You’ve probably heard about SWAPS, 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.

In more recent years, some Girl Scouts describe the types of objects now preferred as SWAPS by calling them:

“Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere” 

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.

Many girls take swaps to exchange with other girl scouts or girl guides when they’re traveling.

I just learned recently that it’s traditional to pin the swaps you want to keep to your hat and the ones you want to swap (duplicates) to your sleeve. We always kept the ones we had made in a ziploc bag in our pockets, so they were easy to pass out. It’s also traditional, at big events like Jamborees, Encampments or Bridging, to make swaps that represent the area you come from..so for San Diego you might have a little flip flop or a palm tree or beach in a bag. Recently I’ve seen more girls swapping patches. There are lots of girls (and leaders) who love to swap who will be at the bridging! If you like to swap, come prepared! We have lots of great swap ideas in our service unit Pinterest boards. 

 You could probably bring several hundred if your girls love to “collect them all” whether you’re going to San Francisco bridging or to an international Jamboree! When we went to San Francisco we brought 25 each and for my girls that was plenty. Other troops have told me that 50 was perfect for them.