By Lori BODNAR, intern

Several hundred Girl Scouts, their families, and the public enjoyed food from around the globe at the Girl Scout International Tasting Bee in April at the Pacific Community Center in Glendale. The Tasting Bee is part of Girl Scout World Thinking Day, and the event has been held for 35 years. The theme this year was leadership. World Thinking Day is a day of international friendship celebrated worldwide by Scout and Guide organizations. It is promoted by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girls Scouts, or WAGGGS, as well as the Girl Scouts of America.

“The Tasting Bee is a community event and lots of people come to the Tasting Bee to enjoy food from around the world and celebrate customs and cultures of many nations,” said Marisa Gallo, a coordinator of the event that was hosted by the Crescenta Valley/Glendale Girl Scouts service unit.

Seventeen Girl Scout troops represented countries from around the world, including Australia, Egypt, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Germany, India, Italy, The Bahamas, Mexico, Japan, Poland, Madagascar, South Africa, South Korea, Spain and Switzerland. The Girl Scout troops dressed in costumes from the countries they represented, and also made different kinds of food from that country. They then passed out samples to the crowds. 

The troops also decorated their booths to represent the style and culture of their chosen country, and posters provided facts and information about the customs of that country. The country’s flag and location on a map were also displayed. Some girls even learned simple phrases of the native language, so that they could greet people with a “hello,” “goodbye,” “thank you” or “you’re welcome” in the language of the country they represented.

Patrons bought tasting tickets, which they used to get one “taste” from each country per ticket; however, many people went back for seconds, or thirds, because everything was so delicious! Several booths offered two or three different samples of the cuisine from that country. The Girl Scouts and other patrons were also given passports that were presented at each booth where representatives could apply a sticker showing that their booth had been visited.

Girl Scouts also earned a special patch for participating in the Tasting Bee.   According to Patti Brundige, many more troops participated in the Tasting Bee this year compared to last year. Brundige is a Girl Scout volunteer and co-organizer of the event.

“People come from the community,” said Brundige. “Some may not even be Girl Scouts. The Tasting Bee is a fun community event.”

Erin Blackley, a Cadette Girl Scout (sixth-eighth grade), said, “I like to experience the different cultures at the Tasting Bee. I have been going to the Tasting Bee for six years now.”

Her little sister, Sarah Blackley, a Brownie Girl Scout (second-third grade), said, “I like to taste all the yummy food at the Tasting Bee.” Some of these tastes included French pastries, bread with cheese fondue from Switzerland, madeleine cookies from England, churros and horchata from Mexico, and bread with pesto and pizelles from Italy. The Girl Scout troop representing The Bahamas served coconut water and coconut cake.

Mom Leah Blackley is a volunteer troop leader for Brownie Troop 02931. 

Suzy Bodnar is also from Brownie Scout Troop 02931.

“I like getting SWAPS from each country,” she said. SWAPS, or “Special Whatchamacallits Affectionally Pinned Somewhere” are handmade pins that are distributed during the Tasting Bee and are a Girl Scout tradition. These handmade items, such as a miniature flag, represent each country and can be pinned to a Girl Scout’s vest. 

Part of the day included the Parade of Nations when all 17 troops paraded around the room and onto the stage carrying the flag of their country. They said their troop name, the name of their country, the tastes offered from their country, and any other interesting facts about their country.

The Tasting Bee also had an opportunity raffle for prizes like a teddy bear with candy, chocolate baskets, first-aid kits, and Disney collectibles. 

  Lori BODNAR