Thomas Jefferson, our 3rd president was more than just a politician. He was ahead of his time. His accomplishments are too numerous to list. His home in Monticello, Virginia is a historic site. To learn about Jefferson visit Monticello.org Continue reading “Dawn of Our Country #8”
AHG merit badge Special Delivery focus on stamp collecting. I know philately is not cool to some most people, but Lily has enjoyed working on this merit badge. It allowed her to connect to her grandpa in a new way. She is currently working on this badge.
Requirement number seven looks into the story behind each stamp. She is to select 10 stamps and write the story depicted on each. If you are working on this requirement start by printing the file below twice.
After selecting ten stamps, head to www.arago.si.edu. “Arago is your resource to the study of philately and postal operations as seen through the eyes of the National Postal Museum.” The search option allows you to learn more about each stamp, including the issue date and location. It also tells the history behind the stamp.
I love being part of American Heritage Girls. My daughter also loves it. As soon as we learned that we were moving she wanted to know if there was a troop near us. Thankfully the answer is yes.
However, I have found that they are lacking one thing. Before you worry, let me explain. My son is a Life Scout. He has 5 merit badges and a service project to complete before he is eligible for his Eagle. We are very proud of him. There is a great free resource available to Boy Scouts – www.MeritBadge.org. They provide worksheets to accompany every merit badge. As a mom, I wish there were some for American Heritage Girls merit badges.
As a Troop Coordinator in Texas, I made worksheets to help parents with some of the requirements. I did not complete entire merit badges, but rather tackled some random requirements. Most of them were for Tenderhearts. As the mom of an Explorer I have began to create worksheets for some of the requirements that Lily is working on. My husband, recommended I share them with you thinking that other parents maybe looking for same thing and there is no need to re-invent the wheel.
If you are a regular follower that enjoys my knitting, cooking and other projects, don’t worry they will continue. However, I am adding a new tab at the top of the page.
Okay, I will quit rambling and get back to creating merit badge helps.
Did you know that there are 13 folds when an American Flag is properly folded? Each fold symbolizes something. Learn the meaning of each fold and use it in a flag ceremony.
A few years back I heard the meanings of each fold as the flag was folded. It was a very moving experience for me, as I watched a group of military personal fold the flag. So when I saw this badge requirement I was excited to look it up with the hopes of including it at one of our ceremonies.
The first thing I learned is that Federal Flag code does not dictate the meaning behind the folds. But rather this has evolved over time to represent the religious principles that our nation was founded on.
Symbols for the Folds of the Flag
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace, as well as in times of war, for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first-born.
The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”
Build a simple wooden birdfeeder, birdhouse or other project using pre-cut wood (either from a kit or cut by an adult). Learn to use sandpaper, a hammer and nails.
This requirement is a lot easier than it may seem. Check with the local home improvement store to learn about their children’s program.
Lowe’s call theirs Build and Grow. Twice a month they host an event where they provide a project kit and the tools needed to complete. And they are free, but may require registration as supplies are limited. At the time of this blog entry Lowe’s says “Build and Grow kid’s clinics are a great way to help build confidence! Bring the kids into any Lowe’s store and build a FREE wooden project. Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project.”
Home Depot calls theirs Kid Workshop. These are offered once a month. And are set up similar to Lowe’s. Home Depot’s website says “FREE hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5 – 12 offered the 1st Saturday of every month at all The Home Depot stores All kids get to keep their craft and receive a FREE Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety along with instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment.”
If your schedule does not allow you to attend on of the free workshops, check with your local store to see if they have kits available for sale.
