Thinking Day Resources from WAGGGS, at http://www.wagggsworld.org/tday.htm

the WAGGGS website, http://www.wagggsworld.org/

The Guide Zone (http://www.GuideZone.SKL.com): select the "Guiding Around the World" section

A listing of troops around the world is available at http://virtualquincy.com/trcgs/links.html

This section of the file contains ideas compiled by Elisabeth England in 1997.

• Our plan this year for our second-grader Brownies, is to have a cultural celebration with each child and their family asked to bring things from their own cultural and/or family traditions: foods, stories, items of clothing, jokes, dances, holiday traditions, etc. etc. The idea we had, which came during our basic leader training about multi-ethnicity, was that every girl, even the "plain vanilla" ones, have a cultural heritage; and ALL ought to be encouraged to be proud of that, not just the obvio us black or Hispanic or Asian. I know that my own cultural traditions, German/Russian Mennonite, have been pretty much forgotten or ignored in our society. I don't "look" different at all so I must not have any ethnicity -- of course, that's not true, but that's how a little girl in American society nowadays would think. I think that the celebration of cultures all over the world, for a Brownie, most appropriately begins with their own family background. Anne Wiebe, Brownie Girl Scout Troop #659, Lone Sta r Council, Austin, Texas

• We rent a school cafeteria and auditorium. The girls (Daises through Seniors) study their country, make up a table display, prepare a skit (5 min. or less), and prepare swaps from their country to pass out to the other participants. Some years we incl ude passports which the girls have stamped at each table. In those years we do not have skits. This year we represented Mexico, and performed the song Celito Lindo with the audience joining in on the Aye, Yi, Yi, Yi , served Vanilla wafers dipped in caram el sauce (This was served to us at Our Cabana), and our craft was Coins placed in a cardboard coin holder with the makers name, troop level, troop #, and town imprinted upon it. My Senior troop traveled to Our Cabana and Ticalli this past summer. Our inte ntion is to share our experiences with them. Linda Blaser Senior,Troop 1293 GSCNC Service Unit Manager

• As a troop my troop decided to celebrate Hawaiian style. Game : Hula Dancing, Directions: The girls will make up hand movements to this song: Rainbow song ( sung to Mary had a little lamb), Rainbow over the waterfall, waterfall, waterfall,, Rainbow ov er the waterfall Rainbow over the tree,, Rainbow over the mountain, mountain, mountain,, Rainbow over the mountain, Rainbow over the sea. Rainbow over the flowers, flowers, flowers,, Rainbow over the flowers, Rainbow over the bee. Rainbow over the dancers , dancers, dancers, Rainbow over the dancers, Rainbow over me!, b) Food/Drink: bananas, fruits, having a luau Recipe: , Making poi (mashed taro root) using whipped cream sweeten with pineapple juice. Leaving a bowl without due to food allergies. c) Craft: We made masks and hula skirts , Directions: Skirts were made by cutting strips in trash bags They will tie the bags around their waist. Leis I made by sewing plastic bags cut into strips together. , d) Other: Using a tarp for the luau (as the ground), Sue Morrison, Troop 1410 , Western Reserve Girl Scout Council,

• We had Guides dressed up in other uniforms (improvised sometimes), in Saris and henna-painted hands from India, and Brownies dressed up in clogs and Dutch caps singing 'a mouse lived in a windmill!. After this each Guide picked up a passport from the 'world bureau' and had it stamped as they visited each area of the room (Country) and tried the food that the Guides had bought along. At the end we had a ceremony where Guides lit candles on England, and then on all the countries we had represented and b ought their thinking day pennies. We then sang a thinking day song and 'Brownie Bells' and 'Taps'.

