Local Girl Scouts celebrate World Thinking Day

By Sarah Golden, staff writer

Reston Girl Scouts gather on World Thinking Day. Photo by Elizabeth Witter

Reston Girl Scouts celebrated the 100th anniversary of World Thinking Day in February, joining troops around the globe in honoring the diversity of the international sisterhood.

Troops based in Reston each selected a different country to study, exploring traditions, food and culture. At an event at Forest Edge Elementary School, Scouts presented what they learned to fellow troop members and families. Countries highlighted included Australia, Austria, Costa Rica and France. Scouts also performed skits, building public speaking skills, while older Scouts led the program.

A power outage at the school forced the event outside to the parking lot, but Scouts adapted quickly, using cellphone flashlights and continuing the presentations despite the cold.

The local troops operate entirely on a volunteer basis through the Girl Scouts of the USA. After a slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, membership interest in the Reston area is growing, and Service Unit 51-5 is seeking additional adult volunteers.

Unit managers Kaitlin Collier and Melissa Hess can be reached at gs.sum51.5@gmail.com. Those interested in joining, volunteering or starting a troop can visit the Girl Scout Troop Catalog at https://mygs.girlscouts.org/search;type=TROOP/