AHG founder: ‘There is a difference between male and female, and it is worth celebrating!’
February 28, 2022
CINCINNATI, Ohio — Oneof the world’s largest Christian, scout-type organizations, American Heritage Girls (AHG, www.americanheritagegirls.org) has long focused on building young women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country. AHG accomplishes this through hands-on badge programs, service projects, leadership opportunities, outdoor adventures, virtual connections, and more, all while stressing Christian values and family participation across its many programs for girls. Today, at a time when some attempt to put masculinity and femininity on a spectrum, AHG proudly stands up for God-anointed, God-driven femininity.
In order to give parents, teachers and leaders a guide through the maze of gender and identity, AHG is proudly releasing “A Raising Godly Girls Guide to Gender and Identity.”
The groundbreaking guide provides tools parents can use to understand society’s attitude towards gender and applies biblical truth highlighting the beauty in the differences between men and women. From preparing hearts for conversation to reviewing a glossary of key gender terms and how they are used, parents will come away with a set of tools and exercises to begin this important conversation. This resource meets parents right where they are, combining Scriptural wisdom and AHG’s proven track record of 26+ years of working with families to raise godly girls.
Says AHG Founder and Executive Director Patti Garibay, “We believe that biblical femininity is the core essence of every woman, purposefully designed by God. He has created men and women differently on purpose.” It’s why, she adds, “AHG provides a space that celebrates the biblical femininity inside every girl.
“For centuries, the beauty of God-given femininity has been under attack, its definition debated, its behavior contested,” says Garibay. “Secular humanism has attempted to destroy the beautiful model of femininity and transform it into an equal model to masculinity. Today, it has gone one step further to claim an embrace of non-binary sexual identity. With all this confusion in our society, it is no wonder that this debate has filtered down to our youngest members: our children. This is no coincidence. Satan is in for the long haul.
“As Christians, we must engage in this debate,” Garibay continues. “Scripture is clear: There is a difference between male and female, and it is worth celebrating! Scripture defines the true nature of a woman: relational, nurturing, vulnerable, with a love for beauty and a desire to respond. God-given femininity is a gift that, when freely accepted, will bless a woman throughout her life. Every girl can become a Christ-following servant leader who is honoring, anchored in Christ, and competent—a woman of integrity.”
The comprehensive guide teaches parents and leaders the truth surrounding the conversation about gender, then prepares readers with the necessary Bible verses and steps to address these issues with girls. The guide also provides activities and resources to create alternative methods for parents to discuss the topic of identity and gender.
To learn more about “A Raising Godly Girls Guide to Gender and Identity,” click here.
American Heritage Girls was founded in 1995 by a group of parents who wanted this faith-based, scout-type character development program for their daughters. 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.
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.
The “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 900+ Christian radio stations across the country.
###