• Needless to say there are LOTS of things you can do for Britain!, Play Conkers (a game which involves the 'nuts' from Horse Chestnut trees), have your own 'highland games', eat fish and chips, Yorkshire pudding, haggis, Welsh rarebit, bakewell tart, e ccles cakes, scones and jam (if you can find the recipes!) drink tea, dress in kilts -the list is endless and there are lots of web sites that might be able to help try Anglophilia for starters,

• My service units have done everything from Tasting Teas/International Fairs (what you were describing) to "Dance throughout the World." A small service unit (125 girls) did a day-long event on the four world centers. The girls rotated through the four stations, spending about an hour learning about the centers, the country itself, a craft and some food. The day was a great success. I like the idea of using the four world centers for a first time Thinking Day!!!!, We have done several in our Neighborho od, but using the centers allows the girls to learn about WAGGGS, but for many they can earn GS Around the World, etc. They can participate by setting up a booth for their country, showing food, scout info, games and songs. , The countries are intersperse d between the centers. A viewing of the Golden Eaglet adds to the day to show how the US fits in. Sometimes we forget that the US is one of the WAGGGS.

• This year my troops put together their Thinking Day using the theme: Make all Girls feel WELCOME! Their wide game format included reading challenges, hearing challenges, physical (walking) challenges, and speaking challenges. We ventured from the trad itional disabilities and focused around some of the disabilities of the girls in the troops or their friends and how everyday struggles are faced being a Girl Scout in the US. The best part is they earned their leadership badge in doing the project as wel l as are more tolerant of each other, and now realize how to make scouting more enjoyable for every girl!

• We did a Junior Event for 600 plus girls based on the World Centres. Cabana, tacos, made paper flowers, taught Mexican Hat Dance to La Cucaracha; Chalet, sampled fondue, learned to yodel, and SOMETHING with dance. India, (I forget) :(, Olave House (Pa x Lodge now) served tea in the garden with shortbread cookies (no not GS ones, home baked ), dance was may pole (I think) and oops forgot the other element. But you get idea, in this event each Station was about 1 hour, and that was broken up into 3 subst ations, so a group of 150 was really 50 in presenting the activities. , Lela C. Arnes, San Jacinto Girl Scout Council, Master TrainerHouston, Texas, mailto:earnes@idt.net,

• A Greek presentation, eh? , How about a map of Greece on the top of the table, clearly outlined. Display books about Greek legends (the Odyssey), cooking, churches, etc. The girls want to wear togas, eh? Great idea. Don't forget the sandals. Present a list of Greek goddesses, each girl gets a different name, and have each girl dress appropriately. They have the opportunity to learn what that goddess did and her particular story. (Maybe they can wear a name tag that states that particular goddess' name ). Then they can tell (say) Hera's particular story. Isn't there a badge for creating costumes, or putting on a play... Anyway, my son did this for his 6th grade social studies class (before Halloween) and dressed as Poseidon, the god of the sea, wearing a wreath of laurel leaves, toga with a watery blue hem, and of course a trident. His necklace had a dolphin, natch. No, no, he didn't wear the costume for trick-or-treating, but the opportunity was there. Ask the parents for help on Greek items. It will b e a Greek museum on your tabletop. Anybody you know own a balalaika? native Greek costumes? Do you have a Greek Orthodox church in your community? Contact them and ask for constructive suggestions in making your presentation. How about the classics dept. at the university? Thrift shops are great for locating old National Geographics with a Greek map. Perhaps a Greek cloth can cover the table, too. Don't forget the empty bottle of ouzo, and of course a basket overflowing with grapes. (A nice snack for folk s passing by, too.) Also, clearly display the Greek alphabet. You know... alpha, beta, gamma. Perhaps make a poster of mathematical equationsMention the Greek philosophers... Aristotle, Plato, etc. , Cities: Athens, the Parthenon, etc. % maybe a travel ag ent can give you pictures or try the public library. Hope this helps, , Very best regards and good luck. It is easy to get leader burnout. Don't forget to delegate. Other parents will be happy to provide some baklava... grapes... lamb, dolphin pictures, v ases or art. Just ask them. From Peggy Ravitch

A great resource for info on Australia is the national organization's (Guides Australia) website, at http://www.guidesaus.org.au

More Australia info is available on

Wisdomkeepers, at http://www.wisdomkeepers.org

The following websites are good starting places:

http://SOAR.Berkeley.EDU/recipes/allcats.html

Many troops exchange postcard greetings around Thinking Day, and this is a big project that requires off-list discussion and organization. In 1998, the Thinking Day Postcard exchange is being organized by Jan McKinney and Joan Beitman (perhaps with help from other people).

