Every year, on 22nd February, Girlguiding and Girl Scout members around the world celebrate World Thinking Day – a special day when all the girls and young women together with their leaders think of members in other countries.
Girlguiding in the UK is part of a bigger movement – the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) – and World Thinking Day is a chance for all members to connect with 10 million Girl Guides and Scouts across the globe.
Each year there is a theme for the day with the 2023 theme being ‘Our World, Our Peaceful Future’ with activities not only based on peace, but travel and food and how those topics can bring communities together.
As well as celebrating on the day itself, some units have been enjoying World Thinking Day activities over the past weekend and at other times during recent weekly meetings.
With 5 Island members selected to represent the UK on international trips this year the theme of travelling around the world was very relevant and for those girls not selected to go on the international trips there was a chance to understand how Guiding takes place elsewhere.
Carisbrooke Guides had a fun-packed afternoon with games from around the globe as well as tastes of other cuisines. All the girls and leaders joined in making a very large jigsaw with each member writing or drawing their ideas on the theme of Peace, French crepes filled with fresh fruit gave them the taste of an unusual cuisine and games included camel racing.
There was the chance to link to other units across the South West region via video links and all girls and leaders were encouraged to renew their Girlguiding Promise. In fact, Carisbrooke Guides were selected to lead the Guide Promise renewal for the region.
Across the Island other units of Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers enjoyed World Thinking Day activities including a special message from Region Chief Commissioner, Laura Cottey.
After an annual break from thinking comes world thinking day… jesus wept.
There’s no need for cruel cynicism Bob. It’s called Thinking Day but really it’s a celebration of the joint birthdays, on 22nd February, of Robert and Olave Baden Powell, who founded Boy Scouts and Girl Guides back in the 1920s. It recognises the fact that these great organisations now have thousands of members worldwide.
How stupid can you be, obviously never been a scout or had a daughter or grand daughter in this wonderful movement.