World Thinking Day is a celebration by 10 million girls worldwide it has taken place on every 22 February since 1926. It remains a day for all Girl Guides and Girl Scouts to think of each other and celebrate their sisters all around the World.
In 1926, delegates from Guide and Girl Scout organisations across the world met in the USA for the 4th World conference. They decided to create a day for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts to think about others around the world and celebrate being part of an international movement.
The 22 February was chosen as the date because it was the joint birthday of Robert and his wife Olave Baden-Powell, who were both instrumental in establishing Girlguiding and shaping its formative years. Olave was the first ever Chief Guide.
At the 7th world conference in 1932, a Belgian delegate highlighted that birthdays typically involved gifts, and perhaps girls could show their thanks on Thinking Day by raising funds for the organisation. In response, Olave Baden-Powell wrote a letter to all Girl Guides and Girl Scouts asking them to donate just a penny – enough to buy a loaf of bread in those days – to help fund Guiding around the world. This is now known as The World Thinking Day Fund
World Thinking Day remains one of the most important dates in the Guiding calendar, and every year there’s a different theme to encourage members to think about the big issues affecting us and our global community. The theme for 2026 was “ Our Friendship” Previous World Thinking Days have tackled the subjects of poverty, environmental sustainability and access to education.
World Thinking Day is a chance for members to connect with 10 million Girl Guides and Scouts across the globe and to shout about the amazing things we do.