Catholic Scouting for girls

From working with fashion design to exploring the wonders of astronomy, to performing heartfelt acts of service, the American Heritage Girls (AHG) embrace what it means to be truly Catholic – inside and out. 
            
“One of my all-time favorite activities we did was a cookout,” Director of Catechesis and Youth for the Bismarck Diocese Diane Huck said, who serves as a troop leader for AHG Troop 0520 of the Bismarck area. “It was really fun. We had planned to do it in one of the earth lodges, but due to the fire ban, we couldn't so we did it in the visitor's lodge in their huge fire place. We made 'stone soup' and each girl brought a vegetable to add, focusing on friendship and sharing with others. We also made 'campfire pies' in pie irons, which many of the girls had not had before.”
            
American Heritage Girls was founded in 1995 by a group of parents who desired a faith-based, scout-type character development program for their daughters. The mission of the AHG Program is to nurture women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country. AHG members participate in badge-earning programs, service projects, leadership opportunities and outdoor adventures—all with an emphasis on nurturing Christian values and family values. Currently, there are AHG troops in every state as well as in 15 different countries. America is home to thousands of dedicated volunteer members who help girls grow closer to Christ, get to know their Catholic faith in a deeper way, cultivate a desire to serve Him and others, enjoy God's creation and live life to the fullest. 
            
The Bismarck AHG charter (Troop 0520) was approved in the spring of 2022, with the first official troop meeting held the following fall. “It was a long process, but three local moms (with support from Father Josh Ehli, rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit) felt it was a worthwhile adventure to pursue as an alternative to Girls Scouts,” said Dionne Haynes, who currently co-leads Troop 0520 along with Diane, Holly Triska-Dally and Stephanie Kritzberger. “AHG provides a way for young girls to connect with each other and expand their skill sets while growing closer to God. Furthermore, AHG also leaves fundraising efforts up to each troop. This provides freedom to raise money in a way that fits our strengths and to use those funds according to our goals each year.”
            
The badges that AHG members earn emphasize the nurturing of Catholic virtues, such as modesty, charity, care of creation and generosity. Recently, the members earned badges by helping during the city-wide clean-up, sang Christmas carols at an assisted living center, put on a bake sale after Mass and made Valentine cards for others.
             
When asked why she enjoys helping with this ministry, Diane said, “This group gives a sense of belonging to something with a Catholic twist! Having my daughter involved in activities that support our faith/beliefs and being surrounded by other families that do the same is very important to me.”
            
And when asked what she would tell a girl who is thinking of joining but isn't sure, Diane said, “I would tell her to give it a try and join us! It is fun to meet new friends, try new activities and share in our love of Jesus!” 
            
Looking towards the future, Diane said, “I would love to see our troop grow so big we have to have two or three groups!”
            
According to Stephanie Kritzberger, being a member of the AHG is a highlight of her life. Not only does it give her a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the upcoming generation of Christian women, but it also inspires her to live out her own call to sanctity.
            
“I love being involved in the AHG because it is an amazing organization,” she said. “It helps build up women of integrity while keeping Christ at the center of all we do. We are able to practice the spiritual and corporal works of mercy together as a troop while also cultivating the individual gifts and talents of each member.”
            
Impressively, being part of the AHG can open new, unexpected doors in a girl's life—especially doors of the heart. For example, in January of 2025, the troop was blessed to receive a visit from Mother Mary Joseph of the St. Mary Sisters of Bismarck.
            
“She spoke with the girls about modesty and their identities as daughters of God,” Stephanie said. “Every eye was fixed on her as she spoke and at the end the girls really opened up with their questions about prayer and their relationships with God. It was truly touching to see them comfortable enough to reveal a portion of their hearts they may not have otherwise.”
            
When asked what she would say to girls who are thinking about joining the AHG, Stephanie responded, “I would encourage other girls to join AHG because it offers a supportive community to grow in faith, friendship, develop valuable life skills and grow in confidence of who God made them to be.”
            
Thanks to God's grace, Stephanie envisions a bright future for the AHG. 
            
“My hope for the future of AHG is that it would grow to eventually form multiple troops based on ages, because right now we only have one troop with girls ages 6-14,” she explained. “That way we could tailor our activities based on the ages of the girls. I would love to add in more outdoor activities or a camping trip. For example, last year, we were able to bring the girls to Fort Lincoln to earn an outdoor cooking badge. After discussing fire safety, we made stone soup there over an open fire. There’s also an AHG national convention every year which would be amazing to bring the older girls to eventually.”
            
For further information, email Stephanie Kritzberger at [email protected]. AHG Troop 0520 meets on the second Thursday of the month from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. in the Cathedral basement. All girls in kindergarten through high school are more than welcome to come.