SWAPS

 

What are SWAPS?  They are small crafts made by the girls that they trade with each other to promote friendship, which is a big part of Girl Scouting.  “SWAPs” can mean:  Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere or Share With A Pal.

 

Plan a meeting to make SWAPs with your girls before you arrive at camp.  You might also invite an older troop to come to a meeting, show SWAPS they collected and help make SWAPS.

 

Search the internet for Girl Scout SWAPS for many great SWAP ideas.  Keep it simple and have the girls do the work.  SWAPS are usually 1-2 inches, include your troop number, and can be related to the encampment theme. 

 

At your event, all scouts come together in a large group and just walk around the crowd trading SWAPS. Be sure to review SWAPping etiquette with your scouts.  SWAPS for trade are kept separately from the ones to keep.  Keepers are usually pinned onto hats, bandanas, shirts, bags, etc.  SWAPS for trade can be in a SWAP bag, zipper baggie, friendship tie or pinned onto a ribbon or anything that can be easily carried.

 

Most important, the girls should know it is rude to refuse to swap with someone who asks.  If the girls don’t like a particular SWAP or already have an identical one from another girl in the same troop, accept it politely and give them one of yours with a great big Girl Scout smile!  AND, always say “thank you.”

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