i AHG, Inc. 2017

Stars & Stripes Award

General Overview

Packet

AHG, Inc. 2017

ii AHG, Inc. 2017

The Dolley Madison Level Award must be approved by AHG, Inc. before submitting an Application for Candidacy to the Stars & Stripes Award.

Troops are required to provide a Mentor for approved Stars & Stripes Candidates. The Men-tor Requirements & Responsibilities, as well as the Troop Responsibilites in the Stars & Stripes Procedure, may be found in AHG Source under Advancement & Recognition>Stars & Stripes.

Updates to Stars & Stripes Award materials are released in January of each year. The most current edition supersedes any previous editions. An approved Candidate may continue to use the materials she received when she entered the Award Procedure but may find additional clarification or tools in the newest editions. Those seeking to become a Candidate should refer to the most recent version of the General Overview Packet for application information.

Troop Leadership should review new releases each year. New Candidates may not be “grandfathered” under past editions of Stars & Stripes Award Procedure materials.

The Stars & Stripes Award Procedure continues to be a tremendous undertaking. Girls need to prayerfully consider and be spiritually led when applying for Candidacy.

Effective January, 2016Patriots with six months or less before their 18th birthday will NOT be approved as Stars & Stripes Award Candidates. The recommended time frame for completion of the Award Procedure is nine months.

Please read the following before continuing into the Stars & Stripes Award General Overview Packet.

1 AHG, Inc. 2017

Purpose of the Award

This packet presents a general overview of the Stars & Stripes Award Procedure. This is the first phase of the adventure of earning the highest award attainable as an American Heritage Girl. Herein, you will be presented with the purpose of the Award, the requirements of the Award, an overview of the Award Procedure and an Application for Stars & Stripes Candidacy. Please note that you may not apply for Candidacy until your Dolley Madison has been approved by AHG, Inc. Reading this packet now will help ensure you are prepared when the time comes to start your journey!

Be sure to allow a minimum of 9 months to complete the entire Award procedure. Though the project work days may only require a short amount of time, the written work, approvals and Board of Review will take additional time and all must be completed before your 18th birthday. A good suggestion is to work backward from your 18th birthday to establish a reasonable timetable.

Introduction

The Dolley Madison Award is AHG’s top Level Award and achieving it means that you have worked diligently toward fulfilling all six of AHG’s Program Emphases and have laid the foundation for becoming a woman of integrity. Once you complete the Dolley Madison Award, the opportunity to extend what you have learned into a practical, real-world experience is available through the pursuit of the Stars & Stripes Award.

By becoming a Candidate for the Stars & Stripes Award you are committing to represent the ideals of AHG to your community. You are stepping into a role of leadership that stretches your abilities and tests your resolve to be a servant-leader. Although the requirements of the Stars & Stripes Award may appear daunting, these requirements follow a pattern of responsibility that you will face as an adult whether in college, building a family, or pursuing a career. Each requirement is designed to help you grow. As a Candidate, you are asked to investigate, plan, prepare, problem-solve, make decisions, supervise your peers and adults, seek guidance, challenge yourself – all in an environment of support that you may not have as an adult. Your parents, Troop Leaders, Mentor, Stars & Stripes Project Advisor, and most importantly, God, will be there to offer encouragement. You will have a safe place to try to fly.

This is an opportunity to bless your community. This is an opportunity to show yourself what it means to create a worthy experience for your peers. This is an opportunity to lean into God as you spend time in prayer while you work toward your goal, seeking Him for the strength, insight, and passion you need to achieve. This procedure will take time, hard work, organization, and commitment.

The goal of the Stars & Stripes Award is not the Award certificate, pin, or recognition. The goal is the experience and the realization of the servant’s heart that is needed to lead with integrity. Consider carefully whether you are ready to take this step. If you choose not to pursue the Stars & Stripes Award, God will give you other opportunities to spread your wings. Remember that it takes a woman of integrity to know her limitations.

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galations 5:13 (NKJV)

Read this entire packet, pray, and seek God’s guidance before applying for Candidacy.

