HOW AHG DEVELOPS IMPACTFUL LEADERS THROUGH SERVICE
EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENTS: VISION for the Future of the AHG Ministry
BADGE STORIES
Girls Discover New Passions, Learn American History & Get Out in the Great Outdoors
AHG Featured in Major Christian Media Nationwide SPREADING THE WORD TRANSFORMING AWARENESS INTO ACTION
Too young to make a difference? Not a chance! Just ask Brynlee, a Tenderheart in Oregonia Troop OH1436, seen here posing with Operation Christmas Child boxes after a Troop packing party. Learn more about how AHG comes alongside OCC to change lives across the globe, turn to page 22.
Dear Friends,
This issue of Heritage Headlines focuses on the important topic of Seeing and Meeting Needs through Service. The importance of service in a youth’s life is confirmed by research, even secular research. According to studies conducted over the last two decades, youth experience the following when engaged in community service projects:
• Better overall health (Volunteers show an improved ability to manage stress and stave off disease.)
• Reduced loneliness and depression
• Increased sense of life satisfaction
• Better grades and self-image
• An increase in humility and self-lessness
• The ability to use their unique giftings
• An ability to share Christ’s love in a tangible way
Couple these benefits, with “placing legs” on a girl’s faith while advancing the Kingdom of God, and you will find that dedication to serving others has an incredible eternal impact on one’s life.
Every parent prays for their daughter to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and emulate His actions on earth. Teaching our girls to look beyond themselves by identifying the needs of others helps to strengthen their spiritual life, helps them to discern future vocations, and allows them to live life to its fullest.
Consider sharing the devotional below from AHG’s National Day of Service: Service Spotlight with your daughter. Despite her age, she can be part of a solution to a hurting world, if she understands the power of the Holy Spirit in her:
Have you ever studied yourself in the mirror—not just quickly glancing but taking a really long look, examining all the features that make you YOU? When you look past the physical attributes seen with your eyes, like your hair, nose, and ears, who do you see with the eyes of your heart? Do you see your personality, dreams, insecurities, talents, questions, and a heart full of feelings? Do you see who God sees—a girl made in His image with value and a future?
Ephesians 1:18, NIV says, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.”
When the eyes of your heart are enlightened, you can see yourself and others through Jesus’ eyes. God sees you and others as His beloved image-bearers, worthy of compassion and care. That is why AHG loves serving others, because all people have value and should be seen as God’s image-bearers! Jesus explained it to His followers in this way:
Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
(Matthew 25:34-40, NIV)
Wow! Did you know that you are actually serving God every time you serve others? This passage tells you that whenever you pick up trash in a park, you clean up God’s garden. Whenever you make a meal for a sick neighbor, you are feeding God. Even throwing a baby shower for a new mother-to-be is like having a party for God! When you see others as God sees them—as His precious image-bearers— then you can understand that serving them is the same as serving God. This is what it means to see others as God sees them.
To purposefully see others through Jesus’ eyes, you also need to actually look and physically view them! Christfollowers do not walk through life with blinders on, breezing past others without noticing them. You are called to see your neighbors’ value, recognizing them as a creation of God and detecting their needs. Observe the people around you in your Troop, neighborhood, and community, and develop your need-spotting skills by:
• Watching Body Language and Behavior—What emotions does their face express? Are they moving like someone weak or hurt? Are they waving for help? What are they communicating without speaking any words?
• Actively Listening—Are they talking about something wrong or hurting in their life? Do their words help you understand how they are feeling? What are local organization leaders saying about the needs in your community?
• Asking Questions—Instead of yes or no questions, ask questions that allow the other person to explain their answer. Some examples are: How can I pray for you? How can my Troop best support you? What do you feel is your greatest need right now?
You might even consider an outing with your AHG Troop or family to practice your need-spotting skills. Stop by a local park, mall, community center, or other public place and challenge each other to see who can identify the most needs around them. With adult oversight, work together to see if you can reach out to one or more of these individuals and help meet their needs. Continue to practice and develop this skill so that the eyes of your heart continue to truly see and meet the needs around you for years to come. See and meet others’ needs as if you are seeing and serving God Himself— because you are!
I pray this letter and devotional blesses you as you seek to raise up your daughter in the way she should go. A heart of humility coupled with a service-oriented mindset reflects the beauty and essence of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Patti Garibay Founder & Executive Director
American Heritage Girls, Inc.
Sharing the AHG Program with audiences across the country on Moody Radio, Salem Media Group, Fox News, The Christian Post, Focus on the Family, and more.
American Heritage Girls are fulfilling God’s call to be His hands and feet. Read about Troop service projects and their impact on local communities across the country.
Troop activities, special events, girl leadership, and more! AHG gives girls the safe and Spirit-filled space to grow in their identity and abilities.
AHG Badges give girls the opportunity to develop applicable life skills, grow in faith, and discover new passions.
The secret to a thriving AHG Troop is a strong, supportive Charter Organization. Sunnybrook Christian Church in Stillwater, Oklahoma is just that for the girls and volunteers of OK2810
Meet Mallory Engel, former Girl Member of CA1271, a woman whose AHG years and heart for faith-fueled service taught her “Yet not I, but through Christ in me.”
Amy Johnson, Area Coordinator, shares valuable insight on making an impact as an Area through service that transforms girls and communities alike.
Exciting updates, changes, and news from the AHG, Inc. Office in Cincinnati, OH and Staff across the country.
ABOUT THE COVER
Meet Adeline (AL7361) and Amelia (NC1224). These girls were awarded “Memory Verse Masters” at Camp Wannacombac this summer, having committed all the camp’s memory verses to heart in their short time at camp! Together, these Explorers enjoy what girls have proclaimed the best part of AHG for years—fun and friendship. Read more about the summer camp experience enjoyed by girls at Camp Wannacombac on page 12!
BEHIND THE COVER
Did you know that AHG publications, social media photos, and video content feature the smiling faces of real-live American Heritage Girls? Even AHGstore merchandise is worn not by models, but by girls, parents, and volunteers registered in the program! With tens of thousands of members all across the country (not to mention the Trailblazer families in 15 countries abroad!), AHG relies on the generous submissions of Troop photographs to tell the story of the ministry. From amateur individual snapshots to fully-curated professional galleries, all 1MB+ photos of registered, media-released Girl and Adult Members are welcomed.
Looking to share this issue with friends, family, or someone you think might love the AHG Program? Share the digital version
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AHGNEWS
RECENT MEDIA SPOTS FOR AHG, INC.
