Last night I received SWAPS while visiting the Henderson Service Unit. (That's him to the left there, a clothespin wrapped in yarn - I named him Manny the Mummy) It's been awhile since I was a leader, so it's not often that I receive SWAPS anymore - but it reminded me of how much fun my daughter and I had making and trading SWAPS.MakingFriends.com offers a great history of the origin of SWAPS, otherwise known as "Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere" or "Share With A Pal." But I wanted to share with you a few observations about the benefits of SWAPS.
1) SWAPS create a great ice breaker for girls who have never met before. It takes courage and confidence to walk into a room and talk to a complete stranger! SWAPS are a great conversation starter!
2) SWAPS are a creative expression of the girl who made them - they don't have to be expensive or intricate. What matters most is that each girl have an opportunity to express herself creatively by making a gift to share with someone else. Girls gain a sense of pride and accomplishment when they see their SWAPS pinned to the hat or vest of another girl!
3) SWAPS are enduring! I know many leaders who still have SWAPS from when they were girls. SWAPS help bring back fond memories of where you were and what you were doing when you received your SWAPS. I still remember my daughter making SWAPS for her troop's father/daughter bowling event. They were matching bowling ball SWAPS that said "I'm with him" & "I'm with her."
So what are you waiting for? Don't know how to make SWAPS? Check out this wikiHow and help your girls create special memories of their own!
Emily Smith
Chief Marketing & Development Officer
Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada
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