Members of American Heritage Girls, wearing red, white and blue uniforms, could be seen around town throughout the past year in milieus ranging from color guard ceremonies to community service work.

The local Christian-based group began in May 2009 and has 29 girls and 15 adult leaders registered in Troop 1012. Girls who are interested in joining the group in its second year are invited along with their parents to a meeting Monday, July 12, at the Patterson Covenant Church.

“We’re excited to welcome new girls and their parents to participate in our blessed program,” leader Helen Hoxie said.

American Heritage Girls is open to girls from 5 to 18 years old.

The troop’s community service work during the past 14 months has been varied. Projects have included helping with Patterson Covenant Church activities and pitching in at the Apricot Fiesta by selling soft drinks and riding on the float in the Fiesta parade. Most recently, the troop sponsored a booth at the Fourth of July community celebration. 

Individual girls have prepared food to feed the homeless and poor, helped at various churches, pulled weeds for a local senior and helped with vacation Bible school, and child care.

Pioneers (seventh- and eighth-graders) and Patriots (ninth- through 12th-graders) will have an overnight trip on the U.S.S. Pampanito on July 31 in San Francisco.

An all-troop family campout is planned for Aug. 7 through 9 at Pinecrest.

During meetings, the second Monday of each month, the girls also focus on work toward badges and “Mad Science in the Kitchen” activities. The group has also visited the Pixie Woods and the Children’s Museum of Stockton and had sleepovers.

At a glance

• WHAT: Recruitment night for American Heritage Girls, a Christ-centered group for girls ages 5 through 18

• WHEN: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, July 12

• WHERE: Patterson Covenant Church, 435 W. Las Palmas Ave.

• DETAILS: Troop 1012 has 29 girls and 15 adult leaders registered

• COST: $26 to register; also a uniform fee and workbook fee

• INFO: Marci Morden, 895-5134; or Helen Hoxie, 892-2916

• WHAT: Tri-tip sandwich drive-through fundraiser

• WHEN: Aug. 21; tickets

on sale July 26

• WHERE: Patterson Covenant Church, 435 W. Las Palmas Ave.

• COST: $10 per meal