The Badge Archive

While the World Thinking Day badge requirements changed in 2019, limiting earning the badge to the five designated steps released annually, many troops continue to host Festival of Nations events to celebrate global cultures, promote learning, and foster international sisterhood.

History of the Festival of Nations Tradition

For many years, Girl Scouts participated in World Thinking Day (February 22nd) by selecting a country to study and creating a booth display to showcase their research. The event was much like a science fair, where scouts prepared trifold boards filled with facts, images, maps, and cultural insights about their chosen nation.

A key element of the tradition was sharing food samples, allowing scouts to experience international cuisine. However, due to health and safety regulations, providing homemade food is no longer an option for most troops. In response, scouts shifted their focus to hands-on activities, crafts, and games that represent different cultures in fun and engaging ways.

Displays and Activities at the Festival of Nations

Although the official World Thinking Day badge now follows a set structure, troops can still celebrate global awareness through creative booth displays and interactive experiences. Common elements of Festival of Nations booths include:

Booth Displays:

• Trifold Boards: Packed with fun facts, national symbols, maps, and traditions, these serve as an informative centerpiece.
• Flag Showcase: Some troops paint or craft miniature versions of their country’s flag to display at the booth.
• National Attire Representation: Scouts may wear colors or accessories inspired by the nation’s traditional dress.

Interactive Activities:

• Crafts & SWAPs: Instead of food samples, scouts create country-themed crafts or SWAPs (Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere) to share.
• Cultural Games: Troops introduce quick games that are popular in their chosen country, such as:
  • Chopstick Challenge (countries that use chopsticks): Picking up objects with chopsticks as a game.
  • Bean Bag Toss (any country): A country theme-inspired toss game with cultural decorations.
  • Hopscotch Variations (various countries): Scouts try hopscotch versions played in different countries.
  • Hand Clapping Rhymes (Africa & Europe): Learning traditional hand-clapping chants.
• Name Writing & Language Exploration: Some booths teach how to write scouts’ names in another language or introduce simple phrases. Especially fun in countries with a different writing system than English letters.

The Festival of Nations remains a beloved way for Girl Scouts to embrace global diversity, promote cultural awareness, and celebrate international friendships—even without an attached badge. It’s an enriching experience that brings the world closer through education, creativity, and fun.

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