September 2024 Newsletter

A Note From the Founder – Missing My Mom

Kerry Cordy – Founder

For those who have been members for years, you know that my mom, Sandy Yearwood, was the inspiration behind all of our programs. For those who are fairly new, you never had a chance to know this fabulous woman who passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2018.

My mom believed in collecting experiences, the more the better. She got her pilot’s license at age 16 and learned to surf while attending college in Hawaii. She rode quads across the desert, ziplined in Yellowstone, whale watched in Mexico, explored caverns in Ireland, and even had the chance to sing at Carnegie Hall. Her careers were as varied as her activities. Sandy was an elementary school teacher, a flight attendant, a Mary Kay rep, a travel agent, a real estate broker, and finally retired as the top trainer for American Airlines.

Mom was a voracious reader, loved music of all varieties, and thought it was fun to jump in the car and deliberately get lost just to see where she ended up. She raised us with the advice that if it was moral, legal, and we could afford it, we should do it. We were constantly encouraged to take risks and think outside the box.

Even though she is gone, her legacy continues. Rather than a funeral, she asked to have friends and family go out and collect experiences in her name instead. I passed this request on to all of our Frontier Girls and Quest members and to this day they still search for experiences to collect in honor of Sandy Yearwood.

So my challenge this month is to collect a new experience in honor of my mom. Try a new food, learn a new skill, visit a new place. If it is moral, legal, and you can afford it, you should try it….

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New Badges Added

Haiku, Drones, Frogs

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Practical Homeschooling Reader Award

The Reader Awards from Practical Homeschooling Magazine are given to their reader’s favorite curriculums. Thousands of homeschoolers nominate and vote for their favorite homeschool curriculums in dozens of categories. Votes are based on satisfaction, not just on how many votes are cast for a specific product. Homeschoolers score products they have used from 1 (terrible) to 10 (the very best). The curricula with the highest satisfaction ratings are the winners. This year, Curiosity Untamed received the third place award for the Unit Studies category. Many thanks to everyone who voted for us!

The full award list can be found in the fall issue of Practical Homeschooling magazine. The Reader Awards have been a regular feature in the magazine since 1998.

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Fall Camping

Fall camping with kids offers a unique and enriching experience. The cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage create an ideal backdrop for outdoor adventures. Planning a successful fall camping trip involves a few key considerations to ensure safety and enjoyment for everyone.

First, packing appropriately is crucial. Layered clothing, warm sleeping bags, and weather-resistant tents are essential to keep everyone comfortable in fluctuating temperatures. Additionally, packing extra blankets, hats, and gloves can help ward off the chill during the night.

Engaging kids in the preparation process can enhance their excitement and sense of responsibility. Allow them to help with packing, choosing activities, and setting up the campsite. This involvement fosters independence and teaches valuable skills.

Fall camping provides ample opportunities for educational activities. Nature walks can turn into impromptu science lessons, as children observe and learn about the changing ecosystem. Collecting leaves, identifying different tree species, and observing wildlife can make the experience both fun and informative.

Safety is paramount, so ensure everyone knows basic first aid and fire safety. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit on hand and supervise campfires closely. Plan activities that are age-appropriate and keep a close eye on the weather forecast to avoid unexpected challenges.

Ultimately, fall camping is a fantastic way to bond as a family or troop, appreciate nature, and create lasting memories. The crisp air and stunning landscapes make for an unforgettable adventure, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.

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September 20 is Founders Day

Many years ago a group of Frontier Girls members got together and made a list of holidays they wanted for the program. One of these was Founders Day, my birthday on Sept. 20. I will be 55 this year. Ideas they came up with for celebrating this holiday include:

• Earning the My Troop badge
• Participate in a community service project that you feel represents Kerry in some manner.  Examples might include helping out at your local VFW, American Legion or veterans’ home or performing for them in some manner such as singing or doing tall flag routines.  You might also participate in a walk or fundraiser for a cure for Alzheimer’s as that is what Sandy Yearwood, Kerry’s mom and the inspiration behind Frontier Girls, died of in 2018.
• Interview Kerry Cordy either by phone or email.
• Send Kerry a birthday card to:  Kerry Cordy, 20845 Gregory Lane, Redding, CA 96003

Other Frontier Girls holidays include:

• January 19 – Frontier Girls Birthday (founded in 2007)
• February 20 – Leader Appreciation Day (In honor of Sandy Yearwood, Kerry’s mom and her Girl Scout leader)
• March 4th (Forth!) – Our annual SWAPS day and the day we “march forth” to spread the word about Frontier Girls.

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Leadership Positions

Frontier Girls troops and Quest Clubs provide a great opportunity for kids to work together as a team as well as to learn to take on leadership responsibilities.  In addition to badges and awards involving teamwork and leadership skills, all members in grades 3 and up have the opportunity to serve in leadership positions within their group.  These members are “essential pieces” of the group and are represented by a puzzle piece pin.   Positions are held for anywhere from 6 months to 1 year, giving each member enough time to learn and become proficient at the job, but switching often enough that all members should get a chance to serve within 2-3 years.  Those members who need to hold a leadership position in order to complete a gem award should be given priority.

Positions Include:

Leader in Training: The Leader in Training in responsible for making sure meetings start on time. They should have a watch at every meeting and give quiet reminders to the Leader when it is time to start, have snack, etc. She is also responsible for keeping the members occupied with songs or games if there is a lull in the meeting and the Leader is busy. Your leader in training should be trained in both the scribe and treasurer positions so that she can fill in if necessary. Finally, the Leader in Training is responsible for calling all patrol leaders with any important updates or information between meetings.

Scribe: The Scribe is responsible for taking notes at all meetings when business is discussed.  She is also responsible for logging in all badges and service stars earned.  An adult should always oversee this position to make sure it is done correctly.

Snack Coordinator: The Snack Coordinator is responsible for creating a snack rotation list and calling to remind members when it is their turn to bring snack. If for some reason a member cannot bring snack, it is the snack coordinator’s job to find a substitute.

Treasurer: The Treasure is responsible for reporting the current finances of the group at each Leadership meeting. She should help prepare budgets for all events and activities. The Treasurer is also responsible for logging in all payments to the group, these may include dues, group registration, uniform fees, or payments for badges and awards. An adult should always oversee this position to make sure it is done correctly.

Care Coordinator: The Care Coordinator is responsible for praying for the group at least once a week. She should have cards ready to sign for all special needs (illness, birthday, thanks, etc.) and make sure they reach the intended recipient. Finally, if your group is participating in our Support A Soldier program, the Care Coordinator is responsible for packing and shipping all care packages. (The group in still responsible for paying all shipping charges.)

Photographer: The Photographer takes pictures at all group meetings and events. You may wish to have more than one member serve in this position if you have a large group. This ensures that there are pictures of every member. Photographers may also be in charge of the group scrapbook.

Reporter: The reporter is responsible for writing a group newsletter as well as sending photos and write ups to the local media.  Reporters are also frequently in charge of the group scrapbook or website.

Patrol Leader: The Patrol Leaders lead a patrol of between 4 to 8 members and are in charge of making sure their patrol is ready for the meeting, completes their chores in a timely manner and that any younger members in the group have a buddy to help them if necessary during crafts or games. Patrol leaders are also responsible for calling the members in their patrol to pass on important updates or information.

To purchase pins, visit our store and look for Leadership Pins.

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