Has your Troop met the new 2025 Girl Scout Cookie mascot, Mei Lan? Mei Lan, a giant panda, is named after the phrase "Beautiful Orchid and Wise Lady," a perfect fit for the spirit of Girl Scouting. In the spirit of “wisdom,” why not introduce your troop to our Girl Scouting sisters in the Hong Kong Girl Guides Association (HKGGA)? As a member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), the HKGGA offers a unique opportunity to explore global Girl Scouting traditions and culture.
Whether it’s during Cookie Season, World Thinking Day, or in celebration of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, there are many fun activities your troop can use to connect with the Hong Kong Girl Guides.
Learn About Global Girl Scouting
Not all WAGGGS organizations sell cookies like we do here in the U.S., but the Hong Kong Girl Guides Association has organized its own “Christmas Charity Cookie Sale” at least a couple of times. Have your troop explore HKGGA’s online promotions for this event to learn how our Girl Scouting sisters in Hong Kong raise funds and serve their communities.
For World Thinking Day this year, the theme is “Our Story: Reflecting the Symbolism and Values of Our Movement.” The World Thinking Day 2025 Activity Guide offers exciting ideas for activities that bring this theme to life. Hong Kong’s Girl Guides celebrated 100 years of service in 2016—four years after GSUSA celebrated our own centennial in 2012.
Cultural Exploration Ideas
If your troop is working on badgework, there are numerous ways to learn about Hong Kong’s culture. Consider a field trip to a local garden center to discover plants from China, including those with medicinal, culinary, and industrial uses. Or partner with a local Chinese restaurant for a kitchen tour, where staff can share cultural insights while introducing your troop to new culinary traditions.
For additional badgework, the Multi-Cultural Celebration Patch – Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander fun patch activity guide is a great resource. Your troop can learn about traditional Asian American foods by cooking recipes together, or try fun activities like origami—why not fold a paper crane as a troop challenge? If cooking at your meeting space is a challenge, you can always host a Chinese-themed potluck!
Embrace Technology for Global Girl Scouting
Does your troop have access to technology? Have your Girl Scouts explore how the activities of their sisters in Hong Kong compare and contrast with their own. For example, search for differences in formal flag ceremonies led by the Girl Guides in Hong Kong. You can also search for videos of the HKGGA Pipe Band, which performs at official events. How cool is that?
Learn More and Connect
For more information on the Hong Kong Girl Guides, visit their official website with the option to translate information into English. They also have an English-speaking division website. Both sites offer rich resources and insights into their global scouting efforts. Help your Girl Scouts take a journey to the land of giant pandas while discovering the power of global Girl Scouting through engaging, interactive activities. There’s no better time than now to explore and connect with our scouting sisters in Hong Kong!
Tiffany Baker
GSCO Global Action Team