Ashton Girlguides celebrate 100 years of World Thinking Day

Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and leaders from Ashton Division came together at Albion Church to celebrate 100 years of World Thinking Day with a fun-filled day of activities and a special overnight sleepover.

The celebration began earlier in the day as Rainbows took part in crafts and themed activities, learning about the importance of World Thinking Day and what it means to be part of a worldwide guiding family. Later in the evening, around 100 Brownies, Guides and Rangers joined the festivities, transforming the church into a lively hub of friendship and international celebration.

Girls enjoyed a variety of craft activities and gathered together to sing traditional campfire favourites, including Alice the Camel and Someone’s in the Kitchen with Dyna. The evening was filled with laughter, teamwork and reflection as members also learned about the history and global significance of World Thinking Day.

All girls also participated in making their promise, or renewing it, as an entire group.

After a late-night snack of hotdogs, beds were set up across the church hall, ready for a memorable sleepover surrounded by friends old and new.

World Thinking Day has been celebrated by Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world since 1926. Held every year on 22 February, it is a day when 10 million girls worldwide think of each other and celebrate being part of a global movement.

The idea began in 1926 when delegates from Guide and Girl Scout organisations met in the USA for the fourth World Conference. They decided to create a special day for members to reflect on their international sisterhood. The date of 22 February was chosen as it marked the joint birthday of Robert Baden-Powell and Olave Baden-Powell, both of whom were instrumental in shaping the guiding movement.

In 1932, the World Thinking Day Fund was established after Olave Baden-Powell encouraged girls to donate a penny each to support guiding worldwide. The name officially changed to World Thinking Day in 1999 at the 30th World Conference in Dublin, reflecting the global scale of the celebration.

Today, World Thinking Day remains one of the most important dates in the guiding calendar, with a different theme each year focusing on key global issues. The theme for 2026 is “Our Friendship”, encouraging girls to celebrate connection, unity and international understanding.

Leaders from Ashton Division said the event was a wonderful way to mark a century of this special day, bringing together girls of all ages to celebrate friendships.

For more information about joining Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers, or getting involved volunteering, visit: www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-parents/register-a-child/