years. I’ve developed deep, meaningful friendships with girls my age, and witnessed older women faithfully trusting God in every circumstance life offers. It is so encouraging to be in a community of women serving God and those around them. They live out their faith in day-to-day life, and it has been a gift to see their example.

When I reflect on my life, I can declare nothing but God’s faithfulness, and that all glory and honor be to Him. Whatever I have accomplished has been through Him. While I’m not sure what my future will look like, I hope to continue living out the AHG Oath and Creed. I hope to further grow in my understanding of Biblical womanhood and what it means to be a woman of integrity. I pray that I continue rejoicing in the Lord, trusting in His providence and sovereignty, and serving Him, my family, my community, and my country.” –Maddie, CA1271, Stars & Stripes Award Recipient #953

SERVICE

As devastating wildfires continue to rage across the state of Oregon, thousands of Oregonians are losing their homes and businesses. Today, communities across the state are still working to recover from wildfire devastation and the tremendous loss they suffered due to the fires. Seeing these struggles in their own community, the girls of OR0001 in Eugene decided to step up. The girls got creative in their service work planning, seeking alternative ways to contribute to the local recovery efforts, what Troop leaders called a “Home-Grown Mission Trip”. “Normally our girls contribute 10% of their fundraising proceeds to charity. This year, they decided to turn their giving upside down and donate 90% to fire victim relief,” said Linda Sebring, Troop Treasurer. Using their generous funding, the girls served various families in need. One such family was an elderly couple and their 12-year-old granddaughter, who barely survived the fire that destroyed their Blue River community. “As they hurriedly left their house and drove down the mountain, flames jumped the treetops over their car and their tires were beginning to melt as they drove over hot coals,” shared Linda. The Troop bought materials and worked with the family to build a shed through the “Sheds of Hope” project to help them start rebuilding their home and their lives.

FUN

When the entire PI/PA Unit comes together for a Troop camping trip, you know earning badges together will be on the agenda! And what goes better with camping in the great outdoors than the Outdoor Cooking Badge and the Hiking Badge? Led by Curtis and Scott, two registered Adult Member AHG Dads, the Pioneers and Patriots from VA0428 set off on a three-mile historic hike around Prince William Forest Park. The National Forest, located just east of the banks of the Potomac River features preserved Revolutionary War paths followed by General George Washington and The Comte de Rochambeau on their way to the Battle at Yorktown. After their journey, the Pioneers and Patriots ventured back to the campsite with one thing in mind—food! After a quick rest in the campsite hammocks, the girls grabbed their tin foil, cast iron pans, and cooking utensils to whip up some tasty fare around the campfire for everyone to enjoy!