SWAPS History
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. SWAPS were widely exchanged at national Girl Scout Senior Roundups in the 1950's and 1960's. In more recent years, some Girl Scouts describe the types of objects now preferred as SWAPS by calling them:
Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere.
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.
Each SWAP includes three main parts:
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A tag. The tag should include the troop number, event name, and the town you are from, first names only.
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A pin. The girls need some way to attach and display their newly acquired swaps to their hats/lanyards/blanket/scarf etc.
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A theme. Most swap events have a theme, so create your treasure to reflect the theme.
The best SWAPS are:
A – Inexpensive B – Hand crafted C – Thoughtful D – Creative E – Represent the area you are from. Think about the kind of swap you would like to receive from someone else. Consider using donated or recycled materials.
SWAPS Holders:
Bucket hats, Lanyards, Two pocket fanny packs, Shoe boxes, Buckets with lids. The key to a good SWAPS container is that you can place the SWAPS you receive in a separate area, so that you keep those you have received separate from those you are still trading.
Other SWAPS Tips
Try to have one swap for each participant for smaller activities. For larger events, plan on making a minimum of 100 pieces or even “hundreds” of SWAPS. Plan ahead so there is time to make the swaps.
What to Do With Swaps
Girls can:
- Include swaps with thank-you letters & to those who helped them go to a travel or destinations event.
- 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 council best-of-swaps collection
Swap Safety and Etiquette
Girls should:
- Never refuse to swap with another person.
- Swap face-to-face, especially if exchanging addresses or email information.
- Avoid using glass and sharp objects in swaps.
- Follow all Safety-Wise guidelines.
- Avoid using food products, unless they are individually wrapped
S’more Swap Ideas and websites:
www.makingfriends.com; Google imagines: Girl Scout Swaps
Pinterest DIY projects; search GS SWAPs
Shop for supplies at these locations:
Always check the dollars store first! Some have great craft supply sections with great prices. Hardware stores, office supply stores and of course craft stores. Claim recycled items and create your unique swap! Check out Arts and Scraps http://www.artsandscraps.org/ for tons of recycled industrial materials.
Want to swap?
Attend the GSSEM International River Crossing event: over 2,000 Girl Scout from all over Michigan and some participants from Ohio, and Indiana along with Girl Guides from all over Ontario meet annual the last Saturday in September in the spirit of international friendship. They spend the day engaging in theme activities and SWAPPING! Join us this year!