American Heritage Girls
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American Heritage Girls
| American Heritage Girls | |||
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| Headquarters | Cincinnati, OH | ||
| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | 1995 | ||
| Membership | 18,000+ (2012)[1] | ||
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| Website http://www.ahgonline.org/ |
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The American Heritage Girls (AHG) is a Christian Scouting organization founded in 1995 by Patti Garibay and other parents from West Chester, Ohio, who "want a wholesome program for their daughters," since the Girl Scouts allowed girls to substitute another word more applicable to their belief for "God" in the promise, and banned prayer at meetings (as prescribed in the Girl Scout handbooks) [2] (see also Girl Scouts of the USA: Issues). The organization claimed over 19,000 members with troops in 45 states in early 2012, plus Americans living in seven other countries.[1]
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Contents
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Ideals
The AHG mission statement is:
Building women of integrity
through service to God, family,
community and country.
The vision statement reflects similar values:
American Heritage Girls is the premier national character development organization for young women that embraces Christian values and encourages family involvement.
The AHG's Christian beliefs are explicit in the statement of faith:
We believe that there is One Triune God – Father, Jesus Christ His one and only Son, and the Holy Spirit – Creator of the universe and eternally existent. We believe the Holy Scriptures (Old/New Testament) to be the inspired and authoritative Word of God. We believe each person is created in His image for the purpose of communing with and worshiping God. We believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit who enables us to live a Godly life. We believe that each individual is called to love the Lord their God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength; and to love their neighbors as themselves. We believe that each individual is called to live a life of purity, service, stewardship and integrity.
The organization's official oath and creed are:
I promise to love God,
Cherish my family,
Honor my country,
and Serve in my community.
As an American Heritage Girl, I promise to be:
Compassionate — Understanding others in fellowship, empathy, kindness, and caring. Respect others' opinions and emotions.
Helpful — Willingly serve others.
Honest — Always tell the truth and keep my promise.
Loyal — True to God, family, friends, community and country.
Perseverant — Continuing to strive toward a goal despite obstacles.
Pure — Keep my mind and body pure.
Resourceful — Wisely use my time, materials and talents.
Respectful — Honor my country, be obedient to those in authority and courteous to all.
Responsible — Accountable for my own actions. Reliable in all situations.
Reverent — Faithful and honoring to God. Respectful to the beliefs of others.
Level divisions
The American Heritage Girls program is divided into several levels based primarily on age. Girls participate in troop activities,and work toward earning various badges.
- Pathfinder (kindergarten/5 years old)
- Tenderheart (1-3rd grade/6 years old)
- Explorer (4-6th grade/9 years old)
- Pioneer (7-8th grade/12 years old)
- Patriot (9-12th grade/14 years old)
Girls can proceed through various ranks. As a Patriot, they are given the chance to work toward earning the Stars and Stripes Award, the highest honor achievable in the program.[3]
Partnerships
American Heritage Girls has several strategic partnerships. AHG formed a partnership with Big Idea and VeggieTales in June 2010, Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation in August 2011, Pure Freedom and its founders, Bob and Dannah Gresch in April 2010, and a partnership with iShine Ministries started in March 2009. To verify and see all current partnerships see the AHG partnership page.
In June 2009, the AHG formed a partnership with the Boy Scouts of America.[4] The memorandum of mutual support recognizes the common values and goals of both organizations and establishes a relationship, especially with the BSA co-ed Venturing membership division.[5]
Awards
The highest AHG award is the Stars and Stripes Award. It requires earning at least 16 badges, performing 100 hours or more of service, leadership development, earning the Dolley Madison Level Award, an age of 15 but not yet 18, writing an essay, completing a resume, and performing a service project that demonstrates leadership.
See also
External links
- "Girl Scouts face religious rebellion", Associated Press story, MSNBC
- Godly Girl Group, by Candi Cushman, Jan 2006, Focus on the Family.
- FIRST-PERSON: Not Your Mom's Girl Scouts, by Penna Dexter, Baptist Press, Apr 26, 2007.
References
- ^ a b "AHG Fact Sheet". American Heritage Girls. 2012. http://www.ahgonline.org/uploads/AHGFactSheet_web.pdf. Retrieved 5 March 2012.
- ^ Angela K. Brown, Associated Press, "Some unhappy with Girl Scouts form new group"
- ^ "Program Levels". http://www.ahgonline.org/uploads/programlevels.pdf.
- ^ Hilty, Lindsey (2009-06-30). "American Heritage Girls gain momentum". JournalNews. http://www.journal-news.com/news/hamilton-news/american-heritage-girls-gain-momentum-184027.html. Retrieved 2009-07-06.
- ^ "Memorandum of Mutual Support". Boy Scouts of America. http://www.scoutingnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/mou_bsa_ahg_bw.pdf. Retrieved 2009-07-06.
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