A Global Celebration of Holidays: Girl Scouts' Festive Event Highlights Diversity

Girl Scout Troop 20138 from Southhampton displayed Diwali, Festival of Lights.

Camp Inawendiwin, New Jersey - On December 10,2023, the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey (GSCSNJ) hosted a Holiday Jubilee at Camp Inawendiwin in Tabernacle.  Girl Scouts and organizers look forward to this event every year, and Girl Scouts and their families come from across central and south Jersey to participate.

This initiative is a part of the broader Girl Scouts program, aiming to build confidence in Girl Scouts to learn about, respect, and engage with different cultures. These programs not only broaden the horizons of the participants but also builds cultural awareness and sensitivity.

Many stations were set up displaying various holiday celebrations from around the world. Girl Scout Troop 20138 from South Hampton displayed Diwali, Festival of Lights. This station had swaps, Galub Jarmen and Kajukatti to sample. They also had a rangolin craft which is a sand art.

A Global Celebration of Holidays: Girl Scouts' Festive Event Highlights Diversity

Girl Scout Staff displayed Chuseok, which is Thanksgiving in South Korea. Chos Gangleong, which is a sweet rice puff treat was available to sample.

The Halloween station had candy from different places to sample along with Halloween facts and a coloring craft; while the Easter station had eggs that could be decorated.

Valentine’s Day had conversation hearts and heart swaps to make. A "SWAP" in Girl Scouting stands for "Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned somewhere" or "Share With A Pal." These are small, handmade crafts that Girl Scouts exchange with each other. The idea behind SWAPs is to promote friendship, create a sense of camaraderie, and share memories.

Advent displayed a candle for each week and explained the meanings.  There were also delicious chocolate and cookies to sample and a SWAP to take.  The New Year’s Eve station gave out 2024 glasses with coloring and SWAPs. Mardi Gras had representation with mask making with beads, and served pancakes.

"In addition to the festive displays and activities, the Holiday Jubilee serves as a cornerstone of the Girl Scouts' mission to foster an appreciation and understanding of our diverse communities,” said organizer Kris Allen. “Through interactive and educational experiences, the event encourages Girl Scouts to explore and celebrate cultural diversity.”

The event offered a glimpse into the diverse ways cultures around the world celebrate holidays, providing a valuable learning experience for attendees. Participating local Girl Scouts were rewarded with commemorative patch, adding to the event's appeal. Combining education with enjoyment, the event was a resounding success, eagerly anticipated by many for its return next year.

Reported by GSCSNJ Media Team: Isabella Shillito

A Global Celebration of Holidays: Girl Scouts' Festive Event Highlights Diversity