AHG was all over the media this quarter! Check out the many interviews AHG Founder and Executive Director Patti Garibay participated in with news outlets all over the country:
Salem Media Group’s KPDQ 93.9FM - Portland, OR The Georgene Rice Show, June 5, 2024 Episode (start listening at 39:55) omny.fm/shows/the-georgene-rice-show/june-05-2024
Generations Radio with Adam McManus “Girl Scouts “Gay” Pride Patch” generations.org/programs/3172
Teach Them Diligently Podcast
“Facing Six Crippling Realities When Raising Resilient Well Rounded Children”
“Social Media Concerns for Girls: A Guide to Help Parents” klove.com/news/faith/social-media-concerns-for-girls-a-guide-to-help-parents-47191
The Washington Times
“Celebrating the Beauty of Biblical Womanhood in a Confused Culture” washingtontimes.com/news/2024/jun/13/god-given-femininity-is-under-attack-and-christian
Moody Radio
In the Market with Janet Parshall, “Hour 2: Shifting Worldviews” (start listening at 26:35) moodyradio.org/programs/in-the-market-with-janet-parshall/2024/06/6.18.2024-------reclaimingsexual-freedom-shifting-worldviews
Life, Love, Faith and Family Podcast
“A Conversation with Dr. Tim Clinton on the State of Kids’ Mental Health in America, w/ Patti Garibay” oneplace.com/ministries/life-love-faith-and-family/listen/patti-garibay-wdr-tim-clinton-1170308.html
The Christian Post
“What Does Being Feminine Even Mean” christianpost.com/voices/what-does-being-feminine-even-mean.html
Fox News
“Ohio Family Leader Shares 11 Life Lessons She Wants Her ‘Beloved 11 Grandchildren’ to Know” foxnews.com/lifestyle/ohio-family-leader-shares-11-life-lessons-wants-beloved-11-grandchildrenknow
CatholicVote
“Christian Alternative to Girl Scouts Attending National Eucharistic Congress” catholicvote.org/christian-alternative-girl-scouts-at-national-eucharistic-congress
Focus on the Family’s Daily Citizen
“American Heritage Girls: Combatting Culture’s Attacks on Girls” dailycitizen.focusonthefamily.com/american-heritage-girls-combatting-cultures-attacks-on-girls
Whether it’s faith, service, or fun, communities across the nation are witnessing contributions of local AHG Troops.
Heritage Headlines, AHG’s quarterly magazine, seeks to spread those good news stories while encouraging other Troops to follow in their footsteps.
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Patti Garibay
CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER & INCOMING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Rachael Culpepper
SR. STRATEGIC GROWTH DIRECTOR
Sheila Jones
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Michelle Beckham-Corbin
CONTENT MARKETING MANAGER
Erin Marco
CONTENT MARKETING SPECIALIST
Natalie Ambrose
GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST
Brooke Honer
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Amy Johnson
Direct all Letters to the Editor, address changes, or other correspondence to:
American Heritage Girls, Inc. 35 Tri-County Parkway Cincinnati, OH 45246 513-771-2025
news@ahgonline.org americanheritagegirls.org
AHGONLINE
COMMENTS & CONVERSATION
COMMENTS & CONVERSATION
AHG’s D.C. Metro Area Team partnered with Museum of the Bible to give area Troops a night to remember! A total of nearly 100 Girl and Adult Members packed their sleeping bags and attended this special museum event, filled with exhibits, worship, tours, and an overnight stay!
“How cool!”
—Liz Berry
“LOVE that The Logos Theatre was there too! I recognize Aslan all too well. Logos is here located in upstate South Carolina where we live!”
—Karen Holzwarth
“The Logos Theatre does an amazing job of bringing the Bible to the stage. If you ever get a chance to see one of their productions, do it! We are blessed to live in the city where they are based and get to do youth productions with them.”
—Ashley Bay
“How awesome! What a wonderful experience for everyone!”
—Amanda Cheshire Salter
“This was an amazing event!”
—Patricia J. Hopkins
“So much fun! Wow!”
—Carolyn Bryon Whitaker
“My daughter and I were blessed to be able to go to this event!
AHG D.C. Metro Area Team and Museum of the Bible did a fantastic job!”
—Lisa Morgan Murphy
“That is amazing!”
—Emily Ann Hanson
“How wonderful!”
—Becca Fields
“So cool!”
—Jackie Clingerman Hays
“Yes!”
—Traci Kaibel
GET FEATURED
Share your Troop photos with the hashtag #ahgfun on Instagram for a chance to be shared in Heritage Headlines.
@beautiful_messtastrophe
@laurenreneee_official_13
@luluscrew
@ahg_va1779
SERVICESTORIES
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN ACTIVE CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES
FLORIDA PIONEER VENTURES TO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TO SERVE AND EVANGELIZE
Harley, a Pioneer from Troop FL0529, went on a mission trip with her student ministry worship team to the Dominican Republic and came back changed. Being her first mission trip and first time to travel outside the United States, Harley was both nervous and excited. Harley said, “My biggest concern was being the youngest person on the trip” and worrying about “losing my passport […] but that wasn’t a problem at all!” Upon landing, Harley and the team got right to work serving in a Santiago orphanage. She loved connecting with the younger kids, playing games and giving piggy-back rides during the VBS program including a special concert! This experience has taught Harley to “trust in the Lord and His plans” and to “be grateful for our way of life here in the United States.” This AHG Pioneer is eager to go on another mission trip—”maybe even next year!”
WASHINGTON EXPLORER TAKES INITIATIVE TO REPAIR CHURCH MAILBOXES
AHG Troops do a great job serving in their communities together, and sometimes a Girl Member takes initiative on her own. That was the case for Allison, an Explorer in WA1900. When a hit-and-run collision vandalized her church’s mailboxes, she saw a need and immediately got to work. Allison recalls, “I wanted to do more to give back—like Jesus—and I wanted to take on a challenge. Now that I’m in my third year of AHG, I have more confidence in myself to do hard things.” Allison quickly faced obstacles, like embedded rocks around the mailboxes making a shovel obsolete. She persevered, learned to use a hammer claw innovatively, and dug rocks out
by hand. Budgeting was another challenge; Allison used her own saved money to complete the project. Now with a repaired pair of church mailboxes, Allison looks back and advises other Girl Members, “Get help; don’t try to do things alone. […] Don’t be afraid, it’s okay to fail. […] Take initiative, be honest, and give praise to God.”
