American Heritage Girls
Encyclopedia
The American Heritage Girls(AHG) is a Christian
Scouting
organization founded in 1995 by Patti Garibay and other parents from West Chester, Ohio
, who were unhappy that the Girl Scouts
accepted lesbians as troop leaders, allowed girls to substitute another word more applicable to their belief for "God" in the promise, and allegedly banned prayer at meetings (see also Girl Scouts of the USA Controversies). The organization claimed 9,468 members in 2010 (up from 7552 the previous year), with troops in 42 states, plus Americans living in three other countries.
The vision statement reflects similar values:
The AHG's Christian beliefs are explicit in the statement of faith:
The organization's official oath and creed are:
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.
's iShine LIVE to produce a program called “iShine KNECT
” and an iShine LIVE concert show aimed at tweens in the faith-based industry.
In June 2009, the AHG formed a partnership with the Boy Scouts of America
. 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.
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
Scouting
Scouting
Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement with the stated aim of supporting young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, that they may play constructive roles in society....
organization founded in 1995 by Patti Garibay and other parents from West Chester, Ohio
West Chester Township, Butler County, Ohio
West Chester Township, formerly known as Union Township, is a township located in the southeast corner of Butler County in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Ohio, one of thirteen townships in the county. It is situated between Sharonville and Monroe, about 18 miles north of Cincinnati, and...
, who were unhappy that the Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts of the USA
The Girl Scouts of the United States of America is a youth organization for girls in the United States and American girls living abroad. It describes itself as "the world's preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls". It was founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912 and was organized after Low...
accepted lesbians as troop leaders, allowed girls to substitute another word more applicable to their belief for "God" in the promise, and allegedly banned prayer at meetings (see also Girl Scouts of the USA Controversies). The organization claimed 9,468 members in 2010 (up from 7552 the previous year), with troops in 42 states, plus Americans living in three other countries.
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 worshipping 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.
Partnerships
In Spring 2009 American Heritage Girls went into partnership with Trinity Broadcasting NetworkTrinity Broadcasting Network
The Trinity Broadcasting Network is a major American Christian television network. TBN is based in Costa Mesa, California, with auxiliary studio facilities in Irving, Texas; Hendersonville, Tennessee; Gadsden, Alabama; Decatur, Georgia; Miami, Florida; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Orlando, Florida; and New...
's iShine LIVE to produce a program called “iShine KNECT
IShine KNECT
iShine KNECT is a television show created by Robert Beeson as a part of the iShine ministry. The show is currently on its second season on Trinity Broadcasting Network with a cast of teen singers, actors and dancers.- Season 1 :...
” and an iShine LIVE concert show aimed at tweens in the faith-based industry.
In June 2009, the AHG formed a partnership with the Boy Scouts of America
Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 4.5 million youth members in its age-related divisions...
. 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
Venturing (Boy Scouts of America)
Venturing is part of the program of the Boy Scouts of America for young adults, men and women, from the age of 14 years old or 13 years old and completed eighth grade through 21....
membership division.
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.