Girl Scouts is an organization rich with traditions. One of our favorite traditions are the exchanging of SWAPS at programs, camps, travel or council events. The tradition of exchanging SWAPS( Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere) started long ago when Girl Scouts and Girl Guides first gathered for fun, singing, and making new friends. Lord Baden-Powell( the founder of Boy Scouts) started the idea of Scout SWAPS. He and Juliette Gordon Low, who founded Girl Scouts were friends. They were first widely exchanged at the national Girl Scout Roundups in the 1950s and 1960s. SWAPS are a great way to celebrate new and existing friendships. They are the perfect memento of the friends and experiences Girl Scouts make along the way. SWAPS are usually pinned to a hat, bandana, lanyard, or similar SWAP holder. SWAPS don’t have to have a pin though.
It is considered rude to refuse to trade SWAPS with someone who asks. Most SWAPS are 1-3 inches in size and should represent the person or troop giving it. A SWAP can be bracelets, necklaces, council patches, event patches or any small item that is not edible…we don’t want to attract bugs! A SWAP should be as weatherproof as possible since many Girl Scout events are outdoors and the weather is unpredictable. Handmade SWAPS are the very best as the girl who makes it will be sharing a part of herself as she creates it. SWAPS promote friendship, the Girl Scout sisterhood and about where we come from.
Most importantly, SWAPS should be a fun way to make new friends, start a conversation and to walk away with a forever keepsake that will help us remember a good time.