AHG founder: ‘I believe if we as Americans can understand our past and celebrate those who fought for what is right, we can then build for a bright future’

January 31, 2022

CINCINNATI, Ohio — As America celebrates Black History Month, American Heritage Girls (AHG, www.americanheritagegirls.org)—one of the largest Christian, scout-type organizations in the world—respects the legacy of Black women in American history. AHG’s highest award for the Pioneer Level (ages 12-14) is the Harriet Tubman Award, named after the famous abolitionist and political activist.

“I have always had a passion for history,” stated AHG founder and executive director Patti Garibay. “I believe if we as Americans can understand our past and celebrate those who fought for what is right, we can then build for a bright future. That’s what I envisioned for AHG when it was founded, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help raise godly girls. Members of American Heritage Girls are equipped to lead, resource, and learn. Girls are encouraged in their faith walk and to be women of integrity, and the Pioneer Level Harriet Tubman Award is a great example of that.”

The Harriet Tubman Award encourages girls in the Pioneer Level to expand their skills by accomplishing a variety of achievements. The requirements include holding a leadership position for at least four months, completing 15 hours of service each year as a Pioneer, planning, organizing, and implementing a Troop activity or event and other tasks. The tasks are designed to challenge the girls as they complete each item on the list. The girls are also given an extensive checklist to help guide them through the requirements.

Garibay continued, “Our goal is to equip young women with the tools they need to grow from godly girls to women of integrity—and the Harriet Tubman Award is a prime example of that goal. It teaches girls perseverance, self-respect, and a strong sense of satisfaction.”

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—including the prevalence of bullying and cyberbullying. 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. 

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