2 AHG, Inc. 2017

All of your Award Requirements must be accomplished before your 18th birthday. Documentation of all of your hard work will need to be kept neatly organized. At the end of the Procedure, your Final Award Binder should not only demonstrate that you have completed all the Stars & Stripes Requirements, but should also be able to tell the story of your Award and how you achieved it! The many requirements for the Stars & Stripes Award are as follows:

The Dolley Madison Award is AHG’s highest Level Award for Patriots and is required before applying for Candidacy for the Stars & Stripes Award. In order to submit an Application for Stars & Stripes Candidacy, your Dolley Madison Tracking Sheet must be approved by AHG, Inc. Any Patriot with six months or less before her 18th birthday will not be approved as a Candidate. The Stars & Stripes Procedure should not be rushed; consider your obligations and abilities carefully before applying for Candidacy.

After reading this General Overview Packet, completing your Dolley Madison, and understanding the commitment and work involved in obtaining the Stars & Stripes Award, you will need to submit an Application for Stars & Stripes Candidacy (included in this packet), the Application Essay and the Troop Leadership Recommendation for Candidacy. It is your responsibility to make sure these documents are submitted. Please provide your Troop Leadership with the Troop Recommendation for Candidacy found in this packet.

You must earn a minimum of 16 Badges at the Pioneer/Patriot Level. There are 9 Badges that are required. You must provide a record of your Badges earned at the Pioneer and Patriot Levels.

Becoming a Candidate

Badges

Dolley Madison Level Award

Application for Stars & Stripes Candidacy

Citizenship & Government

Our Flag Family Helper

Home Care & Repair

Camping Outdoor Skills

Emergency Preparedness

Money Management

Fitness-Type Badge

These Badges were chosen because they not only help enforce AHG’s 6 Program Emphases, but they also help prepare you for adulthood. You may choose an additional 7 Badges to earn to fulfill the rest of this requirement.

Any Badges you have earned during your Pioneer/Patriot years may count toward your Stars & Stripes Award. Choose Badges that speak to your interests, passions, or that might help prepare you for a future career. You are encouraged to make the most of these Badges, using them as preparation for “spreading your wings.” Please note that only four (4) of the Stars & Stripes Award required Badges may be counted on your Dolley Madison Level Award Tracking Sheet. Talk to your Troop Leadership about a Badge-earning plan so you’re not caught short.

Effective January, 2017, you may choose to earn Citizenship & Government or Our Constitution.

Climb On!, Canoeing, Cycling, Golf, Hiking,

Horsemanship, Physical Fitness, Snow Skiing & Snowboarding, or

Swimming

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Badge Planning for the Stars & Stripes begins at the Pioneer Level!This is not the only plan for earning Badges, but this suggestion takes into consideration program progression and developmental appropriateness. This plan is based on a girl being in the AHG Program for all Pioneer and Patriot Level years. Talk with your Unit Leader about assistance in Badge planning.

Frontiers Pioneer/Harriet Tubman Patriot/Dolley Madison Patriot/Stars & Stripes

Arts Girl’s Choice Girl’s ChoiceFamily Living Family Helper * Home Care & Repair* Money Management*Heritage Our Flag* Citizenship & Govt*Outdoor Skills Fitness-type Badge* Outdoor Skills* Camping *Personal Well Being Girl’s Choice Emergency Prep*Science & Tech Girl’s Choice Girl’s Choice

2 additional Badges of girl’s choosing

Age Badges Service Hours

Special Events Mentoring Older Unit

Visit Leadership Board of Review

12-13

Earn 1 Badge from 3 Frontiers (can

be Stars & Stripes required Badges)

Earn 15 hours of service

Attend 2 Special Events

Organize and run a Multi-Troop/Troop

Event

13-14

Earn 1 Badge from 3 Frontiers (can

be Stars & Stripes required Badges)

Earn 15 hours of service

Attend 1 Special Event

Lead a younger

Unit meeting &

event

Visit a Patriot Unit (in person or virtually) or

learn about the Patriot Level.

Prepare for BOR and discuss what

to expect. Complete BOR 2-4 weeks before year

end.

