News / February 22nd, 2023
What do we celebrate on World Thinking Day?
On World Thinking Day we remember, think, celebrate, and learn about Girl Guides (and Girl Scouts) in different countries all over the world. Units celebrate in different ways, they attend celebrations with other units locally, they have activity days, discos, go on days out, or even nights and weekends away. Organisers try to make these events really special, as it is a celebration.
World Thinking Day is important because it gives us a chance to learn about big issues that affect us and others around the world. Each year has a different theme. This year, in 2023, it’s ‘Our World, Our Peaceful Future’ more details can be found on the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) website.
World Thinking Day began on 22 February 1926 and is celebrated by 22 million girls worldwide! Each year has a theme which encourages members to think about big issues affecting them and others around the world, such as poverty, gender inequality, environmental sustainability, and access to education.
But why 22 February? In 1926, Girl Guide and Girl Scout delegates from around the globe met in the USA for the 4th World Conference. Among other decisions, they agreed that there should be a special annual day when Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world think of each other and express their thanks and appreciation for our international Movement. This was called Thinking Day. The delegates chose 22 February as the date for Thinking Day because it was the birthday of our founders, both Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scout Movement, and Olave Baden-Powell, who was World Chief Guide.