The idea of S.W.A.P.S. started at the original National Roundup Conferences. At that time a "S.W.A.P." was a little remembrance that one Girl Scout gave to another. Swapping is a good way of starting correspondence with scouts from other states and countries. For this reason you usually attach your name or troop number and address for future reference.

S.W.A.P.S. can be simple or complex, cheap or expensive, whatever the maker desires. It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on S.W.A.P.S. Many people make them out of scraps or natural materials. Most S.W.A.P.S. are made with pins attached so they can be pinned onto a camp shirt or hat. S.W.A.P.S. are little things that girls and leaders make to trade with each other at county or national events.

Each girl should decide how many S.W.A.P.S. she wants to trade. She may make them all the same, or make everyone different. S.W.A.P.S. can be made during part of a troop meeting, during a special meeting called for the purpose of making S.W.A.P.S., or with examples shown at the meeting, with the S.W.A.P.S. to be made by the girls at home. If you are making S.W.A.P.S. in your troop, give the girls an assortment of beads, small wooden shapes, paints, markers, ribbons, felt, chenille stems, and let their imaginations go wild. S.W.A.P.S. usually tell something about the person who made it or about the area or region that they are from. They can also represent the theme of an activity or event. S.W.A.P.S. are usually only an inch or two in size. Instruct the girls to create their S.W.A.P.S. with a safety pin attached, or someway of wearing the swap.



Native Americans performed ceremonies in which they exchanged gifts with each other. This was called Potlatch. These ceremonies were quite formal and festive in nature. They exchanged gifts such as baskets, canoes, carved boxes and jewelry. These ceremonies were usually held at births, weddings, deaths, or the coming of age. This is not unlike the traditional ceremonies of other cultures throughout the ages.



For Girl Scouts, swapping can be an expression of friendship and camaraderie. This can also follow along with the traditions, in that swapping is often done during a camporee or other gathering. It teaches the girls about sharing with others, while learning new skills and ways of communicating. Another benefit is learning about other cultures, countries and Girl Scout/Girl Guide ways. Last, but certainly not least, it is just plain FUN!



There are numerous ways to collect and display SWAPS. Attach them to your troop cap or bandanna, a T-shirt, tote bag, or vest. Stick them to your refrigerator, a cork board, or poster board. Make a "SWAP box" out of a coffee can or shoe box and collect them there. And, of course, share them with old and new friends!