Lily Fortenberry of Princeton is a member of AHG Troop TX0131. Courtesy photo

For more than 30 years, American Heritage Girls troops across the country have led girls ages 5 to 18 on a journey of faith, service and fun. The Christ-centered program develops character through badge-earning, service projects and events throughout the year. 

The highest honor a girl can earn through the program is the Stars & Stripes Award, an achievement troop member Lily Fortenberry, 16, of Princeton, will soon pursue. 

Lily is one of the thousands of girls who have participated in the program since its founding in 1995. According to americanheritagegirls.org, AHG was founded by a group of parents in Ohio who envisioned an organization for girls that would strengthen each member’s walk with Christ while benefiting the community. The first troop consisted of fourth- and fifth-grade girls led by parent volunteers. Since then, the organization has expanded to more than 1,300 troops across all 50 states and six countries. 

One of those troops, Troop TX0131, meets at St. Jude Catholic Church in Allen. Lily has been a member of the Allen troop since she was a kindergartener in 2015. 

Girls ages 5 and 6 begin AHG as Pathfinders and move up to Tenderheart and Explorer levels for ages 6 to 9 and 9  to 12 respectively. As Tenderhearts and Explorers, girls begin earning badges and take on increased responsibilities within troop meetings and service projects. 

Pioneers, ages 12 to 14, and Patriots, ages 14 to 18, develop skills that carry into in adulthood through more advanced badge requirements and leadership opportunities. After Lily earns her Abigail Adams Award — the Patriot-level achievement — she can focus on the Stars & Stripes Award.  

“Only four in my troop have achieved (the Stars & Stripes Award) so far as it requires a minimum of 100 hours of service and has very specific requirements,” Lily said, adding that the primary requirement is completing a project in partnership with a non-profit organization that can continue after the girl’s program completion. 

The entire AHG program is steeped in service. Girls at all levels participate in several service projects each year, and troops nationwide are encouraged to serve during AHG’s annual National Day of Service on the third Saturday of September. 

Lily’s troop participates in projects such as making Angel Tree cards and honoring veterans through Wreaths Across America. 

“In addition, most of these events and service projects are led directly by girls, depending on who they’d like to serve and their own imaginations,” Lily said. 

The program aims to develop well-rounded participants and offers more than 250 badges through hands-on activities and skill-building opportunities. Lily said one of her favorite badges was Self-Care, and she also enjoyed learning about her faith, public speaking and CPR training through other badge work. 

Currently, Troop TX0131 has about 70 members, along with a group of dedicated leaders and adult volunteers. 

“I have several leaders who have inspired my imagination, fostered my skills and intellect and others who have done their part by being there for me and praying for me,” Lily said. 

Regular meetings are an important part of AHG and often serve as a catalyst for service and each personal growth. 

“Even though we’re making a difference within our troop and unit, we’re also making a difference outside of it — being there for each other in general, not just at AHG meetings and events,” Lily said. 

For more information on local troops, visit americanheritagegirls.org. 

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