Inspired by a real-life AHG girl member, new book highlights the benefits of service, the relationship between AHG members, and importance of faith

July 18, 2022

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Thousands of parents and guardians around the country already know the benefits of enrolling their girls in American Heritage Girls (AHG, www.americanheritagegirls.org), the premier faith-based, scout-type leadership development program for girls ages five to 18. Dedicated to raising godly girls through hands-on badge programs, service projects, leadership opportunities, outdoor adventures, and much more, AHG emphasizes Christian values and family participation to help build well-rounded women of faith who are well-equipped for whatever challenges they find in the world.

A unique book titled “The Star-Spangled Sparkle Wagon” is a welcome addition to AHG’s extensive resources designed to inspire girls to reach their fullest potential. The story follows a young AHG member, Zoe, as she goes to AHG camp and learns how God can have a purpose for anyone and anything — even an old, busted up wagon!

‘“The Star-Spangled Sparkle Wagon’ is a wonderful, feel-good story about perseverance and faith that is inspired by real-life AHG girl Makayla Keplinger and her vision for her own wagon,” stated AHG Founder and Executive Director Patti Garibay. “When Makayla, an alumna of Troop VA1199, needed an idea for her Stars & Stripes Award project, she remembered how much she loved having a quiet activity, like reading, at camp. In an effort to provide a joyful camp experience for all, Makayla fixed up an old wagon and created a mobile library to spread joy across camp!”

The book leaves room for girls to use their own creativity to create what inspires them, and showcases the AHG camp experience, the camaraderie between AHG girls, the benefits of service, and even tells the story of the founding of AHG through a unique script for a skit that girls can act out themselves.

“Since ‘The Star-Spangled Sparkle Wagon’ tells the story of the beginning of AHG, we are even planning to incorporate it into the requirements for our Joining Award, which is the first step on the journey to becoming a girl member,” commented Garibay. The Joining Award helps girls understand the basics of AHG’s traditions and customs, and allows girls to be active members of a Troop, participate in flag ceremonies, and more.

Garibay commented, “It’s always exciting to provide new and unique ways to inspire girls and help build them into confident, young women of Christ. ‘The Star-Spangled Sparkle Wagon’ is another great tool parents and guardians can use to encourage their girls to seek Christ in their everyday lives — and see how He shows up!”

In addition to being included in the AHG programming, ‘The Star-Spangled Sparkle Wagon’ will be available to the public here.

AHG’s mission is to build women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country. Itis dedicated to providing authentic, positive, and values-driven character and leadership development opportunities and outdoor adventure for girls across the nation.

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. 

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