WORLD THINKING DAY
Every year on February 22nd Girl Scouts from across the globe participate in World Thinking Day. These girls gather together to discuss issues that affect young women.
The history of the Girl Scouts dates all the way back to 1912. This is when Juliette Gordon Low met the founder of Boy Scouts, Sir Robert Baden-Powell in England. Upon Low’s return to her Georgia home, she knew she had to start a similar organization for girls. That same year, she gathered 18 girls together and told them all she had learned about this new outdoor and educational youth program. At the time, “Daisy” as many affectionately called her, was 51 years old and nearly deaf.
The first small troop of Girl Scouts was culturally and ethnically diverse. This was a big deal, considering women were not even allowed to vote. These girls participated in basketball, hiking, and camping. More importantly, the girls lent a helping hand to those in need. They also worked together to improve the world around them. Since its small beginnings, Girl Scouts numbers have flourished in over 100 countries. There are currently 2.6 million Girl Scouts and more than 50 million alumni.
Today, Girl Scouts focus on four areas that form the foundation of their leadership experience. These areas include Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), Outdoors, Life Skills, and Entrepreneurship. It’s under the area of entrepreneurship Girl Scouts sell their famous cookies!
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldThinkingDay
Girls Scouts from around the world celebrate this day by connecting with other troops. They also take action and speak on issues they care about. Many Girls Scouts hold fundraisers. Girl Scout members are encouraged to promote the annual theme by writing their own songs, creating artwork, playing games, and practicing skills they have learned.
If you’re not in Girl Scouts, here are some ways you can still participate:
- If you have a daughter, consider signing them up in your local Girl Scout troop.
- Support a Girl Scout fundraiser.
- Learn more about the history of Girl Scouts and the impact of this organization.
- Think about what you can do to make your corner of the world a better place.
Share this day on social media with #WorldThinkingDay
WORLD THINKING DAY HISTORY
Girl Scouts first began celebrating this day in 1926. This is the year that delegates from different countries gathered together at Camp Edith Macy in New York. During this meeting, the delegates agreed that February 22nd would be known as a special day for Girl Scouts. This international day of friendship has become a way to speak on issues that affect young women and fundraise for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world. Each year there is a special theme for the day. Recent themes have included:
2021: Peacebuilding
2020: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
2019: Leadership
2018: Impact
2017: Grow
