Thinking Day Logo

(HOUSTON-February 1, 2002)  Nearly 200 Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council (GSSJC) will celebrate Thinking Day by experiencing the food, customs and dress of countries from the five regions of the World Association of Girl Guides at a special ceremony and International Sing-A-Long on Friday, February 22 at 4:45 p.m.  Booths will be staffed by local Girl Scouts, many of whom will be dressed in the native costumes of Girl Guides from countries around the world: including, among others, Europe, India, Japan, Bahrain, Kenya, Indonesia, Brazil and Nigeria.

For example, Troop #1633 will delight fellow Girl Scouts with homemade crepes, as they inform guests about the language, customs and dress of France.  Each of the 21 troops will display the Girl Scout Promise in the native language of the WAGGGS country that they are representing.  Some of our troops have worked for six months on their Thinking Day exhibits, says GSSJC Program Manager Kathy Elliott.  Thinking Day helps them explore the idea that everyone around the world is connected by a common humanity, she adds.

Thinking Day originated at the 4^th International WAGGGS Conference held in the U.S. in 1926.  February 22 is the joint birthday of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell.  Lady Baden-Powell and her husband, who founded the Boy Scouting Movement in England, served as mentors to Juliette Gordon Low, who went on to initiate Girl Scouting in the U.S.  Since its inception, Thinking Day has served as a special day for Girl Scouts to think about Girl Guides and their sister Girl Scouts with love and friendship.

In 1927, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) established a way for American Girl Scouts to donate to the International WAGGGS Thinking Day Fund. 

The Juliette Low World Friendship Fund is a living memorial to GSUSA’s founder, whose dream of bringing girls together across borders was years ahead of her time.  Every year since 1927, girls from across the United States have donated pennies for each inch of their height, each year of their age or any amount possible to ensure that Juliette Low’s vision of international world friendship is fulfilled.

            GSSJC serves over 53,000 girls and 14, 000 adults. The Council is currently recruiting girls for all scouting levels, and volunteer troop leaders.  For more information, call 713-292-0300 and ask for Membership.  Visit us online at www.gssjc.org.

GSSJS Pluralism Statement
Embracing and promoting pluralism is an integral part of every activity and plan of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, not disconnected or separate projects. Only individuals willing to accept and be educated about the basic tenet that Girl Scouting is for all girls may serve in volunteer leadership or staff positions.

Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council l Brand Management & Fund Development Department
3110 Southwest Freeway l Houston, TX 77098