American Patriotism Interest Project
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America
is a unique place to live and work. While it offers many freedoms, each
freedom comes with responsibilities. Find out what those freedoms and
responsibilities are by doing this Interest Project.
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To
earn the American
Patriotism Interest
Project award, you must complete at least two activities in the Skill Builders
section, one activity in each of the other three sections, and two other
activities in any section you choose.
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Please
note:
This award is not yet available for purchase. It will be available
through your local Girl Scout council shop in mid-March. Activities have
been posted as a service to those wanting to work on the award at this
time.
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Skill
Builders
1.
Find out how to fold the American flag. Learn and practice this ceremony within
your troop or group. You may want to volunteer your services at a future
ceremony.
2.
Visit a historic place where Americans have signed documents of freedom. What is
the significance of the documents signed?
3.
Who was living in North America before the French, Spanish and English
"discovered" it? Find two to three ways that the previous inhabitants'
culture differed from the Europeans.
4.
What are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution? Why is the Bill of Rights
so precious to Americans TODAY?
5.
Learn the history of
"The Star-Spangled Banner." When and why was it written?
6.
Freedom of the press
is an important right in our country. What does it mean? Is there any topic that
we should never be allowed to print?
Technology
1.
Make up a logo/theme
expressing what patriotism means to you, and put it on a T-shirt, hat, or other
apparel visible to others.
2.
How has technology
changed the way we vote in the United States?
3.
Learn how the American flag is made. Can any company produce it? Does the
manufacturer have to abide by certain criteria? Discuss your findings with your
troop.
4.
How do 24-hour news networks influence the way we view world events? Think of
several recent events covered on television or radio. How did you feel watching
them live?
5.
Use the Internet to visit famous national exhibits at the Smithsonian
Institution or Library of Congress. Or check out the National Geographic Society
to discover the places and people that make America unique.
Career
Exploration
1.
What career choices would you have had in America in the 1700s, 1800s, or early
1900s? Pick one career, and see how it has changed.
2.
Invite someone to your troop who has belonged to one of the U.S. armed forces.
Ask that person to talk about what patriotism is, what she or he did to serve
our country, and what you can do if you are interested in a career in the armed
forces.
3.
Discover the careers
available in two to three government agencies. What are the qualifications you
need to get the job? What would you have to do when you got it?
4.
Write a job description for the next president of the United States. What
skills, abilities and characteristics should the ideal candidate have? Compare
your requirements with those listed in the Constitution.
5.
Interview any elected official in your area, and find out what inspired her or
him to run for office.
Service
Projects
1.
Find out when an
American flag is considered unserviceable and how you are supposed to dispose of
it. Research the flag disposal ceremony's history and presentation. Then teach a
younger troop, a group of children, or your family about disposing of an
unserviceable flag.
2.
With your troop or
some friends, plant a tree as a "living legacy" to our nation's
freedoms. Invite another group or someone who has served in the armed forces to
join you.
3.
Send cards or greetings to overseas service people during a patriotic holiday,
and thank them for doing a great job in protecting or defending our country's
freedom.
4.
Work with your community to restore or maintain a historic site, memorial,
cemetery, or garden. Spend at least one day helping to get it back in shape.
5.
Attend an event that
honors those who served their country in your community. Show your support.
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