Guest Author - Diana Laulainen-Schein

Swaps are a relatively new tradition in the Girl Scout world. By that, I mean that their popularity has only recently exploded (read: they didn't have swaps when I was a kid where I lived). Swaps stands for "Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned SomeWhere" or "Shared With A Pal" or even "Sharing With a Purpose."

It is likely 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.

One of the earliest Swap exchange happening under the guidance of Lord Baden Powell at a Jamboree held in England in 1924. These swaps were made by hospitalized youngsters who could not attend the Boy Scout jamboree and were sent in their place. The hope was to encourage friendships between Scouts who were ill and hospitalized and their healthy counterparts. 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.