My name is Libby Chenault, and I am part of the American Heritage Girls Troop OH0031 at St. Patrick Church in Columbus. I have proudly been a member since the troop was established in 2013.
American Heritage Girls (AHG) is a scout-type program where we learn life skills through badges and serve in our communities. AHG is also very Christ-centered.
Girls learn their identity as daughters of God and how to live out their faith boldly. Plus, the program places a huge emphasis on leadership, teaching girls how to lead not only in their troop but out in the world, too.
AHG is for any girl who is somewhere from five to 18 years old. They are split into five levels: Pathfinder (ages 5-6), Tenderheart (ages 6-9), Explorer (ages 9-12), Pioneer (ages 12-14), and lastly, Patriot (ages 14-18). I have successfully journeyed through four out of five levels.
Over the years I have learned a lot in the program, which is what has motivated me to continue.
I have learned the most in the combined Pioneer and Patriot units. By this time, girls learn leadership, service and life skills in a more rigorous way.
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Some examples of my leadership include planning and implementing a father-daughter dance for my parish with another friend of mine in the unit, running a fashion show for the whole troop that our unit planned, hosting a spa night for the Explorers, and hosting an art lesson for the Explorers.
When it comes to service, there are a certain number of hours a girl needs to achieve what the program calls a “service star.” The hours are different at each level. One star as a Pioneer (Pi) equals 15 hours of service, and as a Patriot (Pa), 20 hours.
Another part of the program involves earning badges. At the Pi/Pa level, the requirements are more in depth.
For example, I had to plan and prepare a meal for my family that included a salad, entrée, side dish and dessert to earn just one requirement for the “Cooking” badge.
Troop OH0031 has a remarkable Pi/Pa unit because of its size.
Currently there are six Patriots and 10 Pioneers, and there are no signs of it getting smaller, only larger. This has created an enjoyable experience for me, especially during my last two years as a Patriot when the numbers skyrocketed.
More girls have made leading easier. On top of that, I have been blessed to have made so many wonderful friends, which is the most important thing to me.
A couple of years ago, our unit leaders and troop coordinators started an annual summer trip for Pi/Pas. This consists of around three days somewhere within a few-hour drive and includes high adventure activities.
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Last summer, I was fortunate to go on the trip to Red River Gorge, Kentucky, where we tent camped and had two main activities: kayaking in an underground cavern and ziplining over the Gorge. It was hands down my favorite thing I did in AHG.
I believe that the large unit has left an impression on other girls in our troop.
We are one of the largest troops in the country, and the example of so many older girls has certainly helped it to thrive. Just knowing what impact I may have made on someone younger than me is so moving.
Truly, my experience in American Heritage Girls has been an amazing and unforgettable quest. I will always remember my years as a Pioneer and Patriot the most.
Libby Chenault is a high school senior who is homeschooled and belongs to Columbus St. Patrick Church.