Setting up a Thinking Day display doesn't have to be complicated but it does take some planning to pull off a great display. This is actually one of the most asked questions I get about Thinking Day, mainly because it's so hard for new volunteers to envision exactly what Thinking Day is until they have already attended a large event. The photo above shows an excellent example of a Thinking Day display. It was taken at the Kids World International Festival in November 2012. There is a flag, some examples of traditional dress and some art on the back wall, an area often times ignored by many when setting up a Thinking Day display. The table has been decorated with the colors of the country's flag and features a long table cloth (this is especially good for hiding your boxes and extra materials under the table). The display to the far right has been created on a tri-fold display board (think school science fair) and gives background information on the country and its people. A smaller display board is on the far left of the table and focuses on the folklore of the country. While this smaller display board is not necessary it helps move interest all the way down the table and keeps visitors from crowding around one location of the display. In the middle of the table a book shows information about the northern lights (which can be seen in Norway) and a few pet rocks are on display. In the far left of the picture we can see another table set up with a craft station where visitors can create their own pet rocks.
The large display board itself features information that a troop can easily find online, or better yet, by visiting a local travel agent. Many times they have brochures and pamphlets that they would be happy to share with your girls to help them create an awesome display. The one downfall I see with this display would be that it is just too wordy. When you travel from booth to booth in your journey around the world you just don't have time to stand and read all of this information. If the fun facts on the display were intermixed with the photos better they would be much more memorable. The Christmas tree features mini flags from this country, a common (dare I say over-used) swap idea and traditional Christmas ornaments from the country.
And this is a completed pet rock craft. This would be an excellent idea for a Thinking Day booth because it gets the girls hands on and is very inexpensive to mass produce. The rocks could easily be gathered from nature (we would go to the river and collect them along the bank) however, if you live in a community where this isn't possible I would suggest shopping at a local Dollar Tree store. I have seen bags of river rocks for, yep, only a $1 each...so much better than paying $7 for the same thing at the craft store! To decorate the rocks you only need glue, pompoms (various sizes and colors were available) and wiggle eyes. Not all Thinking Day displays have this hands on activity, in fact, very few do, but it really helps the girls get involved which is more likely to help them remember their visit to your country.
I hope this helps give you some ideas for things to incorporate into your next Thinking Day display. The main goal of any Thinking Day event is for the girls to learn more about their sister Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from around the world.
