skeptic Posted March 17, 2012 Share Posted March 17, 2012 Just came back from a local mall Kids Expo, and the AHG were represented there, right next to one of our larger packs who represented BSA. There were a lot of people that seemed to show interest in the program and the new troop just being formed in our city. It is the 3rd or 4th in the county, and the family working on it is also involved in BSA. Their daughter did not like the GS program, but wanted to do stuff similar to her brother in cubs. I listened to people and was a bit surprised at how many really liked the AHG idea, even some who had been GS, or were already in GS. Still too early to tell for sure, but they have roughly 12-15 signups already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nike Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 Were the AHGs very upfront about the fact they consider themselves a Christian ministry first and a girls' organization second? Do they have a mandatory statement of Christian faith for leaders? (I believe they at least used to.) I don't think AHG will ever eclipse Girl Scouts, but it is a better fit for some families. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BDPT00 Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 Were they up front about being a Christian organization? Absolutely. Is that a problem? BDPT00 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortridge Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 BDPT, were you there, too? Or are you talking about something else? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skeptic Posted March 18, 2012 Author Share Posted March 18, 2012 They had their Oath out front, for all to see, as well as a copy of their handbook. Nothing was being hidden. Most of the people showing interest were more interested in the direction of the basic program, which is closer to BSA than GS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basementdweller Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 I disagree with your assessment of the AHG not over taking the GSA in the future...... They are beginning to grow and expand exponentially......... We have three groups in town now at this point a year ago there was only one. Especially with the GSA planned parenthood debacle. Then I find this website.......... http://www.honestgirlscouts.com/discover_2011natlconv.html All I gotta say is wow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momof2cubs Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 So let me get this straight: BSA is perceived as being a homophobic, ultra-conservative, para-militaristic, and possibly harboring/protecting pedophiles. GSA is perceived as being pro-homosexual, pro-abortion, ultra-liberal, and possibly encouraging promiscuity. Good. Grief. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nike Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 I don't think AHG will eclipse GSUSA as a girls' organization because I don't believe that thier target population is large enough: families willing to enroll thier daughters for active proselytizing in exchange for a girls' scouting program. As for AHG, I think that they could really do well with the far-right evangelical churches and schools and the LDS wards. From all accounts, AHG would be much more engaging and fun than YWs. As for me personally, AHG wouldn't accept me as I am or as I think or as I Believe. As long as they are upfront that they are a ministry for the Christian evangelization of girls, more power to them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortridge Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 Nike - the problem with that idea is that many evangelicals don't view members of the LDS Church as true Christians. They *might* be welcomed, but then preached at the whole time. AHG is a religious organization that uses Scouting-like programs. It may make inroads in certain areas, but it's not going to get very far nationally. It has a very narrow focus that will appeal to a small sector of the population - conservative Christian parents with daughters dissatisfied with their current church youth programs. A recipe for success? There's also no infrastructure to support the program locally, so - like GSUSA - a unit's success depends on the longevity of individual leaders. It will fizzle within a decade. America is becoming tolerant and inclusive, not exclusionary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momof2cubs Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 I have relatives whose church charters a pack and a AHG unit. They had a joint Pinewood/Powder Puff Derby, among other joint events. I hear the girls' cars kicked butt! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nike Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 "good prospect for growth based on superior organizational patterns and values" Because GSUSA is such a weak, inferior, unorganized group promoting immorality that it could never reach it's centennial year on March 12, 2012. That crazy Daisy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qwazse Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 Keep in mind that Christian CO's are tasked with welcoming non-Christians into their community, so they will give support to programs that allow that. So. If AHG comes off as turning away families who,would rather keep church at arms length,the adult leaders might hear from the institutional head. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisabob Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 I would not join or volunteer for a pack that twinned with an AHG unit. Nothing against the program that AHG has, and I realize my view may not be in the majority on this board. But as I don't hold similar religious beliefs or similar views about proselytizing other people's children in a youth program, I would not want to be any part of that approach. I would go find a different, plain-vanilla, cub pack instead. Others' mileage may vary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nike Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 AHG will be limiting thier prospective choices of CO do to the requirement that the CO subscribe to the AHG Statement of Faith, and many civic organization won't want to sign it as well. AHG also requires that all volunteers be American citizens, 21, and subscribe to the Statement of Faith, with no caveat for legal-immigrants. This will be another limitation on thier possible growth.(This message has been edited by Nike) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scoutfish Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 "I would not join or volunteer for a pack that twinned with an AHG unit. " Please define what you mean by twinned. If you mean they happen to have the same CO, wouldn't you think that a bit unfair? My CO also has a troop, a ships crew a girl scout troop, and a church youth group that is totally seperate of all three. But when it comes to the pack...I do not know, nor do I care about the particulars of. the minute beliefs of, or the mission statements of the girl scout troop or the youth group. Why? Because I am not a member of those groups. I did not join them, not do I belong to or owe them anything. I do nat care what thier beliefs are. I run our pack in accordance with BSA guidlines. If the youth group requires that you must be a member of the church...doesn't affect or matter to my pack. If the girl scout troop requires that you be a firm believer that all males are chauvinist...I think they are stupid, but it still does not reflect on, or determine anything about my pack. But if you say twinned by meaning they adopt the exact same principals and beliefs.......well yeah, I agree with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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