Pioneer – Harriet Tubman2 year plan

Patriot – Dolley Madison2 year plan

Age Badges Service Hours

Special Events Spiritual Recruitment Leadership Board of

Review

14-15

Earn 1 Badge from 3 Frontiers, 2 of

which are required for Stars & Stripes

Earn 20 hours of service

Attend 2 Special Events

Earn AHG approvedReligious

Recognition. Ideal as a

summer project

Plan, organize,

promote and implement a

Multi-Troop or Community

Event

15-16

Earn 1 Badge from 3 Frontiers, 2 of

which are required for Stars & Stripes

Earn 20 hours of service

Attend 1 Special Events

Pray about pursuing the

Stars & Stripes

Participate in an AHG recruitment

event

Prepare for BOR and

discuss what to expect.

Complete BOR 2-4 weeks

before year end.

* indicates a Stars & Stripes Required Badge

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Troop Leadership Position & Active Status

Age Badges Service Hours Spiritual Leadership Board of Review Other

16-17Earn Camping & 1

Badge of girl’s choosing

Serve along with your Unit and

Troop. Remain active with your

Troop.

Seek guidance through prayer in all Phases of the Procedure

Maintain leadership role

within Troop

Upon completion of Dolley Madison, apply for

Stars & Stripes Candidacy

17-18Earn Money Mngmt & 1 Badge of girl’s

choosing

Complete 100 hour Stars &

Stripes Project (with required

approvals along the way)

Complete Spiritual Walk

Essay

Maintain leadership role

within Troop

Prepare for BOR and

discuss what to expect.

Complete BOR before 18th

Birthday

Complete Resume, send out reference letters, submit Final

Award Binder

Stars & Stripes

Please note that it is recommended that older Patriots earn Money Management, Citizenship and Government, and Emergency Preparedness. Camping may take two or three program years to complete due to the overnight camping requirement.

It’s important to remain registered and active in your Troop throughout the Stars & Stripes Award Procedure by attending the majority of Troop meetings, attending Troop functions, and setting an example for younger girls with your involvement. Even though you are a Stars & Stripes Candidate, you are still a member of your Patriot Unit. After earning your Dolley Madison, you must hold a Girl Leadership Position within your Troop during your Award Procedure. This requirement helps to guarantee that you are still an active member of American Heritage Girls and using your gifts and talents to make your Troop the best it can be while working toward your Stars & Stripes Award. The type of leadership position that you hold within your Troop will depend on a number of factors. Your position should utilize your God-given gifts and talents, match your leadership style, meet a need within the Troop and work within the unique dynamics of your Troop. Talk with your Troop Leadership to determine what position will be best for you to hold. Girl Leadership Positions might include:

Senior Girl LeaderGirl Care SpecialistHostessGirl ShepherdGirl Service LeadStewardGirl ScribeUnit ScribeNewsletter EditorReporterVideographerPhotographerPatriot Unit/Squad Leader

Song/Skit LeaderHistorianOpening/Closing CoordinatorAnnouncements Director

Other positions determined by your Troop and bearing significant responsibilities.

After Candidacy Approval

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Support TeamIt is required that an adult member of AHG act as your Mentor for your Award Procedure. Your Troop Coordinator needs to be aware of your Candidacy and approve your Mentor. Your Mentor cannot be your parent but must be a Leader or AHG-registered Adult Member who is familiar with the Stars & Stripes Award. Your Mentor should be someone with whom you feel comfortable. Your Mentor should offer advice, guidance, proof-reading skills, and prayer support. Your Mentor must adhere to AHG policies of two-deep leadership, having someone close by when you are meeting together.

After your Application for Stars & Stripes Candidacy is approved by AHG, Inc., you will be assigned a Stars & Stripes Project Advisor (SSPA) and sent a link to a more detailed Stars & Stripes Procedure Packet of information about the Award . Any questions you or your Mentor have should be directed to your SSPA. Your Project Idea, Project Description, and Project Summary Report will need to be approved by your SSPA. The SSPA reviews all materials by a set of standards to which all Candidates must adhere.

