The group is now officially recognized in a Memorandum of Mutual Support with the Boy Scouts of America, because both groups share the same values. It was the first partnership of its kind formed in the 100 year history of boy scouts, said American Heritage Girls founder and National Executive Director, Patti Garibay of West Chester Twp.
“It’s just an awesome God,” Garibay said of the program’s success. “That’s all I can say.
Garibay started the group in 2005 as a faith-based alternative to Girl Scouts, where she volunteered for 13 years prior to a shift in Girl Scout oaths that no longer acknowledge God.
“Rather than cursing the darkness, we decided to light a candle and start something new,” she said. “God had a much bigger plan for it, and it grew beyond our thoughts and dreams.
What started as 100 girls locally has grown to 210 troops nationwide with 8,000 total participants of girls ages 5-18.
Like in Girl Scouts, participants earn merit badges and can earn something similar to an Eagle Scout award, called a Stars and Stripes award. The girls partner often with Boy Scouts on projects, and often they use the Boy Scout facilities and camps.
Next year’s goals include reaching out to girls with disabilities and special needs, formatting programs for girls who live oversees on military bases or as missionaries and training more leaders to strengthen the outdoor programs, she said.
Audrey Albert, 8, of Heritage Elementary School in Lakota pointed to the badges she has earned in her two years of participation.
“I think it’s really fun and exciting, and I like learning new things,” she said. “I learned how to do new dances and take care of horses and do kitchen science. I love the golf the most. The golf badge is my favorite.”
Other badges, which show she lives her oath, are the service badges.
“I thought (Operation Christmas Child) was the funnest, because you could go around and shot for children and get stuff just to make them happy,” she said.
Lakota West freshman Julie Mickle, 14, is well on her way to earning a Stars and Stripes award. She and many other girls have brothers in Boy Scouts. By participating in both groups, she said it becomes a family effort to earn the merit badges.
Fairfield Middle School student Sarah Eslinger, 13, said she likes the safe atmosphere in which she and her friends can spend their time.
“At first I didn’t really want to do it, but after a while, I started to like it,” she said. “I started getting more friends and we had the same religion.”
Nearly 70 local girls participate in Troop #702 at Center Pointe Christian Church in Liberty Twp.
“I love that there is a Christ-centered program available to the girls,” said leader Deb Taylor. “I like to watch them grown in their faith. We’re a well-kept secret, and that’s about to change.”
To find out more about American Heritage Girls, call Heart of America at (513) 772-4462 or visit www.ahgonline.org.
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