America250
2026: The United States Semiquincentennial
2026 is a year of milestones! It will be the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and it is the 100th anniversary of World Thinking Day. There are several ways for you to add America250 celebrations to your troop year.
America250, the bipartisan organization charged by Congress to lead the 250th celebrations, has formed a national partnership with Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) for this special celebration year. This partnership will build on GSUSA’s longstanding commitment to civic engagement, community service and making the world a better place. Be sure to earn the Girl Scout America250 patch (details coming soon)! Earning Girl Scout Civics badges is another great way to add to the celebration and learning experience!
America’s Field Trip – This nationwide contest that invites students across the country in grades 3–12 to be part of our nation’s 250th anniversary by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them — with the chance to earn an unforgettable field trip experience at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks. Students are asked to submit writing or original artwork in response to the contest’s prompt: “What does America mean to you?” A total of 250 students will be awarded a special behind-the-scenes field trip experience or a cash prize.
Sail250 Virginia – The Adopt-A-Ship program allows youth groups in Virginia, such as Girl Scout troops, to directly engage with the international sailors of the visiting ships. Participating organizations can “adopt” a specific ship and become ambassadors for Virginia – learning about the country from which their ship hails, communicating with the ship’s crew before their arrival, and even welcoming their ship to Norfolk in June 2026. There will be opportunities to explore the geography, language, art, traditions, and history of another country, directly from the people visiting from that country! Troops can also put together a showcase of their project that will be displayed near the Nauticus museum during the Sail250 Virginia weekend. What a great addition to World Thinking Day activities!
When you go to the registration form, please list “Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast” as the Organization Leader. (If you do Adopt-a-Ship, please let GSCCC know on this form.)
VA250 – More of what made America happen, happened here! From Washington and Jefferson to Powhatan, James Armistead Lafayette and Gowan Pamphlet, there is simply no America without Virginia. VA250 is a multi-year movement of celebration, education, and community, rooted in Virginia’s revolutionary spirit.
NC250 – Explore with us the pivotal events, places, and voices, both historical and modern, that have shaped North Carolina and our country from the Halifax Resolves to the civil rights movement, and beyond.
World Thinking Day
We’re celebrating 100 years of World Thinking Day in 2026—what an exciting birthday! This year’s special theme is Our Friendship. Explore our worldwide Girl Scout/Girl Guide community and celebrate the friendships that connect us all around the globe.
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