Stars & Stripes ProjectYou must plan, develop, and supervise others in a Project that benefits an organization in your community whose purpose does not conflict with the mission of AHG. This Project requires a minimum of 100 hours of service, which includes ten hours of leadership of non-family youth. Your Project must meet a series of approvals, be well documented, and show evidence of leadership and planning. There are several components to this step including: Project Idea Submission and Approval Project Description Submission and Approval Project Implementation with Documentation Project Summary Report Submission and Approval.

Please note that each of these documents may require multiple revisions before approval. The SSPA will “sign off” for permission to move to the next Phase of the Procedure.

The guidelines for the Stars & Stripes Project are outlined in more detail in the Stars & Stripes Procedure Packet. You will receive this packet once your Candidacy application is approved. Time management is crucial and the Procedure must be completed in the correct order.

This Award Procedure is designed to benefit your community, and it is also meant to enhance your organizational, communication and managerial skills – skills which will be important in your future career and home .

The AHG Program is meant to help “put legs on your faith,” and the Spiritual Walk Essay is your opportunity to share your story and how AHG has supported your spiritual growth. This essay should communicate to the reader what your life ambitions are and how God has influenced these goals. It must be at least 250 words and should be organized, well written and thoughtful. Take this time to truly reflect on what God is doing in your life and what He is calling you to do with your life. Celebrate the amazing work He is doing in you, the passions He is laying on your heart and the calling He has laid on your future! Include this essay in your Stars & Stripes Award Final Award Binder. It is best to write this essay after you have implemented your Project.

Page 11 offers more

information on Project Idea

Brainstorming

Spiritual Walk Essay

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ResumeThe Stars & Stripes Award also looks at the way in which you put what you learn through AHG into action. Here is your time to share what you have been doing in your community. List all leadership positions that you have held within your church, school, community, other organizations and with extracirricular activities. Also include any awards, honors or recognitions that you have earned during your high school years. This resume should be similar to something that you would present with a college application or job application – be sure it is concise and professional. You will include your resume in your Stars & Stripes Final Award Binder.

These letters attest to the fact that you are living out the AHG Oath and Creed in your daily life. You will need a minimum of three letters from non-family individuals. People who know you well should be approached for your reference letters. Copies of your reference letters will be used at your Board of Review and must be included in your Stars & Stripes Final Award Binder that is sent to the AHG, Inc. office for review. These letters are to be presented to the BOR by your Unit Leader in a sealed envelope. The letters are then to be re-sealed and sent with your Stars & Stripes Final Award Binder.

Your Troop Coordinator will arrange a Board of Review once your Project Summary Report is approved by your SSPA. This will be a more in-depth, extensive review of your Stars & Stripes Final Award Binder as well as an opportunity for you to share what you have learned throughout the Award Procedure and your time in AHG. This Board of Review should be approached as you would a job interview; in a prepared, professional manner.

You will send your Stars & Stripes Final Award Binder to AHG, Inc. where it will be reviewed. Upon approval, you will be sent a Certificate of Award and your Binder will be returned. You may then order Stars & Stripes merchandise, and your Troop may plan your Award Ceremony. Effective in 2016: You will need to have a “hard copy” of your Binder for BOR and you will send your Binder to AHG, Inc. after you pass BOR. You have two options for sending in your Binder: hard copy or on a USB flash drive. If you choose to send a USB flash drive, please be sure to label the files by the Phase of the Procedure title (PJI, PJD, PSR) and by support document title (Sign-in sheets, Financial Report, Photos, etc.). Regardless, the BOR notes and the Confidential Reference Letters should be included as hard copies in a sealed envelope.

Personal Reference Letters

Board of Review

Final Award Binder

After reading and understanding this General Overview Packet and completing your Dolley Madison Level Award, you may

submit an Application For Candidacy and Application Essay to starsandstripes@ahgonline.org. You will provide a copy of the Troop Recommendation for Candidacy found in this packet to

your Troop Leadership for submission.

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APPLICATION FOR STARS & STRIPES CANDIDACY(Please write legibly)

Name:__________________________________________________Date of 18th Birthday:_______________

Email: _____________________________________________Troop State/Number:_____________________

Patriot Year: □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 Date of Dolley Madison BOR:_________ Date Approved by AHG, Inc: ____________

Mailing Address:___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________Phone: _______________________

Troop Coordinator: _________________________________Email: __________________________________

(If Troop Coordinator is related, note Vice-Coordinator’s name and email.)Do you have an IEP or special consideration for school? ___Yes ___No

Your Troop Coordinator must contact starsandstripes@ahgonline.org if you are in need of special considerations or an Individual Award Plan.

