SWAPs
Something With A Pin
Shared with a Pal
Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere
Any small keepsake with a pin attached that girls exchange with each other at GS events.
Trading SWAPS promotes friendship and represents a memory of an event where it was received.
A SWAP is a small, collectable remembrance that one Scout gives another at encampments or other large gatherings of Scouts. SWAPs are mostly handmade and usually tell something about the person who made it, their interests, where they are from, or they might represent the
theme of the activity or event where they are exchanged.
Exchanging SWAPs encourages girls to talk to one another, promotes friendships, and gives girls a memento of the good time they had with their sister Girl Scouts at a special event. However, making and exchanging SWAPs is an optional activity. Most hosts will set aside time at events
for girls who brought SWAPs to exchange them, but participation is not required.
SWAPs are usually 1" or 2" big and most have a small safety pin on them so they can be pinned to a hat or a shirt (but never on a vest or sash!) SWAPs can also be bracelets, necklaces, council patches, event patches, or other small items. Many have a tag attached with the event name and date or the troop number, Council or Service Unit name. Girls in troops attending the same event should not all make the same SWAP design. Each girl makes a different design. The number of SWAPs each girl makes is up to the girl. 10 or 12 is a good average, but more or less is fine too.
SWAPs can be simple or complex, cheap or expensive, whatever the creator desires. It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on them. Many people make them out of scraps or natural materials. If you are making SWAPs in your troop, you can give the girls an assortment of beads, small wooden shapes, paints, markers, ribbons, felt, fun foam, pipe cleaners, and let their imaginations go wild. Don’t use food products in SWAPs! They don’t keep and they attract bugs and critters. SWAP kits, ideas and instructions for making SWAPs are available online. Make sure items are colorfast, the pin is secure and the item can hold up to handling and transport.
It’s a good idea for girls to transport their SWAPs in a clear zip lock bag with their name and troop number on it, and bring an extra empty bag with their name and troop number on it to place SWAPs they collect from others. Leaders, don’t make SWAPs for your girls! SWAPs should be designed with the age and skill level of the girls making the SWAP. Don't give them something they can't do on their own (or without minimal help.)
SWAP Etiquette
It is considered rude if you refuse to SWAP with someone who asks you. Be courteous. If a person gives you a SWAP you really don't like or similar to one you already have, smile and say thank you.
theme of the activity or event where they are exchanged.
Exchanging SWAPs encourages girls to talk to one another, promotes friendships, and gives girls a memento of the good time they had with their sister Girl Scouts at a special event. However, making and exchanging SWAPs is an optional activity. Most hosts will set aside time at events
for girls who brought SWAPs to exchange them, but participation is not required.
SWAPs are usually 1" or 2" big and most have a small safety pin on them so they can be pinned to a hat or a shirt (but never on a vest or sash!) SWAPs can also be bracelets, necklaces, council patches, event patches, or other small items. Many have a tag attached with the event name and date or the troop number, Council or Service Unit name. Girls in troops attending the same event should not all make the same SWAP design. Each girl makes a different design. The number of SWAPs each girl makes is up to the girl. 10 or 12 is a good average, but more or less is fine too.
SWAPs can be simple or complex, cheap or expensive, whatever the creator desires. It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on them. Many people make them out of scraps or natural materials. If you are making SWAPs in your troop, you can give the girls an assortment of beads, small wooden shapes, paints, markers, ribbons, felt, fun foam, pipe cleaners, and let their imaginations go wild. Don’t use food products in SWAPs! They don’t keep and they attract bugs and critters. SWAP kits, ideas and instructions for making SWAPs are available online. Make sure items are colorfast, the pin is secure and the item can hold up to handling and transport.
It’s a good idea for girls to transport their SWAPs in a clear zip lock bag with their name and troop number on it, and bring an extra empty bag with their name and troop number on it to place SWAPs they collect from others. Leaders, don’t make SWAPs for your girls! SWAPs should be designed with the age and skill level of the girls making the SWAP. Don't give them something they can't do on their own (or without minimal help.)
SWAP Etiquette
It is considered rude if you refuse to SWAP with someone who asks you. Be courteous. If a person gives you a SWAP you really don't like or similar to one you already have, smile and say thank you.