Eighteen Girl Scout troops, representing several countries from around the world, took part in their annual tasting bee. Held in April, the bee is a cultural celebration showcasing the food, customs and facts of various countries presented by troop members.

The troops presented facts, fun and food from Belgium, Benin, Costa Rica, France, Honduras, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand and the UK.

According to organizers, the international tasting bee gives girls the opportunity to see their place in the international community of World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts –WAGGGS – and enables them to work together to create an educational and enlightening experience for others as they learn about countries. 

For just a few dollars (Girl Scout admission was $12 per Scout – patch and tastes included – and guests were $10 each, which included 30 tastes per person), the community enjoyed the event held at the local Montrose Girl Scout Center, 2732 Montrose Ave. 

The event coincides with World Thinking Day, which occurs in the middle of Girl Scout cookie season. Each year volunteer experts from the Silver Trefoils bring information about the WAGGGS world centers and set up a table at the tasting bee so Girl Scouts can learn from the Scouts who have visited most of the centers, further inspiring them to travel the world. Among the highlights at this year’s tasting bee was a slideshow shown with images from the sites to show from events at the WAGGGS centers. (The Order of the Silver Trefoil is a group of adult Girl Scouts from the legacy council of GS-Mount Wilson Vista, who have 25 or more years in Girl Scouting. They meet on a regular basis and continue to serve the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles Council, including the annual tasting bee.)

For the organizers of the event, preparation starts months in advance to assure troops and attendees have a seamless experience. From arranging the booth layout to event promotion to creating printed “passports” for attendees to use as they “travel” from country to country, organizers aim for a truly unique experience – which takes time.

For the individual hosting troops (this year the event is being organized with service unit 407 and troop 1611) there are several things that need attention. For example, 200 tastes of food need to be presented for each selected country, plus costumes and booth decorations need to be prepared. Each booth will have the country’s flag, a large copy of the recipe of the selected dish, either a dressed doll or a picture of the uniform worn in the country represented and a detailed poster of facts regarding their country, highlighting what has been learned about its culture, customs and food. The “booth sleuth” made an appearance this year. The sleuth went to each booth and ask the Scouts to answer some basic questions (provided in advance) about the Girl Scouts WAGGGS and their selected country. Troop members who answered these questions correctly won a prize for their knowledge and preparation.

Proceeds from this year’s tasting bee will help fund a trip in June to visit two of the WAGGGS world centers, including Pax Lodge  in England near London and the Chalet in Switzerland, located in the Swiss Alps.

Prepared by Susie JOHNSON and Robin GOLDSWORTHY