My signature below indicates: -I have read the Stars & Stripes General Overview Packet. -I have notified my Troop Leadership of my application. -I understand I must complete the Procedure before my 18th birthday. -I understand that my Candidacy can be revoked if requirements are not met in order. -I understand that the Procedure will take time, patience, and hard work. -I understand that I am responsible for my progress, conduct, and communication. I am the driver. -I understand that the Award is not officially mine until all requirements are met and I receive a certificate from AHG, Inc.

Applicant’s Signature: ___________________________________________________________

Please attach a 500-750 word essay addressing the following: Why do you want to pursue the Stars & Stripes Award? What do you expect to learn from the Award Procedure? How do you think your walk with Christ will be affected?

Submit this Application and your essay to starsandstripes@ahgonline.org. Your Troop Leadership should submit the Troop Leadership Recommendation for Stars & Stripes Candidacy to starsandstripes@ahgonline.org

Office Use OnlyDate Application Received: _______________ Date App Approved:_________________ Confirmed DM: □ Yes □ No Confirmed time eligibility: □ Yes □ No Troop Recommendation: □ Yes □ No

SSPA:__________________________________IAP?: □ Yes □ No

Tracking File set: _______________sent:______________ Confirmation sent: ______________

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Stars & Stripes Award PhasingMore details on these phases can be found on the Project Procedure Flowchart.

Phase I - Pre-Candidacy Complete• Download General Overview Information Packet from website• Completion of Dolley Madison• Pray about applying for Candidacy

Phase II - On-going• Continuing Girl Leadership Position & remain an active Patriot in Troop• Completion of Required Badges

Phase III - Becoming a Candidate & First Steps• Review the General Overview Packet & submit Candidacy Application with essay • AHG, Inc. reviews Application and Troop Recommendation• Approval of Candidacy and SSPA assigned• Stars & Stripes Procedure Packet received and reviewed; submit Candidate Commitment; meet with Mentor• Investigate potential Benefiting Organizations; review PJI guidelines

Phase IV - Project Procedure Step 1: Project Idea submission and approval Step 2: Project Description submission and approval Step 3: Project Implementation Step 4: Project Summary Report submission and approval

Phase V - Post-Project Steps Step 1: Board of Review scheduled

Step 2: Create additional documents; Request Letters of Reference Step 3: Organize Final Award Binder Step 4: Prepare for and pass Board of Review (before 18th birthday)

Phase VI - Final Steps Step 1: Final Award Binder and BOR Packet submission to AHG, Inc. Step 2: Review and approval by AHG, Inc.

Phase VII - Post-Award• Receive Award Certificate by mail• Schedule a special ceremony and share your accomplishment with the community

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Project Idea Brainstorming

Although you may not be an approved Candidate as yet, you can begin exploring potential Project Ideas. When choosing a project it is important to first think about the gifts and talents God has blessed you with and ask what passions He has given you. You may find that the direction you are led will fit your gifts, talents, and passion. However, you may find that there is something that needs to be done that will reveal a need for you to stretch into new abilities.

Take a look around your community. Ask God to show you the needs or causes for which you might be able to develop a project. This should be a service-oriented project that has Measurable Community Impact, Leadership Opportunity, and Longevity. It will most likely be bigger than any Troop-sponsored service project in which you have participated.

A Project Idea is a proposal for a possible course of action. You will be unable to know if the idea you have in mind is going to fulfill the requirements of a Stars & Stripes Award project until you answer some key questions and research some details. Approval of the Project Idea is the “go-ahead” to dig deeper into the potential of the project.

When you become a Candidate, you will receive more detailed information in the Stars & Stripes Award Procedure Packet, which will explain ways to determine if an idea is qualified to pursue as a project for the Award. In the meantime, identify your abilities, participate in Troop-sponsored service projects, explore the needs in your community, and pray for God’s leading.

