‘American Heritage Girls provides a Christ-centered program that promotes life skills, encourages serving in the local community, fosters godly friendships, and develops lifelong faith’

November 14, 2022

CINCINNATI, Ohio — A recent Barna poll revealed that 73% of American parents — regardless of personal spiritual preferences — are concerned about their children’s spiritual development. Additionally, 70% of U.S. parents say they are at least somewhat concerned about their children staying true to their spiritual faith once they leave home at 18. These concerns were found to be more prevalent in Christian families.

American Heritage Girls (AHG, www.americanheritagegirls.org) has been the premier faith-based, scout-type leadership development program in the country for nearly 30 years. With a mission to build women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country, AHG is dedicated to raising godly girls who are equipped with a strong biblical foundation that will carry on into their adult lives.

“American Heritage Girls bridges the gap for our girls, providing a Christ-centered program that promotes life skills, encourages serving in the local community, fosters godly friendships, and develops lifelong faith,” said AHG Founder and Executive Director Patti Garibay. “At AHG, we will always stand firm on the biblical truths we were founded on. As a Christ-centered leadership and character development ministry, it’s incredibly important for us to stay true to the Word of God, despite the influence of the world that might lead a girl astray.”

In order to stay grounded in Christ, AHG provides Christ-centered programming tailored to the age and ability of each girl. The program consists of six key components known as the AHG Program Emphases. A girl who completes the AHG program will be a Christ-following servant leader who is honoring, relational, anchored in Christ, and competent: in short, a woman of integrity.

“In a world that is quickly deviating from Christian values, parents can rest assured that their daughters will be protected, encouraged, and inspired at AHG,” Garibay said. “We believe that every girl is uniquely and beautifully designed by the Creator to do great things and are proud to foster the God-given abilities of every AHG member in order to equip them to go out into the world and share the Gospel.”

Parents across the nation are sharing the impact AHG has had on their daughters.

“This is a very needed and relevant program in today’s world!” one AHG mom exclaimed. “Christian parents need to combat the extreme anti-Bible culture. I really hope parents who have daughters look into this program.”

Another AHG mom stated, “I’ve been involved in AHG for almost 20 years now and it would take me a long time to name all the wonderful things about it! It’s great for the girls AND the moms! I’ve met the most amazing families through AHG, and my daughter got to experience so many new things in a safe and Christian environment!! I am an ‘AHG’er’ for life!”

Another AHG mom commented, “So glad we found this amazing organization! Growing up as a Girl Scout, I always thought I would have my girls join, but this is the place for us. The badges earned are so much fun and the focus on God is absolutely wonderful.”

American Heritage Girls was founded in 1995 when Founder and Executive Director Patti Garibay became concerned with the direction the Girl Scouts of America was headed. Garibay, along with a group of concerned parents, wanted a faith-based, scout-type character development program for their daughters, and American Heritage Girls was born. Today, there are Troops in all 50 states and girls being served in 15 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 parent. A variety of Christian denominations are also represented as Charter Organizations for Troops. 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. 

At AHG, girls ages five to 18 meet together as a single Troop at the same time and then break out into Units by Levels. This gives AHG girls the important social experience of interacting with friends and godly mentors of various ages; members also learn leadership skills within a group setting. AHG Troops are located in local communities across the nation. If none exists in a given area, families can bring the AHG Program to their own area. An American Heritage Girls Troop Development Coach is available to provide resources to potential Charter Organizations and other families to form a new Troop. To hear more about the purpose, mission, and vision of AHG from Founder and Executive Director Patti Garibay, click here.AHG’s “Raising Godly Girls” radio feature and Raising Godly Girls blog shares guidance and biblically based advice on many key topics affecting girls today — from bullying and identity to anxiety and body image issues. It gives parents, educators, and faith community leaders a set of tools, resources, and Scripture-based advice to assist in raising girls after God’s own heart. The “Raising Godly Girls Minute” with Patti Garibay airs on 1000+ Christian radio stations across the country.