TENDERHEART LEARNS TO LOVE THE LEAST OF THESE WITH MATTHEW 25 MINISTRIES
Extending God’s love in practical ways brings a rich aroma of heaven on earth. For Ruby, a Tenderheart of OH0413, a visit to Matthew 25 Ministries gave an opportunity to step into the shoes of “the least of these” in order to have an empathetic understanding of being in need. In her day of service, Ruby particularly liked sorting donated clothing items, a task the whole Troop got to do together. Ruby and her Troop-mates also learned about natural disaster relief and homeless outreach, two of Matthew 25 Ministries’ main passions. Ruby wisely connects the ministry’s mission to Scripture in saying, “Jesus tells us that whatever we do for the least of these, we are doing it for Him. It keeps our hearts humble, our minds grateful, and [our] hands helpful. And [it] brings glory to God!”
GIRLSTORIES
INCREDIBLE TALES OF LEADERSHIP, VOLUNTEERING, AND FRIENDSHIP
SOUTHEAST REGIONAL AHG SUMMER CAMP FORGES FRIENDSHIP & FUN
Summer is the season for sun, fun, and friendships! Camp Wannacombac boasts that they specialize in relationship connections— with badgework as a side bonus. From badge workshops to outdoor activities, this summer AHG Troops across the Southeast Region gathered. Troops AL7361 and NC1224 did it all, from sun-up to sundown! The girls watched sunsets on the cabin porches while braiding a new friend’s hair. They sang songs by the campfire (sometimes in an epic lip sync battle), had wonderfully sticky “s’mores fingers”, and laughed until their bellies ached. They will each come away with new skills, fears faced and conquered, and lifelong friendships that will carry the belly laughs into their golden years.
YEAR-LONG AHG PEN PAL CONNECTION SPARKS FACE-TO-FACE FUN
Explorers Elena and Gabby of AL0226, and Explorer Abigail of TX2237 took the special opportunity to take an AHG Pen Pal connection to the next level with a summer meet-up in person! Abigail and Gabby have been AHG Pen Pals since last year. Abigail’s Texas-based family recently traveled to Mississippi and Alabama to visit family. Along the way, her mother contacted Elena and Gabby’s family to arrange for the girls to meet for the first time. From nervous hellos to splendid giggles, the three settled in soon learning about each other, trading their “best of” from the year’s pen pal letters, and developed a deep bond that will surely last for years to come. The girls had so much fun hanging out and plan to continue writing to each other in the next year!
COMMUNITY PARADE CONNECTS CALIFORNIA GIRL MEMBERS TO THEIR BELOVED AREA
Marching in parades isn’t a thing of the past—in fact, it’s still alive and well in the San Diego area! CA1603 participated in a parade for the Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair as a way to share cultural awareness and understanding the vast array of people city-wide. The fair featured a variety of offerings from ethnic foods to artistic performances for both residents and visitors alike. The Troop’s Charter Organization, Canyon Ridge Baptist Church, sponsored an event booth, offering girls a fun service opportunity. The Troop members helped with games, handing out prizes, passing out stickers, and sharing the message of American Heritage Girls with all who came by. Because Troops carry the Gospel Message with them, something as simple as marching in a parade can serve as a wonderful open door to invite many into a thriving faith community that AHG can provide.
BADGESTORIES
LEARNING LIFE SKILLS AND BUILDING CONFIDENCE
NATIVE AMERICAN BADGE
All the land of the United States was once populated by Native American tribes who were nomadic or lived in pueblos or villages. Each tribe had their own unique language and customs. They farmed, hunted, traded with one another, and lived in all types of terrain—mountains, deserts, valleys, woodlands, and coastlands. Native Americans used their resources wisely, creating a lifestyle appropriate to their area of the country. Today, tribal reservation communities have their own governments, health care, education, law enforcement, court systems, businesses, and residential areas. Enjoy learning about these incredible people, their culture, and history of respect for the natural world.
HORSEMANSHIP BADGE
Horses have always been a popular animal and a favorite of many girls. Horsemanship means knowing how to care for and ride a horse. Riding and caring for a horse is a big responsibility. Learning to do so correctly is essential for the health and safety of both the rider and the horse.
This spring, Kernersville Troop NC1130 partnered with Timber Glen Equestrian to complete the Horsemanship Badge. The Troop Coordinator and Vice Coordinator both have previous equine experience, so they expertly led the foundational lessons to prepare the girls for their time at the stables. Tenderhearts and Explorers spent a full day learning basic knowledge, care, and safety principles around the stable. The girls had a live horse model to help them identify the different parts of the animal! Claudia, a Tenderheart, said her favorite part of the day was seeing a foal and “watching her run on tiny legs.” Pioneers and Patriots enjoyed a Troop Unit meeting special guest speaker who taught about hoof care and medications, followed by a weekend camping trip to the stables for fully immersive learning and fun in their badgework! Finally, Reece, an Explorer, learned from this experience that “horses don’t brush their teeth as much as humans do.” This badgework might even inspire good dental care for Girl Members at home!
Fall is a great time for badgework outings—a wonderful way to facilitate immersive girl learning! CA1923 ventured to Ya’i Heki’ Regional Indian Museum in Perris, CA for a guided tour. They learned all about the Ya’i Heki’ Nation including their language, way of life, music, nutrition, and hunting methods. Girl Member Mackenzie said, “I really liked seeing all the different things Native Americans could make with just their hands.” The Explorers researched in Troop meetings afterward to complete badge requirements. This made their learning experience a rich environment for discovery and fun! Girl Member Riley remembers, “It was fun learning about the Native American culture. I really liked seeing all the different techniques used for survival. One of my favorites is the Atlatl, or a spear thrower. I was impressed when our guide showed us just how far and fast it can go.” This Troop went above and beyond to give these Explorers a learning experience they will never forget!
CANOEING BADGE
Being on the water is a wonderful way to experience nature. You need only a few inches of water to float a canoe, so it’s possible to go many places you could not go in a larger boat. Whether merely paddling down a small stream or around a lake, canoeing is an activity that allows people at all skill levels to find great enjoyment. There are many places you can take canoeing lessons and most large cities have clubs that can be a big help in learning the basics.
Multi-Troop Events offer memorable opportunities for AHG Areas to team up as a community and enjoy great experiences. They also can be the ideal setting for fun badgework! Pioneer and Patriots Units from four Virginia Troops, VA0104, VA0428, VA0614, and VA1010, teamed up at Monclair Lake to complete badge requirements in true PI/PA style—together! Additionally, the lifeguard facilitating some of the lessons was an alumna of one of the Troops. In addition to prep work before the event (such as being qualified swimmers), the girls worked hard to complete the necessary requirements. Some of the fun and challenges included capsizing a canoe, swimming under it to breathe—and chat with a friend—then using the canoe-over-canoe method to flip it back over. Badgework is so much better with true friends, acquired life-saving skills, and new core memories.
