1. Who are the American Heritage Girls?
From the AHG web site: “American Heritage Girls was founded in 1995 in West Chester, Ohio by a group of parents wanting a wholesome program for their daughters. These parents were disillusioned with the increasing secular focus of existing organizations for girls. They wanted a Judeo-Christian focused
organization for their daughters and believed that other parents were looking for the same for their daughters. This became the catalyst for the birth of the organization we have come to know as the American Heritage Girls.
American Heritage Girls began its first year of programming in the fall of 1995 with about 10 troops and roughly 100 members. Most of the troops met in the West Chester area and worked on badges written by the founding parents. Organizational events were started that year which assisted the organization in tying city-wide troops together.
American Heritage Girls is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the mission of building women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country. The organization offers badge programs, service projects, girl leadership opportunities and outdoor experiences to its members. This program of character building has successfully served thousands of girls since its inception and will continue to do so long into the 21st century.”
2. How are American Heritage Girls different from other scouting organizations for girls?
3. Why/when did SEAS decide to charter an AHG troop? Although St. Elizabeth Ann Seton has a variety of programs for girls (Little Flowers and Girl Scouts), a few parents wanted to offer American Heritage Girls as an alternative which had both the spiritual development of Little Flowers and the fun scouting of Girls Scouts, while maintaining a focus on Christ. This was presented to our parish priest and he approved the charter.
We began the charter process in the Fall of 2011 and had our first troop meeting in January of 2012.
4. When do you meet / How do I join?
We meet the 1st & 3rd Sundays from 3:00-4:30 pm at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Wichita, Kansas. You can contact our Troop Coordinator, Teresa Davis, for more information: btmrads@gmail.com
To join, parents need to complete online registration and payment.
5. What does it cost to join?
Cost varies based on rank, but between $88-$100 is average for a new scout. That includes registration, uniform, girl handbook, and annual dues.
6. Can I be a member of AHG and another scouting organization at the same time?
Sure!
7. I'm not Catholic, can I join KS1111?
Absolutely. We are always happy to welcome our Protestant or non-Christian sisters! We do work partly in service to our charter organization which is a Catholic church, and may at times serve other Catholic organizations and causes. Attendance at those events, and at retreats, is not mandatory. 'Faith' is an important part of who we are as American Heritage Girls, and we will make every accommodation to help our Protestant Troop girls earn their denomination's religious emblems and to grow in their faith.
For those who may be from other non-Christian faith traditions - girls are always welcome regardless of faith. Adult leaders however must agree to the American Heritage Girls statement of Faith, located here: AHG Statement of Faith.
8. What does AHG do to ensure the safety of the girls?
American Heritage Girls, the Catholic Church, and the leadership of KS1111 take the safety of our girls very seriously. All adult leaders are required to take the AHG Youth Protection Training and Catholic Virtus class. All leaders are subjected to background checks and required to adhere to Safe Scouting policies laid out in the AHG's Youth Protection Training.
9. Can Dads participate in events?
Absolutely! Fathers have a special relationship with their daughters, and we encourage their active participation! We have two dads right now who are Unit or Assistant Unit Leaders! 