Happy World Thinking Day, everyone! What is World Thinking Day, you might ask? (And you might well ask, if you are not familiar with the Girl Scout Holidays.) Here is a great synopsis from the GSUSA website:
Each year on February 22, World Thinking Day, girls participate in activities, games, and projects with global themes to honor their sister Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in other countries. World Thinking Day is part of the WAGGGS Global Action Theme (GAT) based on the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which aim to improve the lives of the world’s poorest people. The theme for World Thinking Day 2011 is girls worldwide say “empowering girls will change our world.”
World Thinking Day not only gives girls a chance to celebrate international friendships, but is also a reminder that Girl Scouts of the USA is part of a global community—one of nearly 150 countries with Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. WAGGGS selected five countries of focus for World Thinking Day 2011 to represent the five WAGGGS regions: Bolivia (Western Hemisphere), Cyprus (Europe), Democratic Republic of Congo (Africa), Nepal (Asia/Pacific), Yemen (Arab Region).
In the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, troops celebrate this holiday in a variety of ways. The Duluth Service Unit holds an annual “International Bazaar,” where each troop represents a country. The girls research the country, and they make snacks or small items for the shoppers to buy. Each participant also has a “passport,” which is stamped at each “country.” The evening begins with a Parade of Nations, celebrating all the countries represented. Two girls from each country hold their flag for all to see. The International Bazaar typically lasts two hours, and everyone has a great time. Even troops who elect not to represent a country are welcome as visitors to shop, have fun, and help a great cause.
The money that is raised through this event is donated to the Juliette Gordon Low Friendship Fund, which supports girls’ international travel and participation in training and other international events. These unique opportunities for fostering international friendships connect Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from 144 nations. This year’s DSU International Bazaar will take place this Friday, February 25, and is sure to be a big success.
GIRL SCOUTS MAKE HISTORY 