SWAPS

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What are SWAPS?

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. SWAPSs were widely exchanged at national Girl Scout Senior Roundups in the 1950s and 1960s. 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.

SWAPS Basics

SWAPS should:

  • Tell something about the givers or their group
  • Represent the givers' country, community, or local Girl Scout council

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 is a craft project that can be replicated.)
  • Plan ahead so there's time to make the swaps
  • Make SWAPS that can be worn, used, or displayed
  • Ensure that SWAPS are portable -- remember: other girls will be carrying them away.

For great SWAPS ideas, click HERE.

Hope to see you at the Bridge Crossing!