Connect With Your Community!
Connect With Your Community!
After recent leadership training at the US Naval War College in Rhode Island with the Nation's security concerns fresh in her mind, COL Tracy Schmitt of Three Forks saw the need to develop local youth to embrace what the forefathers of the United States created 250 years ago.
Wanting to instill the importance of a nation founded on devotion to God and country, Schmitt and several other local women banded together to bring an American Heritage Girls (AHG) troop to the Three Forks area.
According to Schmitt, a Colonel in the US Army Reserves who was completing her master's in strategic studies and National Security, American Heritage Girls is a national organization dedicated to growing girls in their faith while learning skills to navigate their life's journey.
"I believe more than ever it is critical for those of us that are shepherding the next generation to be intentional about empowering our youth to grow in their faith while becoming strong leaders of moral character that will shape the future of our country," Schmitt said.
This month, the troop is hosting two informational meetings for parents and girls at the Concord Harvest Baptist Church located at 507 Main Street in Three Forks. The first meeting is scheduled for April 22 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., and the second will take place April 26 to 28 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Schmitt said they would be going over what the program entails, the time commitment involved, and some of the activities planned this summer.
The program memberships are currently available for girls aged seven to 14, but Schmitt hopes to open the opportunity to high school aged girls next year.
Schmitt has been joined in this quest by other strong women, Julie Fambro, Heather Cochran, Joan Hayes, and Erin Lorenz in providing this program to our community.
"This is exciting as there is only one other American Heritage Girls troop in Montana. We hope our troop will provide a place that fosters Christian friendships, spiritual and social development while having fun learning new skills and engaging in outdoor adventures," she said.
Schmitt added the vision of AHG is a fun-filled, Christ-centered, service-oriented, character development organization for girls that would contribute to the betterment of each girl's community and strengthen her walk with Christ.
"The goal is to build women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country," she said.