• Troops in the US who wish to participate should send Jan McKinney the following information, which will be kept confidential. When you are matched with a trading partner, you will exchange mailing addresses (confirming the pairing):
  • Leader Name
  • Council Name
  • Troop Level and Number
  • Troop Mailing Address
• Units or troops outside the US should contact Joan Beitman with
  • Guider's/leader's Name
  • Council Name
  • Unit Level and Number
  • Full Mailing Address
  • # of troops you would like to trade with

• The postcard should reflect the area in which you live.
• If you agree to trade, please send the cards out within a two week time frame.
• Make SURE you put your name, return address and troop number on EVERY postcard so that the troops receiving them will know where they came from. You should also have your email address on all cards so that you can be emailed when your card arrives.
• Please try to have something about your troop on the postcard and not just names. We all love to learn about other troops. (You could type up something on labels and put a label on each card then have the girls sign the card.)
• Keep this project OFF WAGGGS-L. Do not make posts to the list asking for states or troops to exchange. Last year, the list was clogged with post card requests. If you need a state, please contact Jan or Joan (see addresses above) and they will do their best to help you out.

From either Karen Hobson or Margo Mead:

Golden Link Ceremony, This version of a golden link ceremony works well because each girl has a part and the finished product (the chain) serves as a great visual for the concept of how each of us as individuals is important in making the whole chain s trong. Example: Each girl stands in a circle with a strip of yellow construction paper with a small piece of tape on the end. On each strip is written the name of a country where there are Girl Scouts or Girl Guides, and possibly what one of the different age levels is called in that country, or a portion of the Promise or Law from that country. (A few countries are listed below, but additional info can be found in 'Trefoil Around The World' in the Service Unit Library).

Leader: As Girl Scouts we are not only members of our own troop, and Girl Scouts of the United States, but we have 'Sister' Girl Scouts or Girl Guides in 136 countries around the world. Each of our Sister Scouts has accepted a Promise and Law much like our own. , In the Netherlands, a Girl Guide is called a Padvindster. As Padvindster's close their meetings with a friendship circle, each girl says in turn. "I am a link in the golden chain of world friendship , and I will keep my link strong and bright. ", As each of us adds a link to build our Golden Chain of Friendship, lets think about our Sister Scouts in other countries. About how things may be different for them but also about how much we are the same and about how each of us is an important link i n the Golden Chain of Friendship. (This section can be separated into 3 parts for older girls to read.),

All together: Say Promise or Promise and Law. Each girl in turn, reads her country and information and adds her strip to the growing chain. The last link added should close the chain. , *Optionally, each girl could also add a link with her own name on it.

Leader: Repeat after me the saying from Padvinsters in the Netherlands. All Together: 'I am a Link in the Golden Chain of World Friendship, and I will keep my link strong and bright.',

1. In the Bahamas, Brownie Scouts promise to have courage and be cheerful in difficult situations.

2. In Ghana, an Ananse Guide promises to make good use of her time.

3. In Guatemala, Little Riding Hoods promise to smile and sing under all difficulties.

4. In Italy, a Ladybird promises to love and respect nature.

5. In Madagascar, a Little Wing promises to do all she can to create peace around her.

6. In Nigeria, a Ranger Guide promises to be useful and help others.

7. In Papua New Guinea, a Sunbird promises to take care of her own possessions and those of others.

8. In Spain, a Pioneer promises to get to know the place she is living and be involved in its improvement.

9. In Turkey, a Venture Guide promises to be a friend to animals and plants.

10. In Greece, a Star promises to be conscientious in her work and reliable.

11. In Korea, a Cadet promises to be thrifty.

12. In Liechtenstein, a Little Bee promises to seek and convey joy.

13. In Malta, a Dolphin promises to be self-controlled in all she thinks, says and does.

14. In Jordan, a Ranger promises to be frank and make it a

point of honor to deserve trust.

