World Thinking Day

World Thinking Day is celebrated globally on February 22. This international day of friendship is observed by millions of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts across 150 countries to promote sisterhood, global awareness, and fundraising for the worldwide movement.

History of World Thinking Day

The holiday originated in 1926 at the fourth World Conference of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) held at Camp Edith Macy in New York. Delegates from across the globe suggested creating a dedicated day for members to think of one another and express appreciation for the international movement. The date of February 22 was chosen to honor the joint birthdays of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, and his wife Olave Baden-Powell, who served as the World Chief Guide. ¹

The tradition of fundraising began six years later in 1932 during the seventh World Conference in Poland. A Belgian delegate suggested that since birthdays typically involve gifts, members should provide a “penny for your thoughts” to support Guiding and Scouting projects worldwide. Originally called Thinking Day, the name was officially changed to World Thinking Day at the 30th World Conference in Ireland in 1999 to more clearly reflect the global scale of the celebration.

Why is World Thinking Day important?

This day serves as a critical platform for young women to engage with significant global issues such as poverty, gender inequality, and environmental sustainability. By participating in themed activities, members develop a broader perspective on the challenges faced by their peers in different cultures. The collective nature of the event helps build a sense of unity and strength, reminding participants that they belong to a network of over 10 million sisters worldwide.

The financial aspect of the holiday ensures the continued growth of the movement in developing nations. Contributions to the World Thinking Day Fund are used to provide training, equipment, and resources to areas where Guiding and Scouting programs are expanding. This self-sustaining model allows the organization to reach more girls, fostering leadership skills and community involvement in diverse geographic and economic regions.

• It connects millions of girls through a shared mission of international friendship.
• The holiday promotes advocacy and action on pressing humanitarian and social concerns.
• Fundraising efforts support the expansion of educational programs in underserved areas.
• It honors the historical foundations and leaders of the Guiding and Scouting movements.
• Cultural exchange activities help reduce prejudice and build global understanding.

How to Celebrate World Thinking Day

Participation often involves completing specific challenges outlined in an annual activity pack provided by WAGGGS. These activities are designed to be both educational and interactive, such as learning traditional games from other countries or investigating environmental problems. Many units host “Thinking Day Expos” where members set up booths representing different nations, sharing traditional foods, music, and crafts with their local communities.

A long-standing tradition involves placing a candle in a window on the eve of the holiday at dusk as a symbol of the “Guiding Light” shining across the world. In the digital age, many members use amateur radio or online platforms to communicate directly with scouts in other time zones. Many participants also wear their official uniforms to school or work on February 22 to raise visibility for the organization and its values.

• Complete the annual activity pack to earn a special commemorative badge.
• Donate a small amount to the World Thinking Day Fund to support global projects.
• Place a candle or light in your window on the evening of February 21.
• Exchange postcards or digital messages with a “twin” unit in another country.
• Attend a local campfire or rally to celebrate with other regional units.

World Thinking Day Dates Table

1. https://www.wagggs.org/en/what-we-do/world-thinking-day/[↩]