CHARTER ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT
SUNNYBROOK CHRISTIAN CHURCH
This issue, AHG is excited to focus on Sunnybrook Christian Church in Stillwater, OK, home to OK2810. Together as a Troop Board, Charter Representative Kellen Hughes, Troop Coordinator Rebekah Tiner, Vice Coordinator Selena McCroskey, Troop Treasurer Kim Loomis, and Troop Shepherd Natalie Ambrose, reflect on seven years as a Troop and the significant impact AHG has had on their north central Oklahoma area faith community.
ARGUABLY THE MOST IMPACTFUL FORCE IN THE WELL-BEING OF AN AHG TROOP IS THE CHARTER ORGANIZATION.
Every Troop is owned by a Charter Organization, which is typically a church, school, or similarly-aligned Christian organization. Without the support of their Charter Organization, an AHG Troop would not exist. When the Charter Organization and Charter Representative are involved beyond simply providing meeting space, the AHG Ministry can have an incredible impact on the outreach of the organization.
Left to right: Selena McCrosky, Natalie Ambrose, Rebekah Tiner, Kim Loomis, Kellen Hughes
WHY DID YOUR CHURCH DECIDE TO CHARTER AN AHG TROOP?
A few area church families were looking for a solid organization to instill faith and character development into their children. The Trail Life Troop chartered first in 2016, then the AHG Troop followed in 2017.
HOW MANY YEARS HAS YOUR CHURCH HAD AN AHG TROOP?
For the past seven years, Monday nights have been a bustling array of families coming together, laughing, connecting, and engaging in this journey together.
HOW HAVE YOU SEEN GROWTH IN YOUR YOUTH/FAMILY/WOMEN’S MINISTRY PROGRAMMING SINCE CHARTERING AN AHG TROOP?
Having an American Heritage Girls Troop at Sunnybrook has brought in many families over the years. Knowing that they have solid ministry resources available to them keeps those families connected, because they are getting a whole-life approach at every stage. The church supports local pregnancy care centers, military veteran families, and a large university population of undergraduates and graduate students. AHG can be an important part of serving in those places through Sunnybrook. Sunnybrook’s motto is “Go. Gather. Grow.” and an American Heritage Girls Troop is a part of each of those areas, both within the walls of this church and out in the surrounding communities.
HOW ELSE HAS AHG AFFECTED YOUR ORGANIZATION’S MINISTRY EFFORTS?
Many families are seeking churches with thriving programs for their kids throughout the week—both in core programming and para-church ministries. Sunnybrook is a hub for many parachurch organizations, so we can see that philosophy playing out in our Troop’s place here. In our AHG Troop alone, over eight churches and six towns are represented. Since chartering an AHG Troop, Sunnybrook has become part of a unified collective of Biblical faith-filled communities investing in not only our families, but also in this area of Oklahoma. Having an AHG Troop at Sunnybrook gives countless opportunities to put our faith into action by serving various individuals, families, and organizations all around the state. We believe that missional living is central to a Gospel life, and the AHG Troop’s alignment with us is key to a thriving partnership.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER POTENTIAL CHARTER
ORGANIZATIONS
LOOKING TO CHARTER AN AHG TROOP?
Know what holds you together. Unity matters in an age of division and fractured community. Knowing that the Charter Organization-Troop partnership is solid means that both ministries work alongside each other, not one getting in the way of the other. When you hold Biblical fellowship well, you see how God uses people from many different places to accomplish His work to build His Kingdom in every community. If we can offer advice and encouragement to any other Charter Organizations, it would be to cherish your AHG Troop as an extension of your church’s ministry and marvel at the many ways the Lord will work to transform your people through AHG.
Charter Organizations serve a crucial role in the AHG Ministry, as they own and operate AHG Troops. Though volunteers implement the AHG Program, the Charter Organization is able to customize their AHG Troop to best accomplish their ministry goals.
For more information on the chartering process, americanheritagegirls.org/start-a-troop/charter-organizations
TRANSFORMING AWARENESS INTO ACTION :
HOW AHG DEVELOPS IMPACTFUL LEADERS THROUGH SERVICE
In a world increasingly marked by division and uncertainty, the call to compassionate, transformational service echoes in every corner of the world. Ongoing global conflict, humanitarian crises, and economic instability have revealed deep needs not only within our own communities but needs in global communities easily ignored— needs that are often overlooked by our worldwide society unless we intentionally choose to see them. American Heritage Girls Troops nationwide embody the belief that building awareness is just the beginning; true leadership emerges when we transform that awareness into action. Grounded in the values of a Biblical Worldview, AHG empowers girls and volunteers to follow Christ’s example of service, nurturing leaders who not only recognize the needs around them but respond with courage and compassion. As James 2:17, NIV reminds us,
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Through AHG, girls are equipped to become impactful leaders who bring their faith to life by making a difference in the world around them.
THE SACRED CALL TO SERVE OTHERS
God’s Word clearly expresses the importance of taking up the call to love and serve others. Serving others in a sacrificial way requires each of us to step out of our comfort zone and put others’ interests before our own. It’s seeing the world through Jesus’ eyes. Philippians 2:4-5, ESV urges Christ-followers to
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”
Seeing the world through Christ’s eyes requires love, compassion, and humility. Through the gentle leadership of AHG Troop volunteers, girls are taught to see the needs of others using life skills such as observation, listening, and questioning.
For American Heritage Girls, service is defined as “helping or doing work for someone”. But beyond the world’s expectation of service being met with self-righteous glory, service in the eyes of a Christ-follower should be outwardly focused, a natural outflow of a servant’s heart. Girls who think outwardly emulate Christ’s example—they can recognize the needs of others, and through love of their fellow person, meet them in compassionate and honoring service.
Abolitionist Frederick Douglass once wrote “I prayed for 20 years but received no answer until I prayed with my legs.” American Heritage Girls of all ages are challenged to make a difference by putting ‘legs on their faith’. By fine tuning girls’ empathetic hearts to the needs of others and developing the life skills required to move beyond awareness and step into action, a generation of future women of integrity are serving others in extraordinary and transformational ways.
DEVELOPING SERVANT HEARTS THROUGH GENTLE CHALLENGE
This year, girls were challenged to look outside of their own interests and abilities to really see and meet the true needs in their community. The 2024 National Day of Service’s Spotlight on “Seeing & Meeting Needs Through Service”, in collaboration with Samaritan’s Purse, gave them the hard and soft skills required to really make a lasting and transformational difference. This year, National Day of Service programming increased girls’ awareness and understanding of those in their community and inspired acts of service out of a growing purpose in identifying needs and problem-solving to best meet those needs.
