Thinking Day? Thinking about what?

     When you took your BLT (Basic Leadership Training), you were given lots of dates that are special to Girl Scouts. February 22 was one of those dates. But, do you remember what it was? February 22 is known throughout the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) as World Thinking Day. So, what do we think about? It is the day we think about the history of the Girl Scouting/Guiding movement which began in 1910 in England under the guidance of Lord Robert Baden Powell. February 22 happens to be the birth date of both Lord and Lady Baden Powell. We use Thinking Day to teach the girls about how we are part of the largest volunteer organization of girls and young women in the world, providing learning opportunities and helping young women develop new interests and skills. It’s where we emphasize “and be a sister to every Girl Scout.” Let them know that they are part of something big and that they have sisters everywhere. It is also a great time to present your girls with their World Pin.
     Thinking Day 2005 is designated as the day we think about food. No, not where the next pizza is coming from, but how we can use food as a way to celebrate and discover the tastes from different cultures. What better way to introduce young girls to the idea of being part of a global organization than to taste the foods from different counties and cultures. It is also a time when girls can think about girls in other countries, as well as our own, that do not have much to eat. Discussions with girls about how we can help alleviate this problem can spark lots of ideas among the girls.
     For more information about Thinking Day and WAGGGS, go to www.wagggsworld.org

Myth of the Month

     Myth- There must be a certified First Aider at all troop meetings. Well, no, that is not correct. Yes, it is required to have a First Aider on all troop activities and field trips that take the girls away from the regular meeting place. If you are holding your regular meeting at your regular place, while strongly recommended, you do not have to have a First Aider there if circumstances don’t allow. You do need your troop first aid kit with you, and ideally, the adults working with the girls are certified in First Aid, but a troop can meet without a first aid trained person.

     Now, if you are going on a field trip, camping trip, hike around the block, Cookie Shop, or any other activity, you do need someone trained in First Aid there on site with the girls at all times.
     Please refer to the article about First Aid on page 39 in this issue of The Golden Link for a full explanation about when you need a First Aider and what type you need for some activities.
There is a list of activities that are not permitted for Girl Scouts in this article, also. It is an interesting list, with some things you might not think of. If in doubt about an activity, refer to your copy of Safety-Wise. It’s all about keeping our girls safe and happy.