World Thinking Day, Feb. 22, is the birthday of both Robert Baden-Powell and his sister Agnes. They lived in England and started the first troop of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. This is a special day for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides everywhere to think about each other. This special Girl Scout holiday provides an opportunity to learn about different cultures and maybe even try something new.

Great resources to assist you in learning about other cultures are high school foreign exchange students and international students from colleges. Maybe you can invite someone to your meeting who grew up or often visits other countries. Even Scout Troops who have visited our World Centers would be a great resource. (Contact your regional Girl Scout office for a list of troop contacts.)

One year my Brownies were introduced to some international students from Emporia State University. The students told us the history of their country, taught us games and brought us some popular dishes from their home land. All Scouts took at least one bite of each dish. The noodles from South Korea seemed to be the favorite. While other foods brought expressions that were priceless.

Another year my friend Rosa, who had just moved to the United States from Peru, attended our World Thinking meeting. She told us about her culture, climate, family etc. She kept telling the Troop that they have man “yamas.” She was very proud of these “yamas,” however with her dialect, we just couldn’t understand what she was saying. We kept asking her to repeat the word. Finally she pulled out a prop. She was saying “llama.” She was thrilled when the young American Girl Scout Troop finally figured it out.

It may take a little more of your time and few more phone calls to find a presenter to come to your meeting, but it’s worth it. To hear first hand about other countries cultures is well worth it!

Don’t let World Thinking Day pass you and your troop by! Pick up that phone or shoot some e-mails to make one of your most memorable meetings!