Samaritan’s Purse linked arms with American Heritage Girls this National Day of Service to provide resources for volunteers that aid in educating girls on topics such as crisis response, disaster relief, medical relief, feeding programs, water sourcing, job skills training, emotional support, and spreading God’s love through gifts sent to children around the world. The Service Spotlight, a programming guide, provided ideas, video links, devotions, personal stories, and more related to teaching girls how to see and meet needs locally and globally. Casting vision may tell girls why they need to serve others, but the education provided in the Service Spotlight resource acts as a roadmap, showing girls how to serve others. It is essential to address girls’ understanding of the needs within their community and the
most appropriate way to meet them so they can cultivate the proper heart and attitude toward the work ahead.
TOO SELF-OBSESSED TO SERVE? THINK AGAIN.
Today’s youth are engaged and deeply concerned for their communities, our nation, and the world. Despite stereotypes of self-obsession, young people have an incredible capacity for empathy and a genuine hunger for authenticity. In a world often filled with shallow connections, they seek real opportunities to make a difference—driven by a desire for purpose and the betterment of our world. AHG taps into this God-given yearning, guiding girls toward meaningful service that reflects Biblical values and honors God. Through AHG, girls learn that authentic leadership is rooted in humble, compassionate, and active service. This God-honoring activism allows them to step into the need God has called them to, advocating for justice, serving the vulnerable, and bringing hope to their communities. Nationwide, AHG girls are responding to God’s call to serve through their Troops, building deep connections, fostering empathy, and living out their faith by meeting real needs. In an age where authenticity is craved, these young leaders are answering the call with hearts full of grace and hands ready to serve.
Stars & Stripes Award Recipients showcased this desire to serve in the echoes of their project reports and Spiritual Walk Essays—service was paramount in shaping the women of integrity they are today. Stars & Stripes Award Recipient Jessica Tyler Godoy of GA1412 shared this:
“Service has been a huge part of my life. I believe serving others is essential to community development and happiness. Seeing and, most importantly, feeling others’ happiness is the purity that fills my soul.”
In the 2023-2024 Program Year, 156 Stars & Stripes Award Recipients completed a cumulative 37,591 hours, an average of 242 hours per Girl Member. The Lord cultivates the hearts of American Heritage Girls, and a purity of spirit shines through their efforts to serve.
For American Heritage Girls looking to expand their impact into the future, Samaritan’s Purse has opened an exclusive application track for Stars & Stripes Award Recipients interested in internship programs prior to college graduation, and apprenticeships post-grad. For more information on these opportunities, visit samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/ internship-program
AS AHG TROOPS SETTLE INTO THIS VISION PROGRAM YEAR, TROOPS HAVE THEIR EYES SET ON IMPACTFUL AND LIFE-CHANGING SERVICE.
Last Program Year, AHG girls completed a record-breaking 590,720 hours of service to their communities—that’s equivalent to over 67 years of time served in just one year. This past September, AHG’s National Day of Service, rooted in the pursuit of altruistic service and focused on transformational, necessary work, showcased how American Heritage Girls equips communities to come together around a common cause. But the service doesn’t stop there. With a proven track record in coming alongside parents and faith communities in shaping servant-hearted girls in nearly 30 years of ministry, one thing is clear: American Heritage Girls is the place for girls, families, and churches seeking a movement of transformational and Christ-honoring service.
“FOR
EVEN THE SON OF MAN DID NOT COME TO BE SERVED, BUT TO SERVE, AND TO GIVE HIS LIFE AS A RANSOM FOR MANY”.
(Mark 10:45, NIV)
NATIONAL COLLECTION WEEK IS NOVEMBER 18-25, 2024
Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, has partnered with AHG for over a decade to collect and distribute gift-filled shoeboxes to millions of children around the world, telling them the Good News of Jesus Christ, God’s Greatest Gift. AHG Troops donate shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and personal care items for children ages 2-14. These gifts are collected the third week of November, then processed and shipped internationally. Once at the shoebox destination, local ministry partners host events where boys and girls receive a shoebox gift and are invited to learn about Jesus through The Greatest Journey Bible lessons.
Having the Lord’s VISION to see and meet needs both in our communities and around the world, AHG Troops across the nation can respond through the #AHGOCCVISION Shoebox Challenge.
• Each Troop that packs 25+ shoeboxes will be entered into a drawing to win a pizza party complete with guest representatives from Operation Christmas Child, a former shoebox recipient, Operation Christmas Child giveaway items, and a whole lot of fun for the winning Troop!
• Pack 100+ shoeboxes and receive a free Operation Christmas Child patch for your Girl Members’ vests and sashes! Plus, the 2024 Mini Patch is now available for Troops to order to commemorate their dated participation.
Don’t forget, packing your shoebox is just the start! Be sure to cover the ministry costs associated with each shoebox through a small donation. By including this donation, you’re covering the shipping and handling costs associated with getting a box to a child in need, allowing OCC to
spread the joy of the Gospel across the globe. Plus, if you give online, you can “Track Your Box” and see its journey to the recipient!
Join American Heritage Girls across our nation in praying for the families and communities blessed by Operation Christmas Child—that they are receptive to the Good News of Jesus Christ and that the Gospel will transform their community.
For more information on Operation Christmas Child, visit: https://www.samaritanspurse. org/operation-christmaschild/american-heritage-girlsoperation-christmas-child/
Each year, AHG Troops across the nation participate in the Operation Christmas Child (OCC) Shoebox Challenge—a great way to pack shoeboxes and have fun in the process! Out of all the participating Troops, AZ1318 won the 2023 Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Challenge drawing! Since their founding eight years ago, AZ1318 has packed OCC Shoeboxes each year. Victoria and her mother, Sally, were selected to represent the Troop and participated in an amazing trip to the AHG National Headquarters in Cincinnati, OH curated by the Operation Christmas Child team at Samaritan’s Purse. Highlights for Victoria included having breakfast with AHG Founder & Executive Director, Patti Garibay, and the AHG, Inc. Staff and she especially loved the AHG History Room Tour. Victoria remembers, “It was cool to stand on the [crossover] bridge with Ms. Patti and my mom.” Victoria’s mother, Sally, enjoyed every bit of the two-day trip, saying, “Meeting the AHG Staff and Sallie from OCC was amazing—the genuine love of Christ and true authenticity shine through each one. So fun to see some of the faces, offices, and facilities behind the wonderful materials and leadership we receive too! The icing on the cake was the opportunity OCC gave us to visit the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter […]—such an incredibly full, wonderful, and unforgettable two days with my daughter!”
