American Heritage Girls (AHG) is a Christian-based organization which receives no money from the government and, therefore, the government has no hold over them in regard to their mission, guidelines, or requirements for joining.
While the Girl Scouts of the USA was founded in 1912 and chartered by Congress in 1950, AHG troops must be chartered by a church or private school that has the same basic religious beliefs as the organization. Girls don’t have to be religious to join, but leaders must sign a statement of faith.
Patti Garibay with friends started AHG in 1995 for people "who really want a wholesome program for their daughters." She is herself a former Girl Scout and longtime leader, recruiter, troop director, and council delegate.
Dr. James Dobson gave his stamp of approval to AHG: “I recommend American Heritage Girls enthusiastically to parents who want their daughters involved in a traditional Christian-based program that will reinforce what they are trying to teach at home.”
Dr. James Dobson gave his stamp of approval to AHG: “I recommend American Heritage Girls enthusiastically to parents who want their daughters involved in a traditional Christian-based program that will reinforce what they are trying to teach at home.”
In 2004, the impact of her new group was so significant that USA Today reported that "Girl Scouts lose members to Christian-based group." Young mother Donna Coody had taken her 9-year-old daughter out of Girl Scouts because of their endorsement of two Planned Parenthood sex education seminars. "I felt like the Girl Scouts' morals were definitely lacking, and the girls needed another choice," Coody says.
Boy Scouts
In June 2009, the AHG formed a partnership with the Boy Scouts of America. They are the first all-girls organization to ever do so.
From 2009 Press release:
"The structure of both organizations is very similar thus allowing BSA and AHG to work cooperatively on service projects, membership growth, and programming initiatives across the nation."
"The structure of both organizations is very similar thus allowing BSA and AHG to work cooperatively on service projects, membership growth, and programming initiatives across the nation."
For original article with references, click here.
ABOUT American Heritage Girls
Statement of faith:
We believe that there is One Triune God – Father, Jesus Christ His one and only Son, and the Holy Spirit – Creator of the universe and eternally existent. We believe the Holy Scriptures (Old/New Testament) to be the inspired and authoritative Word of God. We believe each person is created in His image for the purpose of communing with and worshipping God. We believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit who enables us to live a Godly life. We believe that each individual is called to love the Lord their God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength; and to love their neighbors as themselves. We believe that each individual is called to live a life of purity, service, stewardship and integrity.The organization's official oath and creed are:
I promise to love God,
Cherish my family,
Honor my country,
and Serve in my community.
As an American Heritage Girl, I promise to be:
Compassionate — Understanding others in fellowship, empathy, kindness, and caring. Respect others' opinions and emotions.
Helpful — Willingly serve others.
Honest — Always tell the truth and keep my promise.
Loyal — True to God, family, friends, community and country.
Perseverant — Continuing to strive toward a goal despite obstacles.
Pure — Keep my mind and body pure.
Resourceful — Wisely use my time, materials and talents.
Respectful — Honor my country, be obedient to those in authority and courteous to all.
Responsible — Accountable for my own actions. Reliable in all situations.
Reverent — Faithful and honoring to God. Respectful to the beliefs of others.
The American Heritage Girls program is divided into several levels based primarily on age. Girls participate in troop activities,and work toward earning various badges.
- Pathfinder (kindergarten/5 years old)
- Tenderheart (1-3rd grade/6 years old)
- Explorer (4-6th grade/9 years old)
- Pioneer (7-8th grade/12 years old)
- Patriot (9-12th grade/14 years old)
"Thoughts from a conservative mom," click here.
No comments:
Post a Comment