Girl Scouts Of All Ages Celebrate World Thinking Day
Twelve North Plainfield Girl Scout Troops, with more than 100 scouts of all ages and their leaders, “traveled” around the globe in less than two hours. The world-wind World Thinking Day trip took place on Saturday, February 20, 2016, at the town’s Watchung Avenue Presbyterian Church.
World Thinking Day is set aside to celebrate friendships with others from around the world. “It’s a way to remember the connection with Girl Scouts and Girl Guides at home and everywhere. It is also a reminder of the Girl Scout Law: to be a sister to every Girl Scout,” said Ginny Mayer-Brown, event coordinator.
The two-hour tour had the “tourist” girls and leaders “visit” countries such as Mexico, Philippines, Italy, Japan and France. Passports were stamped, various displays were viewed, each country’s foods were sampled, a “taste” of each culture’s hands-on activities was experienced, flag coloring sheets and flag puzzles were explored, and snack badges were earned – and more!
First stop: Mexico! Visitors dipped their chips in some guacamole, did the Mexican Hat Dance and played the Bean Race.
Next stop: The Philippines. People savored Sweet Coconut or Sticky Rice and played Tapatan (a board game of skill).
Another stop: Italy. This venture featured Bruschetta, building bracelets with the colors of the Italian flag and learning words like Ciao (Hello) and Amici (friends).
Yet another stop: Japan. Sushi and origami (folding paper in to shapes) were part of the Japanese adventure.
Last stop: France. Ooh la, la. Guests were treated with Breakfast- on-the-Go – strawberry and cream-filled crepes; as well as a French word search and trivia.
“It is an honor to help the younger scouts connect not only with the older girls in our town, but also symbolically with Girl Scouts and Girl Guides across the world,” said troop leader Danielle Roberto, who was escorting Daisy Scouts – the youngest faction at five to six years old.
Sixteen year-old Jessica Dardignac, a Senior Scout, said, “It is just great that we are enjoying each other’s company, from the youngest to the oldest scout; learning more about ourselves and our world.”
Donations from the event are designated for the founder of Girl Scouts – the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund.
According to the World Association of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides, there are millions of Girl Scouts worldwide, with the United States having the largest number – and growing!
(above) North Plainfield Girl Scouts of all ages participate in World Thinking Day “visiting” Mexico, the Philippines, Italy, Japan and France.
(above) These Daisy Girl Scouts are enjoying sucking up as many pinto beans as they can with a straw and putting them in to a cup in one minute while the Mexican Hat Dance music plays in the background.