STARS & STRIPES AWARD FACTS AND FIGURES
(1st Quarter reporting for the 2024-2025 Program Year)
2024-2025 Program Year Recipients: 26
Benefiting Organizations Served: 26
Creed Word Most Used in Writing: Helpful
Total Service Hours: 5924
Average Service Hours per Project: 228
What Stars & Stripes Award Recipients Like Most About AHG: Summer Camp Opportunities
#1 Thing Girls Learned: Serving local benefiting organizations is very rewarding
Total Number of Stars & Stripes Project Advisors: 28
Benefiting Organization: G.I. Museum
Location: Ocean Springs, MS
Project: Built five wooden benches for a military museum display
Total Supervisory Hours: 18 hours
Total Hours: 219 hours
AN EXCERPT FROM NOEL’S SPIRITUAL WALK ESSAY:
“I love how the Lord used my passions in building, creativity, and wanting to meet the physical needs of others to put this whole project together for His glory. [...] The Stars & Stripes Award has been an amazing experience. I am deeply comforted and blessed that God inspired me to do this project, and that veterans will have a place to rest when they visit the G.I. Museum. During this project, I had to lean on the Lord for strength and encouragement to carry [me] through to the end. Finally, my walk with the Lord has grown tremendously, and the lessons I have learned will carry me through my life.”
—NOEL KING
Noel King MS0408
“The awesome benches that Noel King of the American Heritage Girls constructed are fabulous! The benches are located in the hangar area by the 1968 Huey helicopter and are dedicated to veterans. The benches offer a place to sit and share stories with other veterans [so] the younger visitors can hear history firsthand.”
—DOUG AND CHERYL MANSFIELD BENEFITING ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVES
G.I. MUSEUM
WHAT WAS YOUR MOST REWARDING EXPERIENCE DURING YOUR STARS & STRIPES AWARD PROCESS?
The most rewarding experience for me was when the benches were placed in their final resting spot by the helicopter. The joy that was felt by Mr. and Mrs. Mansfield [the benefiting organization representatives] was overwhelming. They both loved the benches, were so grateful, and were honored that these benches were now a part of the experience that veterans and visitors would have when they came to the museum.
DID YOU GROW SPIRITUALLY FROM THE STARS & STRIPES AWARD EXPERIENCE?
The Stars & Stripes Award project has caused me to grow more dependent upon Christ and my patience towards others. I prayed more during this process for guidance, strength, perseverance, and wisdom. I wanted to put forth more in my daily walk with the Lord. The challenges I faced along the way revealed how I should be walking daily with Him, not only when I need help or counsel. Through God’s providence, I have been making more time with God and taking things out of my life that don’t glorify Him. I feel through this journey I have been wanting to be closer and closer to the Lord than I have been in a long time.
ALUMNASPOTLIGHT MEET MALLORY ENGEL
A WOMAN WHOSE AHG YEARS AND HEART FOR FAITH-FUELED SERVICE TAUGHT HER “YET NOT I, BUT THROUGH CHRIST IN ME.”
Since 1995, the Mission of American Heritage Girls has been to build women of integrity
While the AHG Program targets those in girlhood, the sincerity and faith-filled spirit that is nurtured and grown through AHG continues as girls develop and mature into women.
The all-encompassing approach of the AHG Program’s faith, service, and fun elements over many years matriculates beautifully in the lives of AHG Alumnae. When Mallory Engel of CA1271 began AHG in 2011, it was because of her mother’s pioneer spirit to start the Troop—a path for her daughter’s character development and a way to invest in other faithminded families in her community. Mallory would spend 10 years in the AHG Program, cultivating a heart for service in every area of her life.
While it is common for highlights of a girl’s AHG years to include favorite badges—Mallory’s was the Home Care & Repair Badge—what really ignites this young woman’s smile is remembering the service projects. “Honestly, I probably enjoyed doing service projects more than earning badges. It was just so fun to be able to serve others with friends. My two favorite service projects were picking vegetables at a ranch to give to hungry families and packing food for Feed My Starving Children,” Mallory recalls. The Explorer years—ages 9 to 12—were pivotal for Mallory, but she remembers a specific season when service projects merged with her faith formation and Mallory began coming into her own. “I started serving as a patrol leader when I was a third year
Explorer. Serving in this capacity gave me the opportunity to put into practice the servant leadership skills I learned through girl leadership trainings.” Through her formative years as a girl leader, Mallory says, “I learned to step out of my comfort zone and speak in front of people. AHG gave me this opportunity because I had to lead ceremonies and special events. This allowed me to grow in confidence.” Her mother’s passion for developing strong leaders also brought in high-quality resources like the Habitudes books and Presence Point shepherd leadership training weekends. Even now, a decade later, she speaks about the seeds planted during her Explorer season of life with deep conviction, “It is not about us but about the One we serve–Our Master Jesus Christ.”
The rich sense of community and strong friendships Mallory developed over the years folded into fun experiences that helped her branch out and connect to the world around her. She discovered a way to partner leadership with service through an AHG regional summer camp. “I loved this so much that I ended up doing my Stars & Stripes Award project there!” The Stars & Stripes Award is a pinnacle award that AHG Patriots may earn through a rigorous process, including a project entailing over 100 hours of community service. “I grew through the Stars & Stripes Award [journey]. I learned to rely on, lean on, and trust in the Lord to provide. I also learned to desire the Lord’s will above my own and grew in prayer.”
In Mallory’s Stars & Stripes Award Project Summary Report, she wrote about how a cherished hymn’s lyric “yet not I, but through Christ in me” served as a culminating realization in her servant leadership journey. Mallory’s project became a miraculous testimony of God’s provision. “Calvin Crest Conference Center [my benefiting organization] initially requested 25 benches built with wood from their property. Honestly, they were a bit expensive to construct. So, I started fundraising just to see where the Lord would take this. He provided money to build 26 benches—one more than what was requested! Implementation was a particular challenge as well due to COVID-19 restrictions and a nearby wildfire. The project got postponed a few times. We hosted two work weekends for volunteers. We were able to do the whole project in those two weekends! I definitely learned a lot about trusting in the Lord’s provision.”
