World Thinking Day
Next: February 22, 2027
Think of a friend far away.
The story
Where it comes from
In 1926 Girl Guide and Girl Scout delegates from around the world met in the USA for their 4th World Conference. They agreed on a special day each year when Guides and Scouts everywhere would think of one another and give thanks for their international Movement. They chose 22 February because it was the birthday of both Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scout Movement, and his wife Olave Baden-Powell, the World Chief Guide. In 1999 the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts renamed Thinking Day as World Thinking Day.
How it's celebrated
Guide and Scout groups in more than 150 countries hold meetings, campfires and badge activities built around a shared theme from the World Association, and many send greetings to sister groups abroad. Members also give a small sum to the World Thinking Day Fund, a tradition since 1932 that supports Guiding and Scouting where the need is greatest. Anyone can join in the spirit of the day by writing to a friend who lives far away.
Did you know
- The fund began in 1932, when a Belgian delegate at the 7th World Conference in Poland pointed out that birthdays usually come with gifts.
- Olave Baden-Powell then wrote to every Guide and Scout asking them to spare a penny for the worldwide Movement.
- The day was renamed at the 30th World Conference, held in Dublin in 1999, to stress how international it is.
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