The most important tasks before becoming a Candidate are to complete the Dolley Madison Award, to keep your eyes/ears open for community needs, and to commit your desire to be a Stars & Stripes Candidate to prayer. Ask your friends, family and Leaders to pray for your decisions as well.

Think: Measurable Community Impact, Leadership, and Longevity!

“I think it is more important to meet a need than to simply do something for

self-satisfaction or achievement.” A Candidate in a Stars & Stripes workshop

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As you begin to consider Project Ideas it is important to keep in mind a few general guidelines. Please read this carefully:

- The Award Procedure is your responsibility, start to finish. You are in charge, but you will be accountable to the requirements and to other people. - Commitment may not be made to a Benefiting Organization until certain approvals are met. Once approved, you are expected to fulfill your commitment unless extenuating circumstances prevent completion. - The Project Idea must be extensive enough to demonstrate organizational, management, communication, and leadership skills. - The project must benefit a service-oriented or non-profit entity which is not in direct conflict with AHG’s Oath, Creed and Mission. AHG may not be the primary Benefiting Organization. - Projects may be humanitarian-oriented, construction-oriented, or a combination. - Revisions may be requested in order for your Project Idea to meet the requirements. - Approval of the Project Idea indicates permission to move to the Project Description writing phase. Project Implementation must wait for Project Description approval. - Some projects may require that a continuation or maintenance plan be created and presented to the Benefiting Organization. - Project may not require a large amount of adult involvement or work by primarily one or two people. Remember there is a youth supervision requirement. - Get professional help with electrical, plumbing, or structural work. If your project requires a building permit, plan accordingly.

There are many worthwhile ideas that are great for Level Award activities or Troop activities but do not qualify as Stars & Stripes Award Project Ideas. These may include:

- Make and drop-off items (care packages, no-sew blankets, etc.) - Collection only - Maintenance only or providing labor without having input on the project - Pre-existing activities/programs within the Benefiting Organization - Combinations of small projects - Overseas projects (address needs in your immediate community) - Fundraisers (raising money to give to an organization) - One-time events (concerts, plays, flag retirement ceremonies, etc.) - Projects that offer no interaction with the Benefiting Organization or the community it serves - Projects with potential legal implications or liability issues - Projects that benefit your Troop or AHG, Inc. - Pre-packaged projects: project with a plan/supplies provided by another organization

Prayer is the key to finding the right Project Idea for you. There is a ministry or organization out there praying for someone like you to meet their need.

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Defin i t ions

Active – You must be active with your Troop for the duration of your Award Procedure. You should attend Troop meetings and functions regularly. You should hold a Leadership Position and continue to act as a role-model for younger girls. You must be a registered member of AHG throughout the Procedure.

Board of Review (BOR) – You must pass a Board of Review in which you present your Final Award Binder and yourself to a panel who will review your Final Award Binder and ask you questions about your experience in AHG and with the Stars & Stripes Procedure.

Candidacy Application – This must be submitted and approved by AHG, Inc. to become a Candidate of the Award Procedure. You must also submit an Application Essay and your Troop must submit the Troop Recommendation for Candidacy included in the General Overview Packet.

Girl Leadership Position – a position you hold within your Troop during your Patriot years.

Individualized Achievement Plan (IAP) – Patriots of all abilities deserve a chance to earn the Stars & Stripes Award. If there are certain hindrances to your abilities, have your Troop Coordinator submit the proper forms found on AHGsource.

Journaling –an excellent way to keep records of your accomplishments, set-backs, and any other adventures on the path to Stars & Stripes. When it comes time to evaluate the experience in your PSR, you’ll appreciate having something to reference.

Mentor – This person should be a Troop Volunteer assigned by your Troop Leadership. They should be familiar with you and the Stars & Stripes Award. This person will pray with you, proof-read your submissions, and act as liaison with your Troop Leadership. Your parents should encourage you but cannot act as Mentor.

Project Idea (PJI) – What you would like to do, why you would like to do it and for whom you will do it. The Project should be in partnership with a community organization that does not conflict with the mission of AHG. It should be something you are passionate about and willing to plan thoroughly for. The PJI must be approved by your SSPA. Submit your PJI using the Project Idea Submission Form.