Mallory is now pursuing a Bachelor’s degree through The Master’s University, a Senior in Interdisciplinary Studies major with emphases in Political Studies and Biblical Counseling. Keen on honoring and giving back to the ministry that she loves so much, Mallory registered to serve, as a Young Adult Member in her local AHG Troop. She wants to be a faithful servant leader, just as it was modeled for her growing up. She says, “Being a Young Adult Member, I knew that I had an impact and voice in their lives because I wasn’t the mom, but I used to be in their shoes and pour back into their lives.” As Mallory invests in the next generation, she offers this gentle advice to current AHG Girl Members: “Be all in and know ‘the why’ behind each thing that you do. This includes flag ceremonies, wearing the AHG uniform, participating in service projects, and striving to be a woman of integrity in and out of AHG. Don’t compromise. Stand firm.” This woman is not idle with her time. Mallory swims on the university team—a skill she honed through the AHG Swimming Badge and the Swimming Sports Pin—which takes up much of her time. In the summer, she carves out time to teach swim lessons to kids, because, well, servants serve! Mallory also interns for Family Protection Ministries, an organization that works with legislation to protect parental rights and homeschooling families in the state of California. She hopes that this may translate into a vocational path as a professional someday.
Mallory Engel’s life has been implicitly steeped in the American Heritage Girls Ministry. “Looking back at some of my previous [faith award] essays, it is so encouraging to see how the Lord was working in my life back then and still is. I have grown so much and been faced with many different situations since entering college, but God is good and works all things for His glory and our good. I attribute to AHG as having such an impact in my life that it is a part of my testimony. I don’t know what kind of person I would be today without the AHG Program. I learned leadership skills, what it means to be a woman of integrity, what it means to be a good friend and include others. I learned each word of the AHG Creed and how to live by that promise. Through the AHG Oath, I learned to ‘love God, cherish my family, honor my country, and serve in my community.’”
First Baptist Church of Coconut Creek / Coconut Creek
Calvary Chapel Merritt Island / Merritt Island
GA6122 Thrive Christian Homeschool / Marietta
IA0267
Westside Assembly of God / Davenport
IL0356 Roanoke Apostolic Christian Church / Roanoke
IL5625 Fox River Lutheran / Sheridan
KS1556
Pleasantview Baptist Church / Derby
KS7867 Redeemer Lutheran-Lawrence / Lawrence
KY0657
Leesburg Christian Church / Cynthiana
KY1101 Mt. Zion Baptist Church / Dry Ridge
MI0144
McCarty Ministries / Portage
MN0356 Kost Church / North Branch
MO0607
Crossroads Church Grain Valley / Grain Valley
NC1828 Cowee Baptist Church / Franklin
NC2157 Rutherford Church of Christ / Rutherfordton
NC2318 Balfour Baptist / Asheboro
NC2701 Fairview Baptist Church-Dobson / Dobson
NC3117 Bahama Baptist Church / Bahama
NC8412 Trinity Methodist Church / Jacksonville
OH3160 Marion Salem Global Methodist Church / Caledonia
OK0109 St. Philip Neri Catholic School / Midwest City
OK0423 New Hope Baptist Tecumseh / Tecumseh
OK1064 First Christian Church Altus / Altus
OK3016 Faith Community Church Poteau / Poteau
OK3126 Calvary Chapel Bartlesville / Bartlesville
PA0465 First Baptist Church Bethlehem / Bethlehem
SC1937 Open Arms Fellowship / Hampton
SC2024 First Baptist Church of Georgetown / Georgetown
TX0127 Cross Timbers Baptist Church / Willow Park
TX0414 Magnolia Cowboy Church / Magnolia
TX1024 Copperfield Church / Houston
TX1323 St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish / College Station
TX2019 High Mesa Cowboy Church / Brownwood
TX2206 Just Jesus Church / Bridgeport
TX3146 Collective Church / Magnolia
TX3723 New Life Baptist Church Yoakum / Yoakum
TX5146 Grace Bible Church Sanger / Sanger
VA1985 Grace Community Baptist Church / Henrico
HIGHIMPACT INSIGHT
Amy Johnson began volunteering with American Heritage Girls in 2013. She has served in multiple roles in local Troops, primarily working with Girl Units Tenderheart to Patriot Levels. She has served as the OKC Area Shepherd since 2021; however, Amy is transitioning into the Area Coordinator role this fall. She has been involved with girl leadership and adult training events since 2019 both inside the Oklahoma City Area and beyond Oklahoma. She has worked with multiple committees to host various multiTroop events in the area.
HOW DOES NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR TROOPS IN AN AREA TO MAKE A TREMENDOUS KINGDOM IMPACT?
AHG Troops across the country (and Trailblazers around the world) serve in their community regularly but National Day of Service allows American Heritage Girls the ability to come together to show our communities at large the heart of Area Troops—that we show love through service. By working together, several Troops can give their community a visual representation of how “a cord of three strands is not easily broken.” This year, girls will tangibly see the impact of their service in support of Samaritan’s Purse, the NDS Spotlight Organization, when the final packed shoebox count is shared!
HOW CAN TROOP LEADERS WORK TOGETHER TO RECOGNIZE AND MEET THE REAL NEEDS OF THEIR COMMUNITY?
Each local Troop has the unique perspective to guide girls in seeing the needs in their own location. When leaders come together to discuss these needs, they point to trends that give girls the opportunity to serve in ways that may become the ministry area that touches their heart. By offering a variety of service opportunities, Troops can show girls different ways she would be able to fill needs around her. As Troop leaders, it is important that the organizations that our Troop serves are in line with the values of AHG and the Statement of Faith. When Troops involve girls in the process of determining who we choose to serve, they are helping to establish and reinforce a Biblical Worldview.
HOW CAN TROOP LEADERS ENCOURAGE GIRLS AS THEY SERVE SELFLESSLY?
It might sound too simple, but Troop leaders can help girls by encouraging and serving right alongside them! We can model to our girls how to move outside the confines of our comfort zones to try new things to glorify God. As leaders, we can help girls learn how to serve well. We can guide them in choosing service that is in line with things they enjoy and where God reveals a need. For example, do they express interest in caring for animals, the environment, special needs, abortion, the hungry, the hurting, or the homeless? What area is it that God whispers His call to them? When we try to offer a variety of ways to serve, some of those ways are big. But we also show girls that they can
serve in small ways. If a girl says, “I really don’t like to serve in this way,” leaders can let them know that is okay too. It may be that they just have not found the right place. Even in this service, girls can give back with a grateful heart and the Lord will honor that. Leaders can continue to encourage them find that “place” where God may be calling them to serve.
