‘When a girl is confidently connected to her Lord, she can fully lean into the truth of her God-given freedom,’ says AHG’s Rachael Culpepper
As the nation celebrates the sacrifices of the courageous men and women in the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice, American Heritage Girls (AHG, www.americanheritagegirls.org), the nation’s premier Christ-centered, scout-type organization for girls ages five to 18, encourages girls and their families to foster a strong sense of patriotism and to give back to their communities.
“Today’s girls are surrounded by a culture that places great importance on freedom — freedom of expression, identity and of self,” said AHG Executive Director Rachael Culpepper. “The ability to define oneself and one’s opinions is at the bedrock of the Gen Z, post-Christian identity. This freedom, while hard won here in America, is a gift found only through an identity with Christ. He allows us to live free from the chains of our world and our current circumstances. It’s our job to shape the next generation of women who will live as citizens of Heaven while engaging faithfully in their earthly communities.”
AHG firmly believes in the value of giving back to local communities through highly intentional and Bible-based programs and activities. In addition to various service acts performed around the country, AHG’s “Raising Godly Girls Guide to Faith & Country” e-book equips parents to start raising a Godly girl who stands bold in her faith and patriotism. This guide trains parents to lead their girl toward a deeper understanding of true freedom in Christ while fostering a love for her country without the spin of agendas.
“Freedom isn’t only an idea; freedom is a choice. Christians choose to live free, to walk in the teachings of Jesus in the face of a confused and hostile society, knowing that it is only in Christ that true freedom is found. In that choice, we seek to come alongside those of like mind that we may help one another to be free in Him. Freedom is also at the very foundation of our American heritage. It is an essential part of each girl becoming the woman God intends for her to be. Once a girl learns her identity, she is then liberated to freely flourish within God’s design for her life, both now and in her future days. When a girl is confidently connected to her Lord, she can fully lean into the truth of her God-given freedom,” said Culpepper.
On a recent episode of AHG’s Raising Godly Girls (RGG) podcast, host Natalie Ambrose sat down with Tim Barton of WallBuilders to explore the deeper meaning behind how Christian families can approach patriotism with both gratitude and responsibility. Listeners are invited to reflect on lessons from America’s history, the faith convictions that shaped the nation’s founding principles, and why the freedoms Americans enjoy today were purchased with profound sacrifice.
Additionally, AHG is strategically stepping into spaces where its message resonates, including Turning Point USA’s Women’s Leadership Summit 2026, June 5–7 in San Antonio, TX. Through a bold on-site presence, AHG will actively engage an aligned audience — casting vision, equipping young women with truth, and calling the next generation to embrace God’s design for girlhood and stand firm in today’s cultural tide. AHG Staff will be present on-site, conducting interviews for the Raising Godly Girls Podcast and engaging with those interested in joining or starting Troops.
Tune in to this week’s Raising Godly Girls (RGG) podcast and “Raising Godly Girls” one-minute radio feature to equip, affirm and strengthen parents and loved ones to pass along a biblical worldview of patriotism to their girls. And next week on the Raising Godly Girls podcast, join AHG for a week of conversations on the topic of faith-driven leaders and female leadership, with a special guest episode featuring Ann Thompson, faith-driven leadership coach, author and speaker.
About American Heritage Girls: Marking the organization’s 30th anniversary this year, American Heritage Girls was founded in 1995 by a group of parents who wanted a faith-based, scout-type character development program for their daughters. At AHG, girls ages five to 18 meet together as a unified group and then break out into Levels. This gives AHG girls the important social experience of interacting with friends and Godly mentors. Girl Members also learn leadership skills within a group setting. AHG Troops are located in local communities across the nation. If one does not exist in a given area, families are encouraged to start an AHG Troop. An American Heritage Girls Troop Development Coach is available to provide resources and support. To hear more about the purpose, mission and vision of AHG from Founder and Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, click here.
Today, there are 70,000 members and 1,300 Troops in all 50 states, with girls being served in six countries around the globe. Girls can join a Troop at any time; if a Troop is not available nearby, they can become a Trailblazer and enjoy the AHG program alongside their parents. Charter Organizations include a variety of Christian denominations, Christian schools and Catholic outreach. Thousands of volunteer members across the country are helping girls grow in their faith, cultivate a heart for service, enjoy the great outdoors and have more fun than they can imagine.
AHG offers various resources under “Raising Godly Girls,” including a weekly podcast featuring fresh episodes every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, “Raising Godly Girls Minute” with Patti Garibay, a one-minute radio feature airing on 1000+ Christian radio stations nationwide, a blog, and e-books for parents. All “Raising Godly Girls” platforms and materials offer guidance and biblically-based advice on various topics affecting girls today, such as bullying, identity, anxiety and body image issues. “Raising Godly Girls” provides parents, educators and faith community leaders with tools, resources and Scripture-based advice to help raise girls after God’s own heart.