The shooting and hunting community has gained a much larger participation base thanks to a new partnership between the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation’s (USSAF) Trailblazer Adventure Program and the American Heritage Girls (AHG). The two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding on May 17.
Under this new agreement, all current and potential members of AHG nationwide will have an opportunity to experience the excitement of outdoor adventures including shooting sports, archery, fishing, and a host of other hands-on outdoor related activities.
Photo courtesy of U. S. Sportsmen's Alliance: Left to right- Kali Parmley, Associate Education Director for the Trailblazer Adventure Program, Patti Garibay, National Executive Director for the American Heritage Girls, Walter P. Pidgeon Jr., President and Chief Executive for the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, and Derrek Shively, Education Director for the Trailblazer Adventure Program
The USSAF Trailblazer Adventure Program staff will be working with AHG troops across the country to introduce them to the enjoyment of the outdoors and the connection between American sportsmen and women and conservation.
“The USSA Foundation leadership is really excited about this new educational opportunity to introduce girls – beginning at an early age – to the wonderment of the outdoors.” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA president and CEO.
Joining Pidgeon in signing the MOU was AHG Executive Director and Founder Patti Garibay. The two leaders were surrounded by AHG troup members holding bows and air rifles.
The relationship that led to the MOU was cultivated at the Boy Scouts of America Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. USSA will be working with AHG to develop outdoor programs and create leadership opportunities for girls. USSA will also teach outdoor training workshops at the 2012 AHG National Conference this fall.
The American Heritage Girls is a Christ-centered scouting organization for girls K-18 years of age. The organization is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio and has more than 300 troops across America. The national program promotes character development for young women based on Christian values and encourages a strong family environment. AHG participants acquire skills that will assist them in all areas of life, whether it is “how to use a computer, sew on a button, protect one’s self, or what it takes to be an astronaut.”
The USSAF Trailblazer Adventure Program introduces youth and their families to outdoor activities such as shooting, fishing, hunting, and trapping. More than 1.3 million youth and their families have participated in a Trailblazer program since its inception in 2001.
Details are at www.ahgonline.org or contact Kali Parmley, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance associate director of education at (614) 888-4868 ext. 219.
Reprinted with permission from The Sportsmen’s Daily. Visit U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