Beyond regular Troop-arranged service initiatives, girls can recognize, meet needs, and discover the joy of serving others through Level Award and Stars & Stripes Award projects. Each project is as unique as the girls who organize them! Girl-led projects also provide peer to peer learning where girls can understand that the Lord can use their gifting to serve others, regardless of their age or ability. If requested, the Area Team can communicate girl opportunities. As Area Troops encourage girl participation throughout the Area, girls are supported in their project. This encouragement guides Area girls to see the Lord’s provision and faithfulness as they glorify Him through their work. Troop leadership can reinforce the importance of service and celebrate the outcomes within the Troop as an encouragement to their girls.
WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR SERVICE IN YOUR AREA?
As the Oklahoma City Area Shepherd, my prayer is that service becomes a way for girls to grow in faith and foster a sense of community. By serving alongside other Area Troops, whether through individual projects with shared goals or combined service events, girls can see the broader impact they have on the local community. In the OKC Area, service opportunities are intentionally spread across different geographic locations to ensure everyone can participate—distance shouldn’t be a deterrent to impactful and meaningful service! Smaller groupings of Hometown Troops also gather to serve hyper-locally while uniting under the banner of a common vision and purpose. Offering girls this array of service experiences can help them build friendships outside of their local Troop, connecting them in a larger way to the Area, and allows them to understand the magnitude of what they can do together for the Kingdom!
AHGUPDATES
HAPPENINGS AT THE AHG NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
NEW HIRES
The AHG, Inc. Staff is growing! New Staff members come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, but all are called to share their talents with the AHG Ministry. It is AHG’s distinct honor to welcome the newest members of the AHG, Inc. Staff:
Elizabeth Oberkirsch Area Team Trainer & Administrator
Priscilla Hutchings Office Manager
“preferred scouting option for girls” across all 211 parishes in the Cincinnati Archdiocese. The archdiocese, through its 57 families of parishes and 110 Catholic schools, offers a spiritual home to Catholics across a range of urban, suburban, and rural settings in the 19 counties of western and southwestern Ohio. With this announcement, AHG is anticipating rapid growth in the Cincinnati area and is eager to welcome those with scouting-experience seeking a Christ-centered, girl-focused alternative to the Girl Scouts and Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America). The archbishop went on to celebrate the impact a scout-type environment can have on the faith formation of a child, and celebrated AHG for its steadfast commitment to Christian principles since being founded in 1995. To read the endorsement, visit americanheritagegirls.org/alliances/denominational-alliances. To learn more about how AHG comes alongside Catholic parishes to achieve their ministry goals, visit catholic.americanheritagegirls.org.
This August, AHG celebrated an exciting milestone—100,000 Raising Godly Girls Podcast downloads since its launch in January 2024! The podcast, airing every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, offers content to equip, affirm, and strengthen families on their journey to raising Godly women of integrity and faith. The Raising Godly Girls Podcast hands the microphone to moms discipling daughters in the real world (and the experts guiding them along the way!). Join our hosts, Rachael Culpepper, Melissa Bearden, Natalie Ambrose, and Patti Garibay, and special guests each Saturday for discussion on the topics facing families and the kind of advice that comes only through lived experience. Subscribe to the Raising Godly Girls Podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts or stream free on raisinggodlygirls.com
Scan the QR Code to listen to the latest episode:
A
NEW SEASON FOR AHG: NEXT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NAMED
In March, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Patti Garibay announced her plan to step down from her role as Executive Director and entrust the leadership of AHG to a new woman of mighty faith. After five months of an exhaustive search led by Gallagher Executive Search Agency in conjunction with the AHG National Board of Trustees Succession Planning Committee, a new AHG Executive Director has been chosen. AHG is pleased to announce that Rachael Culpepper, Chief Strategy Officer for American Heritage Girls, will serve the ministry as AHG’s next Executive Director.
Patti Garibay will gradually hand off her current duties to Rachael Culpepper, Incoming Executive Director, over the span of this 2024-2025 Program Year. After AHG’s 30th Anniversary Convention in July 2025, Patti will serve as AHG Ambassador & Executive Director Emeritus, while Rachael will oversee day-to-day operations, steward the financial resources of the ministry, and cast strategic vision for the future of American Heritage Girls as Executive Director. In this time of transition, Patti’s commitment to the Mission of AHG remains steadfast—as Founder, AHG’s story is Patti’s story. While Patti steps back from her leadership position, she will continue to share, speak, write, and interview on behalf of the AHG Ministry.
Rachael has faithfully served the AHG Ministry as a Staff Member since 2007, as Director of Ministry Expansion and member of the Executive Team since 2019, and most recently in her role as Chief Strategy Officer overseeing AHG’s Growth, Marketing, Curriculum, and Volunteer Services Departments since 2021. In accepting her new position, Rachael said: “AHG started as a solution for a few families and through God’s incredible grace, this ministry has gone on to serve generations of girls—including my own daughter. I am excited to lead AHG in this new season as, together, we continue to give girls a safe and Holy Spirit-filled space to flourish.”
STAFFSCOOP
Stacey Deak
National Event Lead
How long have you been working at AHG, Inc.? 6 years
What do you do in your position?
My primary role is to plan and coordinate events for AHG that affect AHG Members on a national scale. I have had the privilege of meeting AHG Members from across the country both in person and virtually through planning events such as AHGequip LIVE!, AHGequip VIRTUAL, AHGinspire, and soon I will be meeting many AHG Members at the AHG National 30th Anniversary Convention in July 2025!
What’s your favorite part of working at AHG?
I have long known that God has called me to create space for people to encounter His presence. That is what I love to see unfold at
AHG events. In addition, the culture of the AHG organization is unashamedly rooted in Christ and that is exemplified in every business decision, strategic plan, and in the management of employees. I feel valued, appreciated, encouraged, and uplifted. It’s truly a blessing to work for AHG.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
What is your favorite Bible verse? Ephesians 3:20–21, NIV “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!”
What is your favorite part about visiting or being involved in a Troop?
It is fun to see girls just being free to be girls, to play, learn, and hear that Jesus is relevant to today’s culture and that He loves them. That never gets old!
To learn more about this historic transition and what it means for the future of American Heritage Girls, scan the QR Code:
What project are you most excited to be working on right now?
The AHG National 30th Anniversary Convention is so fun to work on! There’s a ton of creativity, surprises, “wow” moments, intentional speakers, and activities being thoughtfully put in place to celebrate AHG’s past, present, and future. This Convention will be historic and a truly impactful experience for all who attend. AHG Girl and Adult Members will leave with their hearts full of the love of Christ and knowing without a doubt who they are and Whose they are! I can’t wait!
