A Note From the Founder – Many Thanks!
Kerry Cordy – Founder
For those of you who have been around awhile you already know what a grassroots group we are, but if you are new, you may not be aware. Over the last 18 years, our programs have grown and expanded thanks to the ideas and help of hundreds of members all around the country. I could not do all of this on my own and I am always happy to take suggestions and help from everyone involved. Everything from many of the badges written, to the program holidays, to complete sections of our handbook have been contributed by members over the years in an effort to improve the programs for everyone involved. If you ever have a suggestion, a complaint, or even just a crazy idea, I will always listen and respond.
I thought I would highlight one of our members who stepped up to volunteer last month. Several of our badges were written nearly two decades ago and are drastically out of date. Ramon Gomez, one of our wonderful homeschool dads, offered to read through many of them and update where necessary, especially the technology badges. I asked him for a quick bio so you could all get to know him a bit and this is what he sent:
“Ramon is passionate about computer technology, space science, genealogy, and trying not to be a bad Catholic. He started his professional career in the US Navy, serving for 6 years as a Data Systems Technician, before settling into a career as an information security professional. He currently works as a defender of the western US electrical energy market. He’s filled a variety of roles in kids’ organizations, ranging from leading scouting and church youth groups, to coaching recreational soccer. He uses Quest Clubs to supplement homeschool, and runs a small Frontiersmen troop in the Sacramento, California area.”
Many thanks to Ramon and all my other wonderful helpers. I love the connections we have formed over the years. You have all helped to create one of the most unique educational programs I have ever encountered and I am proud to be a part of it.
New Badges Posted
Nature’s Camouflage Badge, Digital Wellness Badge, Navigation
New Award – Elizabeth Vicory Community Leadership Award
Elizabeth Vicory has been a dedicated member of Frontier Girls since 2011. She has earned every available award and over 1,000 badges, with a lifelong commitment to the program and a particular focus on community service. As an autistic young woman, Elizabeth has become a powerful advocate for those often overlooked, demonstrating that being different is a strength, not a limitation.
Elizabeth’s spirit of giving extends to countless local projects, from putting together dozens of Easter baskets for kids in her community to acting as a lead ambassador for the Million Misfit Sock March against bullying and creating a lasting monument to the first responders of 9/11. She regularly speaks at city council meetings to raise awareness and advocate for positive change. She continues to be a voice for the underserved, a champion for those facing challenges, and a tireless volunteer, making her a true example of what it means to serve with courage and compassion.
The Elizabeth Vicory Community Leadership Award honors her legacy, recognizing those who, like Elizabeth, lead with compassion, courage, and a commitment to service.
Eligibility:
Available to Level 4 (Eagle) and Level 5 (Owl) members only.
Award Requirements:
- Longevity of Service: Be an active member for a minimum of 5 years.
- Servant’s Heart: Earn a minimum of one Servant’s Heart for each year of membership, reflecting a consistent dedication to community service.
- Impact and Leadership:
- Earn the Make a Difference Award at either Level 4 or Level 5, demonstrating a significant positive impact on your community.
- Earn the Leadership Award at either Level 4 or Level 5, showcasing your ability to guide and inspire others.
- Public Advocacy: Speak or present at a public meeting, such as a city council, school board, or community event, at least five times. This could involve supporting a cause you care about, proposing a new public project, raising awareness, or sharing a personal story to inspire positive change.
This award not only honors the legacy of Elizabeth Vicory but also sets a standard for future leaders, inspiring members to be bold, compassionate, and committed to creating a better world.
Free Nature’s Camouflage Meeting Plan and Unit Study
Camouflage isn’t just science—it’s art, survival, and discovery all rolled into one. From insects that vanish against leaves to owls hidden in plain sight on a tree trunk, camouflage is one of nature’s most fascinating adaptations.
With our Nature’s Camouflage badge and a free meeting plan and unit study, kids will dive into the world of hidden colors and patterns. They’ll explore how animals blend into their surroundings, design their own camouflage creations, and head outdoors to look for real-life examples in nature.
This unit is designed to spark curiosity, encourage hands-on learning, and make science come alive for every age. Whether you’re planning a troop meeting, a homeschool lesson, or just an afternoon adventure, this badge is a wonderful way to see the world through new eyes.
Check out the free plan today and see how many examples of camouflage your family or troop can uncover!
How to Use the Patrol System in Your Club
The patrol system is a great way to build leadership, teamwork, and a sense of ownership within your troop or club. By breaking your group into smaller teams—called patrols—you give kids a chance to work more closely with one another, take on responsibility, and develop real leadership skills. Each patrol can choose its own name, design a flag, and even come up with a motto. It’s a simple structure that adds a lot of energy and unity to your meetings.
Each patrol should have a leader—either elected or rotated regularly—who helps guide their team and communicates with the adult leaders. If you have a Kaper Chart, each patrol can be responsible for a different task and rotate tasks from meeting to meeting. The Patrol Leader would be responsible for making sure their patrol is ready to do the tasks assigned to them and help them to do those tasks in a timely manner. It’s a great way to help kids step up and find their voice.
To get started, just group your members into small teams of 4–8, trying to mix ages and strengths. Let them pick a name, create a flag, and if you are using the election process, elect their leader. You can use patrols at every meeting or just when it fits your plan. Rotate leaders and mix up patrols at least twice a year to give more kids a chance to lead and to ensure you don’t form cliques.
Patrol Leaders wear a special leadership pin on the center of their tab to designate their position. When they complete their turn as leader, the pin moves down onto the ribbon color of the level they were at when they served. When kids feel ownership, responsibility, and belonging, they grow—and that’s exactly what the patrol system is designed to encourage.
DIY Patrol Flag Instructions
You’ll need:
- A blank canvas banner or large piece of sturdy fabric (around 18″x24″)
- Fabric markers or paint
- Optional: iron-on letters, felt, stencils, ribbon, grommets
- A dowel or small pole to hang it on
Steps:
- Choose a Name – Let your patrol members come up with a creative name that reflects their interests, traits, or values (e.g., “Fearless Foxes” or “The Trailblazers”).
- Design the Flag Together – Include your patrol name, a symbol or mascot, and any colors or patterns that reflect your group’s personality. Consider adding your troop/club number and city.
- Decorate the Fabric – Use fabric paint or markers to bring your design to life. Add details with felt, ribbon, or iron-ons. Keep it readable and bold.
- Attach to a Dowel – Sew or glue a sleeve along one edge and slide it onto a dowel for easy display. You can also punch grommets for hanging.
- Present It Proudly! – Have each patrol present their flag at your next meeting. You might even hold a mini-flag parade or use the flags to mark patrol seating areas.
Founders Day – September 20th
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 56 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 Cordy 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. (She loves getting to know her members)
- Send Kerry a birthday card
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.
