The Great Girl Scout Global Think-In
World Thinking Day, February 22, 2003

By Jennifer Wagner

Like everyone else, girls have plenty to think about these days. But wouldn't the world be a nicer place if we spent more time thinking about each other?

That was the inspiration behind World Thinking Day, created in 1926 at the Fourth International Conference. At this gathering, held at Girl Scouts of the USA's Edith Macy Conference Center (then known simply as Camp Macy) delegates established a day for "sister" Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world to think of each other, and give their mutual thanks and appreciation.

The delegates chose February 22, the birthday of both Lord Baden-Powell and the World Chief Guide, Olave, Lady Baden-Powell. Several years later, at another world conference, one delegate suggested that, just as with any birthday, girls might show appreciation and friendship by giving something tangible — "a penny for their thoughts."

So began the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) Thinking Day Fund, with contributions from girls around the world "to enable girls and young women to develop their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world." Girl Scouts in the USA give to the WAGGGS World Thinking Day Fund through the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund.

Three years ago, in recognition of just how global the Girl Scout Movement has become, the Thirtieth World Conference in Ireland renamed this annual event, appropriately, World Thinking Day.

Activity Ideas

The official theme for this year's World Thinking Day is — whatever you want it to be. Councils and troops are free to create their own unique plans. Here are a few ideas to help you get your celebration started.

1. Say It in Another Language!
Hold a competition, asking girls to write the phrase "World Thinking Day" in as many languages as they can. The person with the most correct translations wins a prize.

2. Watch it Grow
Have girls ask their local parks, schools, houses of worship or community centers for space to plant flowers and plants that remind them of their sisters in Girl Scouting/Girl Guiding. Flowers like forget-me-nots or plants that grow in another country make good choices. Make sure they'll grow in yours, too!

Girls can also post wooden signs in a garden with the names of WAGGGS member organizations, or display a map reminding them of their connection to the Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in all 144 countries around the globe!

3. Host a Girl Scout Worldfest
It's become a tradition for many troops and councils to hold festivals or fairs on World Thinking Day, highlighting one or more WAGGGS member organizations. Typically, girls demonstrate crafts or prepare foods of many countries. These events often involve the whole family.

4. Contribute to the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund
World Thinking Day is a time when Girl Scouts and leaders can show their generosity — and experience how good it feels to be generous — by giving to the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund.

Donations to the JLWFF support Girl Scouting/Girl Guiding around the world by funding:

• Worldwide travel opportunities to Girl Guide/Girl Scout events.
• Activities and maintenance of the WAGGGS Four World Centers.
• Aid to other WAGGGS member countries.
• GSUSA's donation to the WAGGGS World Thinking Day Fund.
  

Send donations for the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund to:

Girl Scouts of the USA
Juliette Low World Friendship Fund
P.O. Box 19611A
Newark, NJ 07195-0611

Please make checks payable to Girl Scouts of the USA. Note on each check that the contribution is for the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund, or JLWFF.

If you prefer that troop donations go through your council office so that the council receives credit, encourage your girls to contribute accordingly.

Go Global. Go Online!

For information on WAGGGS, its program, events and other member countries, visit the WAGGGS Web site at www.wagggsworld.org. Here girls will find a visitor's book to write messages to girls around the world.

You may also want to visit the following pages on this Web site:

• International Girl Scouting
• The Juliette Low World Friendship Fund
• World Thinking Day

Council Challenge

GSUSA is again challenging councils to send 50 cents per member to the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund by June 30, 2003. This is a great way for councils to encourage their members to give, while engaging in friendly competition.

Adapted from LEADER, Spring 2003. © Girl Scouts of the United States of America.