Connecting Cultures
Girl Scout Troop 972 Hosts World Thinking Day 2025 at SALAM
By Noor Latif
On February 22, 2025, Girl Scout Troop 972 proudly hosted a World Thinking Day event at the SALAM Islamic Center. World Thinking Day is an annual event that encourages Girl Scouts around the world to think about their global community and the importance of friendship, peace, and understanding. The day promotes international awareness and highlights the diverse cultures represented within the Girl Scout movement. It inspires young leaders to take action on social issues and fosters a sense of global citizenship by inviting members to reflect on the impact they can make in their communities and beyond.
As a senior in Girl Scouts, who began my journey at SALAM at the Daisy level ten years ago, this occasion held special significance for me. SALAM Girl Scouts has always connected our faith with the tenants of being a girl scout. World Thinking Day reminds me of the Quranic verses, “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” Having participated in my first World Thinking Day a decade ago, I felt inspired to bring this wonderful tradition back to the community that has shaped me.
Last year’s event took place at a local Christian school, which motivated me to share the warmth and spirit of our masjid with the broader Girl Scout community. Organizing such an event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of my fellow Girl Scouts, leaders, and the dedicated administration at SALAM Islamic Center. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Sister Anne and Brother Mohammed for their invaluable assistance in setting up the community center so beautifully.
The event was filled with engaging activities that encouraged unity and understanding among the girls. Lyla served as our enthusiastic MC, setting a lively tone for the day and getting everyone excited for the festivities ahead. To welcome our guests, Amira and Sister Aicha took charge of registration and refreshments, creating an inviting atmosphere as soon as everyone arrived. Sister Eva volunteered to ensure the health and safety of all the attendees in case of any emergency. Zeena and Zayna led informative tours of the masjid. A standout attraction was the hijab photo booth created by Sister Tammy and Talia, where girls had the opportunity to try on hijabs and explore the significance of modesty. Additionally, Jenna and Jude facilitated an informative booth about Palestine, fostering awareness and empathy among the girls.
It filled my heart with pride to showcase the incredible community at SALAM and to celebrate the beautiful friendships and memories I have created over the years at the center. This event was a perfect reminder of the values of inclusivity and respect that Girl Scouts aim to uphold.
Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making World Thinking Day at SALAM Islamic Center a success. Together, we made lasting memories and built stronger connections within our community. Alhumdullilah!
