May 10, 2021
CINCINNATI, Ohio — In a recent “Christian Post” article, pastors called smartphone addictions “a major issue” in our culture and in the Church.
Numerous studies within the past decade have linked smartphone addiction to depression, stress, anxiety and other mental health issues. A recent OnePoll survey of 2,000 adults that was commissioned by Vision Direct found that adults are spending 4.5 hours a day on smartphones.
This addiction is an issue American Heritage Girls (AHG, americanheritagegirls.org), a Christ-centered scout-type organization,is combatting in the lives of their young members.
“One of the most difficult parts of the AHG outdoor program for our members is the time when they must surrender their phones, their ‘lifeline’ to their Adult Leaders, and place it in a basket for the weekend,” said AHG founder and executive director Patti Garibay. “Their sense of security is threatened, and they feel forced to integrate with others. By the end of the weekend of camping, they are thrilled that they survived without their phones and happy they have strengthened their skills and their friendships. Life truly is beyond the screen!”
American Heritage Girls was founded by a group of parents wanting a faith-based, scout-type character development program for their daughters in 1995. 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 in 15 countries around the world through the Trailblazer Program. A variety of Christian denominations are also represented as Charter Organizations for Troops. There are thousands of volunteer members across the country helping girls to 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 (AHG, www.americanheritagegirls.org), contact Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Marjorie Pratt, 610.584.1096, ext. 107, or Deborah Hamilton, ext. 102.
