Local Girl Scouts celebrate World Thinking Day

KENNETT SQUARE >> The International Friendship observed by local Girl Scouts garnered over 300 participants. Officially called “World Thinking Day” by Girl Scouts it was determined that this international movement should celebrate its worldwide status as a Girls’ movement and its policy of inclusion in a way that proclaims the sisterhood of Girl Scouts.

The Brandywine Valley Girl Scout Service Unit, which includes both the Kennett and Unionville School Districts, has dedicated this day to sharing their months-long research and hard work to tell the story of their chosen country to the whole Service unit. They created a display, practiced songs/dances, chose a food to share, made souvenirs or offered a craft.

This is the 23rd year of World Thinking Day’s inception locally. A 2001 graduate of Unionville High School, Lesley Anne Bernasconi, initiated this multi-cultural program locally as her Gold Award project. It remains an annual staple of the local Girl Scout experience.

This year, the troops, from Brownies (2nd and 3d grade to Ambassadors represented 16 countries including Kenya, United Arab Emirates, Austria, Australia, Ecuador, India, Brazil, England, France, Mexico, Ireland, New Zealand, Italy, Japan, Spain, and Germany.

Each of the Girl Scouts received a passport and traveled to each country learning about the country, having their “passports” stamped, trying the variety of food delicacies, collecting souvenirs, and/or doing a craft related to that country. In addition, some of the troops entertained the audience with dances and songs from the countries they represented.

This year the theme of World Thinking Day encouraged girls to become environmentally conscious leaders. Climate change issues were discussed and explored in each of the countries and an Environmental Gallery was displayed outlining the specific issues of each country. There was special emphasis on how girls and women are disproportionately affected by climate change and environmental issues.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Cadette Troop #4348, from Patton Middle School, enjoying “Kenya”