From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia American Heritage Girls
American Heritage Girls
American Heritage Girls 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 exis-
tent. We believe the Holy Scriptures (Old/New Tes-
tament) to be the inspired and authoritative Word
of God. We believe each person is created in His im-
age for the purpose of communing with and wor-
shipping 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;
Headquarters Cincinnati, OH
and to love their neighbors as themselves. We be-
Country United States lieve that each individual is called to live a life of
purity, service, stewardship and integrity.
Founded 1995
Membership 9,468 (2010)[1] The organization’s official oath and creed are:
I promise to love God,
Website Cherish my family,
http://www.ahgonline.org/ Honor my country,
and Serve in my community.
Girls(AHG) is a Christian Scouting
The American Heritage Girls
organization founded in 1995 by Patti Garibay and other As an American Heritage Girl, I promise to be:
parents from West Chester, Ohio, who were unhappy that Compassionate — Understanding others in fellow-
the Girl Scouts accepted lesbians as troop leaders, al- ship, empathy, kindness, and caring. Respect oth-
lowed girls to substitute another word more applicable ers’ opinions and emotions.
to their belief for "God" in the promise, and allegedly Helpful — Willingly serve others.
banned prayer at meetings[2] (see also Girl Scouts of the Honest — Always tell the truth and keep my
USA Controversies). The organization claimed 9,468 promise.
members in 2010 (up from 7552 the previous year), with Loyal — True to God, family, friends, community
troops in 42 states,[3] plus Americans living in three other and country.
countries.[4] Perseverant — Continuing to strive toward a goal
despite obstacles.
Ideals Pure — Keep my mind and body pure.
Resourceful — Wisely use my time, materials and
The AHG mission statement is: talents.
Respectful — Honor my country, be obedient to
Building women of integrity
those in authority and courteous to all.
through service to God, family,
Responsible — Accountable for my own actions.
community and country.
Reliable in all situations.
Reverent — Faithful and honoring to God. Respect-
The vision statement reflects similar values:
ful to the beliefs of others.
American Heritage Girls is the premier national
character development organization for young Level divisions
women that embraces Christian values and encour-
ages family involvement. The American Heritage Girls program is divided into sev-
eral levels based primarily on age. Girls participate in
The AHG’s Christian beliefs are explicit in the statement troop activities,and work toward earning various badges.
of faith: • Pathfinder (kindergarten/5 years old)
• Tenderheart (1-3rd grade/6 years old)
1
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia American Heritage Girls
• Explorer (4-6th grade/9 years old)
• Pioneer (7-8th grade/12 years old)
External links
• Patriot (9-12th grade/14 years old) • "Girl Scouts face religious rebellion", Associated
Girls can proceed through various ranks. As a Patriot, Press story, MSNBC
they are given the chance to work toward earning the • Godly Girl Group, by Candi Cushman, Jan 2006, Focus
Stars and Stripes Award the highest honor achievable in
Award, on the Family.
the program. [4] • FIRST-PERSON: Not Your Mom’s Girl Scouts, by
Penna Dexter, Baptist Press, Apr 26, 2007.
Partnerships
In Spring 2009 American Heritage Girls went into part-
References
nership with Trinity Broadcasting Network’s iShine LIVE [1] "2009-2010 Ministry Report". American Heritage
to produce a program called “iShine KNECT” and an Girls. 2010. http://www.ahgonline.org/uploads/
iShine LIVE concert show aimed at tweens in the faith- 09-10_AnnualReport_web.pdf. Retrieved 13 June
based industry.[5] 2011.
In June 2009, the AHG formed a partnership with the [2] Angela K. Brown, Associated Press, "Some unhappy
Boy Scouts of America.[6] The memorandum of mutual with Girl Scouts form new group"
support recognizes the common values and goals of both [3] "Troop locations". http://www.ahgonline.org/
organizations and establishes a relationship, especially pages/page.asp?page_id=20342.
with the BSA co-ed Venturing membership division.[7] [4] ^ "American Heritage Girls Celebrate Their 15th
Anniversary". Concerned Women for America.
2010. http://www.cwfa.org/content.asp?id=18855.
Awards [5] http://kriselen.com/d.php?contentID=457
The highest AHG award is the Stars and Strips Award. It [6] Hilty, Lindsey (2009-06-30). "American Heritage
requires earning at least 16 badges, earning the Dolley Girls gain momentum". JournalNews.
Madison Level Award, an age of 15 but not yet 18, writing http://www.journal-news.com/news/hamilton-
an essay, completing a resume and performing a service news/american-heritage-girls-gain-
project the demonstrates leadership. momentum-184027.html. Retrieved 2009-07-06.
[7] "Memorandum of Mutual Support". Boy Scouts of
See also America. http://www.scoutingnews.org/wp-
content/uploads/2009/07/mou_bsa_ahg_bw.pdf.
• Religious emblems programs Retrieved 2009-07-06.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=American_Heritage_Girls&oldid=474780184"
Categories:
• Youth organizations based in the United States
• Non-aligned Scouting organizations
• Christian organizations
• Religious organizations established in 1995
• Women's organizations in the United States
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