World thinking day formerly known as thinking day is a widely celebrated event that dates back to the year 1926. It is annually celebrated on 22nd February by Girl Guides and Girl scouts. 22nd February was chosen as it was the birthday of Scouting and Guiding founder Lord Robert Baden-Powell and of Lady Olave Baden-Powell, his wife and World Chief Guide.
It is a day of celebrating friendships. It is an opportunity to speak out on issues that affect young women and fundraise for 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in 150 countries.
Every year the world Thinking day has been celebrated with a theme in mind for the past 16 years. And the themes are chosen to reflect a current struggle, issue or crisis plaguing the world and selected a focus country from each of their five world regions. Girl Guides and Girl Scouts use these as an opportunity to study and appreciate other countries and cultures, and equally increase awareness and sensitivity on global concerns. Donations are collected for the Thinking Day Fund which supports projects to help Girl Guides and Scouts around the world.
Examples of themes from previous years include;
2005: “Think about food”
2006: “Think about, talk about and do something about adolescent health issues”; often shortened to Think about adolescent health
2007: “Discover your potential by taking the lead, growing friendships, and speaking out”; often shortened to discover your potential
2008: “Think about water”
For 2021 celebration of World Thinking Day the theme is “Peace Building”.
Peacebuilding is at the heart of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting and is as vital and relevant today as for the last 100 years. By completing the steps in the Stand Together For Peace activity exercise pack, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts will; Stand Strong, Stand up and Stand Together for peacebuilding.
So, as we celebrate world thinking day today do please make a donation to your local Girl Scout chapter or support a project of the Girls Guide organization.