15. In Grenada, a Guide promises to be obedient.

16. In Germany, a Caravelle promises to share and be grateful.

17. In Austria, a Brownie promises to pay attention to all human beings and seek to understand them.

18. In Australia, a Gumnut Guide promises to be friendly and a sister to all Girl Guides.

19. In Switzerland, a Ranger promises to rejoice in all that is beautiful.

20. In Sudan, a Bluebird promises to be a sister to every other guide, no matter to what country, class or creed, the other may belong.

21. In Israel, an Ofer (or Brownie) promises to live life correctly and do her duty.

22. In England, a Rainbow promises to love her God and be kind and helpful.

23. In Canada, a Pathfinder promises to be true to herself.

24. In Argentina, Little Wings promise to obey the law of the pack.

25. In Bangladesh, a Yellowbird promises to help other people every day especially those at home.

26. In Botswana, a Sunbeam promises to do her best.

27. In Columbia, a Fairy promises to generous and always tells the truth.

28. In Cyprus, a Butterfly promises to bring happiness at home.

29. In the Philippines, a Star Scout promises to lend a hand.

30. In Rwanda, a Wagtail promises to do a Good Turn every day.

31. In Sri Lanka, a Little Friend promises to give in to older folk.

32. In Argentina, a Sun Guide promises to be thrifty and

respect other people's property.

33. In Belgium, a Beaver Guide promises to be cheerful with others.

34. In Bolivia, an Intermediate Guide promises to be kind to animals.

35. In Brazil, a Brownie promises to participate actively and responsibly in her community.

36. In China, a Ranger promises to smile and sing under difficulties.

37. In Costa Rica, a Brownie promises to listen to and obey her leader.

38. In Denmark, a Mini-Guide promises to listen to the opinion of others and to form her own.

39. In Egypt, a Guide promises to be useful and help others.

40. In Estonia, a Guide promises to be pure in thought in word and in deed.

41. In Finland, a Flickscout promises to develop herself as a human being.

42. In France, a Girl Scout promises to enjoy work and endeavor to do nothing by halves.

43. In India, a Bulbul promises to keep the law of the Bulbul Flock.

44. In Ireland, a Ladybird promises to be a friend to all, and

a sister to every other Guide.

45. In the Ivory Coast, a Jeanette promises to be always active.

46. In Japan, a Junior promises to be courteous.

47. In Kenya, a Guide promises to be courageous and cheerful under all circumstances.

48. In Latvia, a Little Fire promises to be active and thrifty.

49. In Lebanon, a Faradole promises to obey and have team spirit.

50. In Luxembourg, an Aventure Guide promises to be ready to help her neighbors.

51. In Malaysia, a Pandu Guide promises to be loyal.

52. In Mexico, a Fairy Guide promises to help everybody every day.

53. In the Netherlands, a Beaver promises to play together with others in her troop.

54. In New Zealand, a Pippin promises to care for herself, her home and her community.

55. In Oman, a Zahra promises to fulfill her duty towards God, her country and the Sultan.

56. In Paraguay, a Dawn Guide promises to admire and respect nature.

57. In Portugal, a Little Bird promises to always tell the truth.

58. In Romania, a Flower promises to listen well.

59. In Sudan, a Bluebird promises to always do her best.

60. In Thailand, a Bluebird promises to speak the truth.

61. In Tuvalu, a Sunbeam promises to make good use of her time.

62. In Uruguay, a Bee Guide promises to think first of others.