Project Description (PJD) – After approval of your Project Idea, you will submit a very detailed proposal for your Award Project. This plan should be considered a “blueprint” that anyone could pick up and implement. The PJD must be approved by your Mentor, Troop Coordinator, Representative of the Benefiting Organization, and your SSPA. A signature must be obtained from each to proceed to the next Phase. Your project may not be committed to or begun until the PJD is approved.

Project Implementation – the actual “doing” of the Project. This includes fundraising and work days.

Project Summary Report (PSR)– the evaluation of the implementation of the Award project and your leadership, organization, and planning skills. Included in this is all the documentation needed to demonstrate that you attained the goals set forth in the PJD. Many pieces of information are needed in this report and must meet an approval similar to the PJD approval.

Stars & Stripes Award Process (or Procedure) – the step-by-step in which each Phase needed to earn the Award is completed in order and in a timely manner.

Stars & Stripes Award Procedure Packet - The complete and detail document that explains all of the guidelines for each Phase of the Procedure. Includes helpful forms and should be read thoroughly and refered to frequently.

Stars & Stripes Project Advisor (SSPA) – An assigned AHG National Volunteer who will review all of the paperwork required for your Stars & Stripes Project. This person will guide you from the Project Idea through the Project Summary Report Phases.

Stars & Stripes Final Award Binder - This set of documents include all signature pages, your Project Description, your Project Summary Report, Spiritual Walk Essay, Mini-Resume, Letters of Reference, Board of Review transcript, photos, receipts, notes, and Stars & Stripes Award Request for Recognition. This is submitted to the AHG, Inc. for final approval.

Troop Leadership – your Unit Leaders and Troop Board.

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Frequent ly Asked Quest ions for the S&S General OverviewWhat are the required Badges for the Stars & Stripes Award?The Stars & Stripes Award requires a minimum of 16 Badges. Included in those 16, the following 9 specific Badges are required: Citizenship & Government, Camping, Family Helper, Outdoor Skills, Emergency Preparedness, Home Care & Repair, Our Flag, Money Management, and a Fitness-type Badge.

Which Badges would qual ify as a fi tness-type Badge?The following Badges would qualify as a fitness-type Badge: Canoeing, Climb On!, Cycling, Golf, Hiking, Horsemanship, Physical Fitness, Snow Skiing & Snowboarding, and Swimming

Do I have to complete al l my Badge Requirements before I start on my Stars & Stripes Project?No. You may start working on your Stars & Stripes Project Procedure as soon as you have received approval of your Dolley Madison Award. There must be a minimum of 6 months between your Dolley Madison Board of Review and your Stars & Stripes Board of Review.

At what age can I start working on my Stars & Stripes project?To begin your Stars & Stripes Project, you must have completed the Dolley Madison Level Award which requires you to be 15 years old and have been a member for two years at the Patriot Level.

During the Stars & Stripes Procedure, I need to be an act ive member of my Troop. What qual if ies me as an act ive member?An active member of AHG attends Troop meetings and events regularly. You should hold a Leadership Position within the Troop and continue to act as a role-model for younger girls. You must be active with your Troop for the duration of your Award Process. You are still considered a member of your Patriot Unit. Stars & Stripes Candidates are not a seperate or elite unit.

How should my parents be involved during my Stars & Stripes journey?The role of your parents should be as supporters: giving you encouragement, guidance, and prayer to maintain your focus. Although they may participate in workdays, they should not be doing the planning, writing, communicating, or leading. You, as a Candidate, are the driver of this Procedure.

How long should I al low for my Project?You should plan a minimum of 9 months to complete the entire Award Procedure. Your actual Project may only require a short time to complete, but the prep work, planning, written work from you and approvals from all the people involved will take time. Additional time will be needed to schedule your Board of Review. Remember everything must be completed before your 18th birthday. Your Binder may arrive at AHG, Inc. after your birthday.

