While handicrafts are the common way to accumulate SWAPS, it is perfectly acceptable to also display buttons, large beads, or turn other small inexpensive trinkets into SWAPS.
You can also easily add some sparkle, stickers, or paint to items like fishing lures or bottle caps for unique, simple SWAPS. It is always ideal to keep SWAPS inexpensive.
Do remember to avoid anything too sharp or any breakable materials like glass when crafting or putting together your SWAPS! Also, be mindful of size. Anything too heavy or big to easily wear as a pin may need to be reconsidered. SWAPS should be safe and easily portable.
Another great practice for SWAPS is to make multiples or copies of handicrafts you enjoy.
For my son, he loves turning perler (fuse beads) designs into SWAPS and will sometimes make copies of a design he especially likes, making them particularly tradable since he has a few!
This can also be something to be mindful of when trading SWAPS, in that, you may be able to replace SWAPS you made and traded away with new ones!
Pinterest or Google Searches can be a great place to find ideas, you can search things like “smaller perler bead patterns” or “scout swaps” or “mini crafts” for all sorts of inspiration!
SWAPS: Keepers vs Tradables?
While the idea behind SWAPS can be a something to “Shared With A Pal” or “Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere” or even just tokens of friendship to SWAP with a friend, it is very understandable that Scouts will make or receive some they wish to keep.
In the spirit of encouraging displaying both keepers and swappers, as it were, I recommend having specific zones for each type, should you have some of both on your hat, bag, vest, lanyard, or wherever you wear your SWAPS!
For example: I wear my SWAPS on a bucket hat. I put my keepers (usually these have sentimental value to me) on the brim of my bucket hat and place all my potential swappable SWAPS on the band or crown areas of the hat!
For you, depending how you display your SWAPS, this may mean having each type on a different strap or side. Something easily able to explain to a friend.
Also, some scouts prefer to only wear/display your keeper SWAPS and carry tradable SWAPS in a bag or box entirely separately. Whatever works for you!
Remember to explain and/or ask before an exchange of SWAPS so you know which SWAPS you and your friend can trade! And speaking of trading:
Code of Conduct for SWAPS Exchange
(AKA Good Social Etiquette Skills to Practice!)
If you have Keepers as well as Swappers, be kind when explaining which you are willing to trade. You shouldn't refuse an offer to trade if you have SWAPS available to trade.
Use the Golden Rule and treat the others like you would want to be treated. Trading should be a fun experience for both members of the SWAPS exchange.
Say a heartfelt “thank you” when you receive SWAPS.
Never say anything negative about SWAPS you receive.
When passing SWAPS, make sure the pins are closed so that no one gets stuck.
Don’t pin your SWAPS onto another person. Allow them or their adult partner to do that.
Remember SWAPS are intended to change hands! Someone who receives your SWAPS may end up trading them to someone else and vice versa!
If you see someone with few pins or nothing to trade, remember that you can always offer to simply give them a SWAPS. An Act of Kindness is always welcome!
Couple Last Tips on Exchanges!
If you are going to an event that you know will have SWAPS exchanging or you would like to pass out SWAPS while you are there, plan ahead! You can do your best to make sure you have time to have one for every participant (and staff member, if applicable).SWAPS also do not have to be exchanged in person! If you have a pen pal or even just want to mail a friend a SWAPS or two, go for it!
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