New biblically based theme encourages AHG Troops to be a light in the darkness of modern culture
June 6, 2022
CINCINNATI, Ohio — American Heritage Girls (AHG, www.americanheritagegirls.org), the premier faith-based, scout-type leadership development program for girls ages five to 18, is looking forward to a year of faith, service, and fun as they kick off the 2022-2023 Program Year Theme — SHINE!
AHG Program Year Themes are meant to provide ways for Troops to connect with the AHG community across the nation. The 2022-2023 theme was inspired by Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
AHG Founder and Executive Director Patti Garibay explained, “As God created the stars to SHINE in the sky, He has created His light to SHINE within each of His followers with the light of His Good News — the salvation He brings! He reminds us throughout Scripture that even on the darkest night, we can reflect His Light. The light of Christ reminds us that we are loved and encourages us to share His light by shining brightly for others around you to experience His love, too. Together we can brightly SHINE the light of Christ, piercing the darkness!”
Along with the new theme, AHG provides Troops with guides, devotionals, and patch programs designed to encourage girls to SHINE in every aspect of their lives.
For nearly 30 years, AHG has been dedicated providing authentic, positive, and values-driven outdoor activities and other character and leadership development opportunities for girls across the nation. This well-organized program also honors girls’ specific and measurable accomplishments, something in which the participants take enormous pride — and use as stepping-stones each year as they further enhance their skills, sense of service, and much more.
“Christ calls on His followers to SHINE daily,” Garibay continued. “AHG is proud to help raise godly girls of integrity that are well-equipped to SHINE God’s light into the darkness of today’s world.”
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.
###