|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Swaps are a relatively new tradition in the Girl Scout world (read: they
didn't have swaps when I was a kid). Swaps stands for "Special
Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned SomeWhere" or "Shared With A
Pal."
Girl Scout suggests that the idea for Swaps came from the potlatch
ceremonies of the Native American Tribes of the Northwest coast.
Potlatch ceremonies involved the trading of colored feathers as a sign
of friendship. The ceremony is said to have developed in remembrance of
two Native American girls who gave colored feathers plucked from a
magic bird to colorless birds, thus ensuring all birds would have
colored feathers.
Potlatch ceremonies commemorated their gift and were held in conjunction
with other family and tribal celebrations, such as births and
marriages. The traditional invitation to a potlatch ceremony was the
arrival of a messenger bearing the news and a bundle of sticks, one
stick for each participant expected to attend.
At the ceremony, participants had a party; singing, dancing, and games
could all be enjoyed and the host family may have presented recreations
of their family history and heritage. At the end of the event, gifts, or
swaps, were exchanged.
Girl Scout Swaps originated at the National Roundup conferences. They
are generally made by the giver (as a sign of "giving of oneself) and
given to other Scouts at any Scouting event and/or for no reason at all.
The intent is to build friendships by providing a fun was to introduce
oneself. The swap provides the giver and the recipient an opportunity
to talk about the swap, what it means, and how it was made.
Because building friendships is part swapping, attaching one's name or
address of including it on the back of a swap is a good idea. If the
swap is a part of a special Scout event, listing that event and the date
of that event on the back of the swap is also a nice touch.
Technically, swaps should not be worn on a Scout uniform, although I've
certainly seen it happen. A good choice to accommodate that desire is a
designated Swap hat. Swaps can be pinned to the hat for safekeeping
and the hat can be worn at any time.
Finally, there is some etiquette attached to swapping.
*When you make your swaps, try to think about making something to
represent you, your troop, or some other unique factor about you.
Additionally, think about what kind of swap you like to receive and make
something you think others would like.
*Ideally, swaps should be handmade, but they do not have to be expensive. The important part is to give something of yourself.
*Remember to ensure that your swap can be worn (generally this means attaching a pin).
*Carry or wear your swaps for trade separately from the ones you
collect, and remember to say thank you and introduce yourself. Remember,
swapping is about making friends.
*Of course, girls should always remember to "be a sister to every Girl
Scout," but more specifically remind them never to refuse to trade a
swap when someone asks.
(from http://juliettespearls.blogspot.com/2012/01/swaps.html Girl Scouts 101)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Making SWAPs for our Girl Scout's 100th Anniversary Parade-
walking across the bridge in Canton, Georgia.
|
Example of SWAPs from another troop while at the
Song 'N S'mores event
|
|
|
Disney's 100th Anniversary Bridging into the Next Century
|
More SWAPs!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|