Every year on October 11, International Day of the Girl shines a spotlight on the power and potential of girls around the globe. It’s the perfect opportunity for Girl Scouts to honor our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, while also having fun together. It’s also a chance to remind girls that their voices matter and that they can join a global movement that lifts up every girl’s potential. Here are some simple, no-cost ways for your troop to celebrate.

1. Host a Girl-Led Discussion

Set aside time at your meeting for girls to share what leadership, equality, and empowerment mean to them. Encourage them to dream big about what they want for girls in their local community or around the world.

2. Create Vision Boards with Recycled Materials

Ask each girl to bring magazines, old flyers, or scrap paper. Work together to make vision boards that reflect their future goals. Maybe they see themselves working in a STEM career or taking a leadership role in their community. It’s never too early for girls to begin building their futures.

3. Share Stories of Inspiring Women

Have girls research and present short stories about women leaders, innovators, and changemakers, including Girl Scout alumnae. They can draw posters, give mini-speeches, or act out quick skits to bring those stories to life.

4. Write “Letters to Future Me”

Provide paper and markers and let girls write letters to their future selves about their dreams and the kind of world they want to live in. Seal the letters to be opened at the end of the troop year, or, if you’re really organized, hold on to them and distribute to the girls when they are ready to graduate from high school.

5. Give Back Together

Service is at the heart of Girl Scouts. Girls can write encouraging notes for classmates, clean up a local park, or collect items from home to donate to a community drive. Small acts make a big impact.

If you’re looking for even more ways to mark International Day of the Girl, check out these ideas from GSUSA.