As we approach World Thinking Day 2015 on February 22, this edition of our Opening the Vaults blog series shines a light on Canadian Guiding’s strong tradition of celebrating our global Guiding connections.
Thinking Day (now World Thinking Day) was first imagined in 1926 at the 4th Girl Guide/Girl Scout International conference. It was a day to think about the growth of Guiding around the world. Here are some of the ways that we have celebrated World Thinking Day in the past.
GGC National Archives APH 781 c.1955
Guides come together at Thinking Day ceremony to celebrate the sisterhood of Guiding.
GGC National Archives APH782 credit: Sudbury Daily Star
In 1959, Guides in Sudbury celebrated Thinking Day by learning about all the countries involved Guiding. Today, with ten million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from 146 countries across the world, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) is the largest voluntary movement dedicated to girls and young women in the world.
GGC National Archives APH 579 credit: The Edmonton Journal
In 1966, the 26th Glenrose Girl Guide Company and Brownie Pack, operating out of the Glenrose Provincial Hospital, celebrate Thinking Day.
GGC National Archives APH 783
In 1970, the Diamond Jubilee of Guiding in Canada, a Brownie, Guide and Ranger celebrate Thinking Day by presenting a baby girl with an invitation to join Brownies.
When we celebrate World Thinking Day, we are reminded of the sisterhood of Guiding, not only internationally but throughout over 100 years of Guiding in Canada. There are lots of ways to participate in World Thinking Day 2015:
- Try the unit activities in our World Thinking Day Friendship flyer
- Have fun playing the WAGGGS World Thinking Day board game
- Learn more about our Twinning 2020 initiative
- Watch Chief Commissioner Sharron Callahan’s Thinking Day message
- WAGGGS is encouraging members and Girl Guide units to share images or videos showing Girl Guides shining “the Light of the Guiding Spirit.” Post your pics on Facebook and Twitter with the tag #Guidinglight.
- Find out how you can support the Canadian World Friendship Fund