SWAPS -
Keepsakes
for Girl Scouts
Swaps, the
tradition of Girl Scouts exchanging keepsakes, started long ago when Girl Scouts and Girl
Guides first gathered for fun, song, and making new friends. Originally, swaps were
exchanged at national Girl Scout Senior Roundups and referred to as "Special Whatchamacallits
Affectionately Pinned Somewhere" or “Shared With A
Pal.” Swaps are still the perfect way for
Girl Scouts to meet each other and promote friendship. Each one is a memory of a special
event or Girl Scout Sister.
Swaps
Basics
Swaps
should:
- Tell something about the giver or
their troop/group and represent the givers' country, community, or local Girl Scout
council.
- SWAPS that are going to be traded
should have a tag with some information about the giver i.e. first name, troop level and
number.
Tips for
Swaps Givers
Girls
should:
- Think about the kind of swap they
would like to receive from someone else.
- Try not to spend a lot of money.
Consider making something from donated or recycled material.
- Be creative, and take time to make
hand-crafted swaps. (Include directions for making the swap if it can be replicated.)
- Try to have one swap for each
participant.
- Plan ahead so there's time to make
the swaps.
- Make swaps that can be worn, used, or
displayed.
- Make swaps portable. Remember: Swaps
must be brought to the event, where other girls will be carrying them away.
What to Do
With Swaps
Girls can:
- Include swaps with thank-you letters
- Make a display or scrapbook for
travel night or troop visits.
- Keep swaps in a memory box or shadow
box.
- Make a quilt, using swaps.
- Put pins and patches on a hat or
jacket.
- Start a best-of-swaps collection.
Swaps
Safety and Etiquette
Girls
should:
- Swap face-to-face, especially if
exchanging addresses or email information.
- Never refuse to swap with another
person.
- Avoid using glass and sharp objects
in swaps.
- Avoid using food products, unless
they are individually wrapped.
Sites
for ideas:
www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/Program/CraftsSwaps.htm
www.makingfriends.com
www.scoutswaps.com
www.parentingteens.about.com/od/girlscoutsandgirlguides/a/swaps_girlscout.htm
www.geocities.com/Heartland/Acres/3392/swaps.html
www.trudyd.homestead.com/swaps.html
_____________
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eagangirlscouts@eagangirlscouts.org
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