With Its Emphasis on Faith, Service, and Fun, AHG Offers a Thriving Ministry to Its Catholic Members
June 1, 2021
CINCINNATI, Ohio — Plenty of parents and caregivers of daughters across the country already know that American Heritage Girls (AHG, www.americanheritagegirls.org) provides a faith-based, scout-type experience for girls that includes badge programs, service projects, leadership opportunities, outdoor adventures, and so much more—all with a strong focus on Christian values and family participation.
Now, at a time when our culture too often shares conflicting messages with our young people, AHG is emphasizing a key point: The organization is strongly, unapologetically pro-life and has been since its founding. AHG has always provided a thriving program to its Catholic members—and it offers all girls, no matter their background, the chance to earn multiple badges and patches that represent a respect for life and for the dignity of all people.
Pope Francis declared 2021 to be a year dedicated to St. Joseph. The AHG St. Joseph’s Patch, which encourages girls to learn more about St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, and his life, virtues, and example to Christians; and the Respect Life Patch, which reinforces a commitment to honoring life from conception to natural death. It is symbolic of how much God loves and values people—and of the dignity each person deserves.
“Whatever their level of participation in the many activities we offer, AHG girls grow in their desire to honor all life,” said Garibay. “For example, when they pursue the St. Joseph Patch, girls discover how St. Joseph’s joyful obedience to God and his unwavering protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and God’s Only Son were a display of reverence and loyalty—and they learn how to show their own obedience to God and a love for others. When girls pursue the Respect Life Patch, they take part in events or service projects provided by groups whose mission is to respect life, such as pregnancy resource centers, pro-life groups, and hospices.”
“To advocate for life is to recognize the dignity of all humankind,” said AHG Founder and Executive Director Patti Garibay. “By approaching life issues with love and consideration for all, we’re helping girls to become deeply compassionate Christian women.”
Over the years, AHG has stood for and supported life in a variety of ways. Not only does AHG hold to a biblical worldview that respects life—those beliefs are put into practical action.
Garibay added, “A major reason that AHG has experienced such rapid growth in recent years is because of our Christian focus and our respect for biblical values.”
AHG is dedicated to providing authentic, positive, and values-driven character and leadership development opportunities and outdoor adventure for girls across the nation. This well-organized program honors specific, measurable accomplishments.
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. American Heritage Girls across the nation and the globe participate in badge programs, service projects, leadership opportunities, and outdoor experiences, all with an emphasis on Christian values and family involvement.
In addition to the biblically based parenting advice shared in the Raising Godly Girls blog and Raising Godly Girls radio features that are heard on 770 radio stations, American Heritage Girls provides a community experience in a Troop setting. Girls benefit from Christ-centered friendships and mentors to assist them in becoming godly girls.
Today, there are Troops in all 50 states and girls being served in 15 countries around the globe through the Trailblazer Program. 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.
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To schedule interviews with Patti Garibay, founder and executive director of American Heritage Girls, contactMedia@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Harrison, 610.584.1096 ext. 105, or Deborah Hamilton, ext. 102.
