Celebrating 100 years of World Thinking Day!

Theme: Our Friendship

Join us for a celebration of global cultures and unity as Girl Scouts come together for Thinking Day 2026!

Event Details

• Dates: February 20th and 27th 2026

• Time: 6pm-9pm

• Location: St. John's Lutheran Church, 5952 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310 

• RSVP HERE!

• DETAILS TO COME!

What is Thinking Day?

World Thinking Day is a Girl Scout tradition celebrating international friendship and global community. This year, each troop will represent a different country, sharing its culture, history, and traditions through engaging displays, performances, and activities.

Assigned Countries by Troop  2/20/2026 - 151 participants

• Troop 2335: Portugal

• Troop 53074: South Korea

• Troop 53111: Trinidad and Tobago

• Troop 53120: Germany

• Troop 53148: Tourists!

• Troop 53153: Italy

• Troop 53154: Tourists!

• Troop 53155: France

• Troop 53197: Japan

• Troop 53198: Canada

• Troop 53203: Tourists!

• Troop 53223: United Kingdom

• Troop 53237: Tourists!

Assigned Countries by Troop  2/27/2026 - 137 participants

• Troop 2849: India

• Troop 53079: France

• Troop 53104: Poland

• Troop 53133: Republic of China (Taiwan)

• Troop 53158: Japan

• Troop 53159: Lebanon

• Troop 53161: Canada

• Troop 53173: Australia

• Troop 53179: South Korea

• Troop 53191: Germany

• Troop 53200: Sri Lanka

• Troop 53239: Tourists!

Event Highlights

• Interactive cultural displays from Girl Scout troops.

• Hands-on activities and crafts for all ages.

• Delicious food samples from around the world.

• Skits and songs!

• SWAPS!

Important Information for Troops

• Set-Up Time: Anytime after 5:15pm

• Break-Down Time: Anytime after 8:40pm

• Timeline of the Event:

  • 5:15pm - Setup

  • 6:00pm - Pizza Dinner

  • 6:30pm - Opening Ceremony and Activities

  • 7:05pm - Country touring 

  • 8:30pm - Closing Ceremony and Clean Up

Scouts can bring cash for sweet treats from our Bake Sale supporting out our Troop and travel goals!

Donation Drive

Troop 53039 is collecting personal care items and non-perishable foods to benefit Koinonia, a local organization serving the Franconia/Kingstowne/Rose Hill community.

Troops are invited to bring one or two items per Scout. Suggested donations include:

Non-Perishable Foods

• Cereal (especially Cheerios) and oatmeal

• Canned fruit

• Canned salmon or sardines

• Chili, beef stew, gravy

• Pasta sauce

• Cooking oil, sugar, flour

• Coffee and hot chocolate

• Condiments (mayo, ketchup, mustard)
  
  

Personal Care & Household Items

• Toiletries

• Personal care items

• Cleaning supplies (dish soap, dishwasher detergent, all-purpose cleaner)

• Baby diapers (size 6)

• Adult women’s diapers (size L)
  
  

Uniform Reminder: Wear attire that represents your girl scout troop, uniform or cultural clothing from your chosen country.  The host troop will be wearing our Troop 53039 gear so you can locate us for help.

World Thinking Day Badge and PIZZA RSVP and Contact Information

• Fun Patch RSVP Deadline: 1/31/2026

  • $4 per fun patch

  • RSVP: https://forms.gle/f5yJFbNu8pz3Atcd6

• Pizza RSVP Deadline: 2/15/2026

  • Package 1 : $6.00 per person for slice of pizza, bag of chips

  • Package 2: $26.00 for one pizza pie for 8 people with 8 bags of chips

  • RSVP: https://forms.gle/f5yJFbNu8pz3Atcd6

Sustainability Reminder

Based on feedback from last year and in an effort to keep the event sustainable, no plastic water bottles will be provided except in emergencies.
Please encourage your Scouts to bring a reusable water bottle. Water filling stations and fountains will be available throughout the event.

• Contact Email: christine.gettings@gmail.com; jenn@jenncarlson.com; gstroop53039@gmail.com 

• Please let us know if you wish to schedule a phone call to answer any questions.

• Payment can be made at registration onsite by check to GS Troop 53039 or cash.  Digital payment via Square, Venmo or PayPal can be made on a case by case basis consistent with the financial polices of our Service Unit.

Let’s make Thinking Day 2026 a memorable experience of learning, fun, and connection!