What is American Heritage Girls?
American Heritage Girls is the premier national character development organization for girls ages 5-18 that embraces Christian values and encourages family involvement. AHG is a truly national organization with Troops in all 50 states and a rich 20+ year history. One can learn all about AHG on the AHG website.
What is an AHG Troop?
Girls participating in American Heritage Girls are members of a local Troop. Troops are chartered (owned) by local Christian organizations, typically churches. The Troop is responsible for implementing the AHG Program the Girls Members participate in, under the guidance of the Charter Organization. Troop MS0408 is a part of Michael Memorial Baptist Church in Gulfport, MS. There is a national directory of Troops.
Our Troop
What is a typical meeting like?
In a normal Troop meeting night, we will begin with a brief assembly attended by all girls in the Troop. This will include flag ceremonies and announcements. Afterward, we typically break into Units for girls to work on the activities their particular age group is focusing on, often in the context of completing the Requirements for one of AHG's many Badges. Sometimes, there will be a Troop-wide special activity, such as a service project. We end our meeting with a short devotional and the closing flag ceremony
At what age can a girl join?
Girls are first eligible to join the Troop during their kindergarten year as a Pathfinder. However, girls are welcome to join at any Program Level, and we routinely have girls join throughout their elementary, middle, and high school years.
Who are the Troop Leaders?
Our Troop is managed by volunteer Adult Leaders, who are Registered Members of American Heritage Girls, and parents of girls in the Troop. All Units are administered by at least two Adult Leaders.
What are the expectations for girls?
Girl Members are expected to participate in Troop activities to the extent of their time and abilities, and as they become older they are expected to progressively take on additional responsibility for clearly communicating with leaders and peers about what they are able to participate in and not participate in.
Girls are expected to strive to live by the AHG Oath and AHG Creed. Our Troop acts in accord with the AHG, Inc. girl inclusion policy.
Girls will be at different places in their spiritual walk and need not subscribe to particular beliefs as long as they are in agreement in the basic AHG Oath and AHG Creed. All Troop Volunteers agree to the AHG Statement of Faith, and in all activities, we undertake as a Troop, we teach, lead, and serve according to our shared Biblical beliefs.
Is there a Trail Life USA Troop for boys?
No, currently there is not a Trail Life USA Troop in the area.
Can I visit the Troop?
Our Troop welcomes visits from girls who may be interested in joining the Troop. However, in the interests of hospitality and security, we ask that you contact us to arrange the best date and time to visit.
What does the basic AHG program look like?
The American Heritage Girls program is a multifaceted combination of activities, projects, meetings, and events. As we implement our program in MS0408, we strive to incorporate the six program emphases of AHG in a balanced fashion:
- Life Skill Enhancement
- Girl Leadership
- Spiritual Development
- Social Development
- Developing Teamwork and Building Confidence
- Character Development
Is Troop MS0408 an outdoors organization?
Camping and other outdoor experiences are a cherished part of our program. These activities often provide opportunities to touch on all six of our program emphases while exploring God's wonderful creation.
However, most of our program occurs at our charter church and in our community, not at campsites. We strive to have 1-2 camp experiences a year for younger girls and 2-3 for older girls. We believe our Troop is a good fit for both families with a casual interest in occasional outdoors experiences and those with enthusiasm for the outdoors (and a desire to share with others).