Girl Scouts Worldwide Celebrate National Holiday

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Thursday is a special day for millions of young girls around the world, as Girl Scouts celebrate a day of sisterhood.

National World Thinking Day has been acknowledged every year by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, otherwise known as WAGGS, since 1926. It’s a day that not only celebrates international friendship but is a time for scouts to rally around causes that could improve the lives of young girls around the world.

“We do a bunch of crafts and we get to pick a country and we learn and research all about it. Then we can better understand and educate the youth to appreciate everyone – no matter their background, culture, ethnicity; they’re all accepted in this world, and they are all important. It’s important to spread that equality and acceptance,” answered Hope Bodley, in response to the significance of National World Thinking Day.

As a Girl Scout of nearly eleven years, Hope has had the opportunity to understand the purpose and meaning behind the special day. She now wants to help younger scouts grasp that same understanding.

“Helping others. So, if somebody’s having trouble with something, I could just lend a hand and help them,” said second-year girl scout, Ana Martin.

“Making bonds with your friends and being able to hang out with the people you love,” said first-year Girl Scout, Avery Jackson.

Each year, WAGGS presents troops with a new theme to focus on for National World Thinking Day. Then on February 22nd, over 10 million girl scouts from 142 different countries take the day to explore the given theme and think about the worldwide issues many of those face within the sisterhood.

“This last series we did was about hunger. Some girls in Girl Scouts, even here in the U.S. do not have food, so we did a donation for the local food bank,” said local troop leader, Faith Bodley.

Across the United States, 80% of Girl Scout councils are currently in their season of selling cookies; amidst their busiest time of the year, National World Thinking Day serves as a time to circle back and reflect.

“There are girls in our community who need an outreach; a safe space to grow and develop, and they need mentors. We provide that mentorship to help them develop, find their pathway, and enjoy that life and that fullness that high school and middle school and elementary can have for them,” said Bodley.

While the local troops in Columbus held their events for National World Thinking Day in January, they still plan to approach Thursday with the same mindset as the millions of other scouts around the world.

For more information or to find local cookie booths near you, visit www.gswo.org.