Where can I find an idea for my Project?Begin by reflecting on what you are passionate about. What things in the world or your community really tug at your heart, that you wish you could change? Investigate potential Benefiting Organizations; ask what they need. General ideas for Stars & Stripes Projects can come from various sources: community sections of the newspaper, the Internet listing for service project ideas, and Charter Partners. Prayer is key to finding the right project. There may be an organization praying for someone to do something big for them in an area you may have never considered. God will place the passion in your heart for the Project He has in mind.

Does my Project have to be something permanent? All projects need a development component: meaning you need to identify a problem the organization faces and find a creative way to resolve it. Some projects may involve physical construction, which usually results in

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something tangible and permanent. Other projects are more humanitarian such as when a program or service is developed and implemented, resulting in a potential change in someone’s life. Such a change would have intangible permanence but should also have a measurable impact on a larger community. Stars & Stripes Projects may not be just a maintenance project such as weeding gardens, painting fences, running an established blood drive or Bible class. Some projects may require a “leave behind” document for maintenance or continuation. Do al l service projects qual i ty as a Stars & Stripes Project?No. You may have friends and/or family members who have completed a service project through another youth organization. These projects can be a good place to start as far as coming up with an idea, but please note that the guidelines for a Stars & Stripes do differ from other awards, so be sure that your idea adheres to AHG’s Project requirements. You may not be aware of all of the details of another Candidate’s or Recipient’s project. Each circumstance is unique but all projects will be reviewed with regard to the current guidelines. Discuss your idea with your Mentor and Stars & Stripes Project Advisor to make sure it qualifies.

Does my act ual Project have to take 100 hours of work?The 100 hours is not required solely on the physical project. It includes your planning, implementing, and paperwork. Be aware that a complete Project may take more than 100 hours. Once commited to a Benefiting Organization you are expected to complete the commitment. What do my supervisory hours include?A minimum of 10 hours must be spent supervising and leading a group of 3 or more youth who are non-family members. The members of the “group” must be present with you.

Can I earn service stars for the hours I spend on the Stars & Stripes Procedure?No. Hours spent on your Project count only toward the earning of the Stars & Stripes Award. Although service stars represent your concern and work for your community, earning the Stars & Stripes Award tells the world that you are willing to set aside your own recognition to give to your community in a way far greater than anything you’ve participated in thus far.

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Troop Leadership Recommendation for Stars & Stripes Candidacy

(It is the responsibility of the Candidate to provide this form to her Troop Leadership)

This is a confidential document to be submitted to the Stars & Stripes Award Team. This document is vital to the Application process; please be prompt in its submission. This document should be completed by the Troop Coordinator or Vice Coordinator (may not be a relative of the Applicant) then scannned and emailed to: starsandstripes@ahgonline.org.

Stars & Stripes Candidacy Applicant: ___________________________________ Troop ID: _____________Troop Coordinator: __________________________________________________ Date: _______________

Has the Applicant’s Dolley Madison Award been approved by AHG, Inc.? Yes or NoIs the Applicant holding a girl leadership position within her unit? Yes or NoDoes the Applicant adhere to Troop policies? Yes or No (If no, explain)

Does the Applicant show respect for others, and a positive regard for the Mission, Oath and Creed of American Heritage Girls? Yes or No (If no, explain)

Have you met with the Applicant to discuss her reasons for pursuing the Award, and to explore her understanding of the Award Procedure? Yes or No

Are there any reasons why this Applicant should be denied Candidacy? If so, explain:

If the Applicant is in need of Special Considerations or an Individual Award Plan (IAP), please contact programdepartment@ahgonline.org. This must be completed before Project Idea submission.

Troop Leader, please initial to show your adherence to the following:

____ Our Troop Leadership understands the Stars & Stripes Award Procedure and the responsibilities of the Troop Leadership in the Procedure.____ Our Troop Leadership understands the Candidate responsibilities and that the Candidate “drives” the Procedure.____ Our Troop Leadership will support and encourage the Candidate through prayer and, when able, by participation in the Project Implementation Phase of the Procedure.____ Our Troop Leadership understands that Stars & Stripes Candidates are not an elite unit but should remain active in their Patriot unit.

Print Name: _______________________________ Signature: ____________________________________

Email Address: _____________________________ Phone: ______________________________________

Charter Representative Signature: ________________________________________

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