March 20, 2026
American Heritage Girls awarded 2026 Christian Worldview Film Festival Award for Best Promotional Film
CINCINNATI, Ohio — On Friday, March 13, American Heritage Girls (AHG, www.americanheritagegirls.org), the nation’s premier Christ-centered scout-type organization for girls ages five to 18, was presented with the Best Promotional Film Award at the 2026 Christian Worldview Film Festival.
Produced by Distant Moon, AHG’s award-winning short film, “Letter to My Leader,” celebrates the mentors who shape young women’s lives through wisdom, faith and example. The film features heartfelt letters from AHG Members to the Troop Leaders, moms and women of faith who have poured into them — guiding them to live with integrity and purpose. Whether a current Troop Leader, parent or someone who believes in the power of mentorship, this video is a reminder of the eternal impact of godly leadership.
“In a culture where girls are searching for belonging and meaning, AHG is to point girls to Christ, to help them know their worth and identity is found only in Him, and to surround them with wise mentors who teach and model faith in action,” said AHG Executive Director Rachael Culpepper. “We are honored to have been recognized by the 2026 Christian Worldview Film Festival for our recognition of the eternal impact of godly leadership.
“When it comes to girls keeping their faith after high school or abandoning it, we cannot undervalue the relationship between girls and mentors. Mentors lead the next generation by modeling the life of a Biblical woman of faith. Whether it’s offering encouragement, solving problems, creating beauty or inspiring others spiritually, the unique wisdom that an AHG Troop leader and volunteer can have in a girl’s life isn’t just a strength; it’s a God-given gift to share with others.”
Director and Executive Producer, Ian Reid, with Distant Moon: “‘Letter to My Leader’ is ultimately a story about legacy. It’s about the quiet, often unseen way that one faithful woman can shape the course of countless young women’s lives. At Distant Moon, our mission is to inspire human flourishing through storytelling. Our hope is that people who watch this film would recognize the influence they already carry and step into it more boldly, knowing that their faithfulness today is shaping the next generation in ways that echo into eternity.”
About American Heritage Girls: Marking the organization’s 30th anniversary this year,American Heritage Girls was founded in 1995 by a group of parents who wanted a faith-based, scout-type character development program for their daughters. At AHG, girls ages five to 18 meet together as a unified group and then break out into Levels. This gives AHG girls the important social experience of interacting with friends and Godly mentors. Girl Members also learn leadership skills within a group setting. AHG Troops are located in local communities across the nation. If one does not exist in a given area, families are encouraged to start an AHG Troop. An American Heritage Girls Troop Development Coach is available to provide resources and support. To hear more about the purpose, mission and vision of AHG from Founder and Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, click here.
Today, there are 70,000 members and 1,300 Troops in all 50 states, with girls being served in six countries around the globe. Girls can join a Troop at any time; if a Troop is not available nearby, they can become a Trailblazer and enjoy the AHG program alongside their parents. Charter Organizations include a variety of Christian denominations, Christian schools and Catholic outreach. Thousands of volunteer members across the country are helping girls grow in their faith, cultivate a heart for service, enjoy the great outdoors and have more fun than they can imagine.
AHG offers various resources under “Raising Godly Girls,” including a weekly podcast featuring fresh episodes every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, “Raising Godly Girls Minute” with Patti Garibay one-minute radio feature airing on 1000+ Christian radio stations nationwide, a blog, and e-books for parents. All “Raising Godly Girls” platforms and materials offer guidance and biblically-based advice on various topics affecting girls today, such as bullying, identity, anxiety and body image issues. “Raising Godly Girls” provides parents, educators and faith community leaders with tools, resources and Scripture-based advice to help raise girls after God’s own heart.
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To schedule interviews with Patti Garibay, executive director emeritus of American Heritage Girls, or Rachael Culpepper, executive director of American Heritage Girls, contact Hamilton Strategies, Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096 ext. 105, or Jeff Tolson, ext. 108.
To inquire about airing the “Raising Godly Girls Minute” with Patti Garibay, contact Michael Hamilton, 610.584.1096, ext. 101.
