Crafting for Girl Scouts

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Were you a Scout? I was-- for years I loved being a Girl Scout. I had the brown beanie, the socks with the tassels, and the sash filled with patches. (don't laugh!)

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This year, Afton is a Daisy Scout. Her troop is made up of other Kindergarteners from her school. And she has two fearless leaders who have been fantastic with the girls. And this Sunday is the official "World Thinking Day" celebration. The girls will meet with other Girl Scouts and learn about 10 different countries.

Source: infobarrel.com via Tina on Pinterest

Now I thought I knew just about everything there was to know about Girl Scouts-- I mean I had the socks with the tassels for heaven's sake! But then we were told our troop needed to bring 200 'swaps' to the event. What in the world is a swap??

Well, I Googled it... and according to the official Girl Scout website, a 'swap' is

"Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere"

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 Swaps, the tradition of Girl Scouts exchanging keepsakes, started long ago when Girl Scouts and Girl Guides first gathered for fun, song, and making new friends. Swaps were widely exchanged at national Girl Scout Senior Roundups in the 1950's and 1960's. And according to the website, swaps are still the perfect way for Girl Scouts to meet each other and promote friendship. Each one is a memory of a special event or Girl Scout Sister.
 
Swaps can look like this

Source: ecrater.com via Natalie on Pinterest

or this

Source: myswapscollection.com via Samantha on Pinterest

or even this

Source: ecrater.com via Samantha on Pinterest

Some tips for a swap are as follows:
-Spend little to no money
-Make swaps that can be worn
-Try to have one swap for each event participant and staff member (hence the 200 needed)
-Be creative!

I think swaps might be right up my alley! We went to Hobby Lobby today and collected some supplies to make our swaps. The girls will be making 'daisy swaps' by attaching pins to pre-cut felt shapes similar to these. We will also attach our troop number. The daisies are fitting for our new Daisy troop. And I think they will be perfect for our first 'swap' experience.

Have you ever made a 'swap'? Any tips or hints for the 'art of swap' making?


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