OH3129 Q & A What is the history of American Heritage Girls (AHG)?

American Heritage Girls was founded in 1995 in West Chester, Ohio by a group of parents wanting a wholesome scouting program for their daughters. These parents were disillusioned with the increasing secular focus of existing scouting programs for girls. They wanted a JudeoChristian 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. AHG is a non profit organization dedicated to the mission of building women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country. What is an American Heritage Girls Troop? AHG Troops are groups of girls aged 5-18 who meet regularly to learn new skills, give service, grow in their faith, practice leadership, experience teamwork, build friendships, and strengthen character. The girls mentor one another in a large group setting and then break into ageappropriate units to achieve the unit's goals for each meeting. Each troop is led by dedicated adult volunteers and typically reflects the "personality" of their Partnering Charter Organizations. What makes AHG different than other national programs? AHG is a Christ centered organization. All leadership including individual Troop leadership, AHG Board of Trustees, and National Staff must abide and agree to the Statement of Faith as referred to on the AHG website, as well as in the individual Unit Leader handbooks and specific ministry agreements. These agreements are renewed annually. Who is Partner/Charter Organization for Troop OH3129? Our Charter Organization is Faith Life Church in Johnstown, Ohio, led by Pastors Gary and Drenda Keesee. Does my family have to attend Faith Life Church in order to join Troop OH3129? No, as long as a girl agrees to live according to the standards of the AHG Oath and the AHG Creed, she is invited to be a member of our troop. How will our AHG troop be structured? AHG has a multi-level structure, which means that girls from all levels comprise ONE troop and meet together as a single troop on the same night. Badge work and certain activities are done within age appropriate groups (units). There are five level divisions in American Heritage Girls. Our troop plans to offer all five levels, if there are girls and leaders available for each.

What unit, or level, will my daughter will be a part of? AHG offers five (5) levels/units of programming, serving girls ages 5-18. The program levels are divided by both age and grade and based on the girls ages and grades on or before September 30 of the registration year. The five levels are: Pathfinder - Ages 5-6 and in Kindergarten Tenderheart - Ages 6-9 and in grades 1-3 Explorer - Ages 9-12 and in grades 4-6 Pioneer - Ages 12-14 and in grades 7-8 Patriot - Ages 14-18 and in grades 9-12 If my daughter is five and will be in Pre-K, can I register her as a Pathfinder? No, girls must be both five years old and going into Kindergarten in order to register as a Pathfinder. Well hope to see her next year! When and where will AHG Troop OH3129 meet? Our troop will meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month from 6:00pm-7:30pm from October 2013 to May 2014 at Faith Life Church at 2407 Beech Road in Johnstown, Ohio. There will also be special events scheduled throughout the year. What will be required of me as a parent if my daughter is in this troop? We encourage parents to be involved as much as possible, and we ask that all families of Troop OH3129 have at least one adult family member participate and support the troop and its mission in some capacity. We consider your help critical to the growth of the troop and the cohesion of its members; we consider you a part of our Troop Family. All adult family members who will be helping in any way are requiredby AHGto become registered members ($26.00 registration fee), fill out paperwork (a few pages), and complete a background check (paid for by your registration fee). Please keep in mind that this is all done with the desire to create a safe, welcoming, and productive place for your girls to learn and grow. What do we need to do to register? In order to register, parents will need to do the following: Adult Registration: (Due by Monday, August 26, 2013) 1. Complete the New Adult Background Check and Volunteer Application 2. Complete the Adult Registration Form 3. Pay the $26 Adult Registration Fee 4. Complete the OH3129 Troop Family and Parental Involvement Form 5. Drop completed paperwork and fee off at Faith Life Church. Girl Registration: (Due by Monday, August 26, 2013) 1. Read through the Girl Registration Information 2. Complete the Girl Registration Form 3. Pay the $26 Girl Registration Fee 4. Pay the $18 Handbook Fee ($26 for Pathfinders for package uniform and handbook) 5. Drop completed paperwork and fees off at Faith Life Church. Note: If you have three (3) or more daughters registering, there is an AHG sister cap of $60 for the registration. This cap does not apply to the handbook fee or other fees.

Will there be any additional costs? Yes, each girl will need to bring her uniform fee and troop dues to the first meeting on Tuesday, October 1, 2013. Uniform Fees Pathfinder = n/a (see registration info above) Tenderheart = $26 Explorer = $26 Pioneer = $14 Patriot = $14 Troop Dues = $25.00 per girl Do all girls need a full uniform? AHG is a uniformed organization and requires that all registered girl members attending troop meetings wear the AHG official uniform. The AHG uniform demonstrates that you are a member of the group and it confirms that you are unified with your other troop members in the beliefs and goals of AHG. The uniforms are shown here. The required polo shirts, khakis, and skirts may be purchased from outside retailers as long as they are the required color and style. Are handmade uniforms acceptable? While there are many talented seamstresses, handmade uniforms are not acceptable. AHG requires that uniforms be purchased through the AHG Attic to insure consistency and equality of the group throughout the entire organization.