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World Thinking Day for Older Girls held at Camp Pondicherry
March 3-5, 2023
BRIDGTON—Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors from around the state gathered at Camp Pondicherry for an overnight program to celebrate one of the biggest Girl Scout days of the year: World Thinking Day!
Founded by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) in 1926, World Thinking Day is recognized by more than 10 million girls from over 150 countries. With a differing theme each year, World Thinking Day aims to explore the countless ways Girl Scouts can make a meaningful difference across the globe. This year, the theme was Our World, Our Peaceful Future: The environment, peace, and security.
“At the Girl Scouts of Maine World Thinking Day for Older Girls, Girl Scouts explored environmental problems and learned how to work with nature to create a more peaceful and secure future for girls everywhere. The girls earned the GSUSA World Thinking Day Award and the WAGGGS World Thinking Day badge,” said Tami Fisher, a global programming and travel volunteer who helped organize and lead the festivities.
Girls arrived at the program on Friday evening and departed mid-morning on Sunday. Over the course of the three-day event, attendees participated in a series of programs geared towards environmental awareness topics such as reducing water footprints, creating gardens, learning about microplastics, and how to take legal action against ecocide.
“We learned about the environmental problems around the world and how plastic and microplastics are found in almost everything we use on a daily basis […] I was very impressed with the research and dedication from the committee to ensure this was a great experience for the girls,” said Troop 507 leader, Marie Nault.
Not only was World Thinking Day an excellent educational opportunity, according to Marie, the weekend also provided the perfect setting for Girl Scouts to form connections with girls they otherwise might not have met.
“Some of girls’ most memorable moments throughout the weekend were creating lasting friendships and bonds. These young ladies could be overheard sharing phone numbers, contact info, and making plans to get together again,” said Marie.
The entire weekend was a success, but the closing ceremony in particular left girls with an overwhelming sense of togetherness and community thanks to an International Friendship Circle: “We were all linked in hands, then, by swinging our arms over and behind, we were linked in a very large group hug. We then sang ‘Make New Friends.’ I think I speak for many of the other girls when I say we are looking forward to returning next year,” said Marie.
See photos here.
