Creating an activity box for SWAPs can make the process of creating these small crafted items even easier! Don’t forget to start with “Activity Box Basics” so you have a general idea about creating activity boxes before tailoring them for your SWAP crafts.
Steps
1. Notes.
The notes you take are extremely important. They will help you identify errors, create instructions and more. You can also use these notes for additional activity boxes. Set out your notebook (or index cards) and pen now!
2. Know.
Start with what you know. You probably already have SWAPs you’ve received from others. You can find examples online. There are groups that make kits so you can craft your own from provided supplies. Start with your knowledge and add some research to brainstorm ideas for your SWAPs.
3. Specific.
Often, SWAPs are made for a specific event. If so, you’ll want to include that information in your brainstorming session. For example, if you want to create SWAPs for your hometown, you’ll want to communicate some fact about it in your SWAP. Alternatively, you might want to highlight the event itself or a specific part of it.
For example, I live near Indiana Dunes National and State Parks. Since it’s on Lake Michigan, items like sand, seashells and bits that wash up on the shore could all be used for SWAPs.
4. Generic.
You might want to create a generic SWAPs box and provide project sheets for a variety of different ones as a way to introduce someone to SWAPs. You can also create an activity box that has materials to create custom SWAPs where only the tools and certain materials are necessary. In either of these cases, the SWAP is not determined by the event itself.
NOTE: You can purchase kits with SWAP materials and instructions. If you do this, take a photo of the contents and make a copy of the instructions for future reference before using it. Then, you’ll have the information to refer back to.
5. Open-ended.
You can express more creativity when you have a variety of materials and no definite way of creating a SWAP. Often, open-ended activity boxes are one way to experiment and create a unique SWAP that others may want to duplicate. If you choose to do this, be sure to keep track of the materials you use and how you use them so you don’t have to tear apart your original SWAP later to create instructions. Also, provide a sheet for others to note what they did to create the SWAP.
6. Vagabond.
As you complete craft projects and SWAPs, collect the left over items in a vagabond box. See the supplement below for more information on this type of collection / recycling box. Your box can be part of your open-ended activity box or it can stand on its own.
7. Pin or not.
Most SWAPs are made with pins, but it’s not required. Friendship bracelets, zipper pulls and other wearable items may also be exchanged. Be sure to look beyond pinnable SWAPs as you work on your activity box.
NOTE: If you wish to get very cheap safety pins for SWAPs, I recommend searching through them before putting them into your activity box. I have found broken pins and sharp points that might have caused injury if someone grabbed a small handful from the container without looking.
8. Materials.
Your general materials will depend on two things — the type of SWAP and who is responsible for purchasing the materials. As you work on your SWAPs, start a frequently used materials list. Keep it handy while working on your activity box. You may need more or different items than you realized. Your list can help you if you get stuck.
9. Contents.
Create the items you need to include — instructions, printables, forms, etc. Gather all the items you plan to put in the box. Make a separate pile of everything you’re expecting your user to provide. Make any adjustments as you gather and prepare for your final box.
10. Test.
Before including a project in the box, do it yourself with the items in the box. Be aware if you need additional materials or tools not included in your original notes, you will need to adjust your information. Don’t rely on what you remember, but actually check your paperwork. Alternatively, you can ask someone else to test the box for you. That way, everything is new for them and they’re more likely to catch mistakes and missing items.
NOTE: After making your final project, I recommend taking photos of it to include in your box or including the actual project in the box as a sample for reference. You can also use these for a digital activity box.
11. Tags.
Tags are another printable you might think of including. When SWAPs are exchanged, basic information such as first name, group / troop identity and city / state are often included on a tag. Providing a blank tag makes more sense if it’s designed to match the SWAP. You can also just add a reminder about the tag and have your user buy pre-cut tags for this purpose.
Badge and Supplement Files
Member Level
- 0EP_B_BPG_AB SWAPs_2in_12up_MS1_larajla — generic badge printable
- 0EP_BLIST_AB SWAPs_MS1_larajla — badge items per membership level
- 0EP_BSET0_AB SWAPs_MS1_larajla —badge set and related badges
- 0EP_SUPP0_AB SWAPs_Journal_MS1_larajla — badge journal
- 0EP_SUPP0_AB SWAPs_Planner_MS1_larajla — badge planner
- 0EP_SUPPL_AB SWAPs_MS1_larajla — supplements currently available per membership level
Supplement Fun
- SUPP_AB Fun_EPBS_Activity Box_MS2_larajla — Enrichment Project Badge Set: Activity Box
- SUPP_AB Fun_EPBS_Enrichment Project_MS2_larajla — Enrichment Project Badge Set: Enrichment Project
- SUPP_AB Fun_EPBS_Enrichment Project Supps_MS2_larajla — Enrichment Project Badge Set: Enrichment Project Supplements
- SUPP_AB Fun_EPBS_Fairies_MS2_larajla — Enrichment Project Badge Set: Fairies
- SUPP_AB Fun_EPBS_Halloween_MS2_larajla — Enrichment Project Badge Set: Halloween
- SUPP_AB Fun_EPBS_Harry Potter_MS2_larajla — Enrichment Project Badge Set: Harry Potter
- SUPP_AB Fun_EPBS_Night_MS2_larajla — Enrichment Project Badge Set: Night
- SUPP_AB Fun_EPBS_Paper Beads_MS2_larajla — Enrichment Project Badge Set: Paper Beads
- SUPP_AB Fun_EPBS_SWAPs_MS2_larajla — Enrichment Project Badge Set: SWAPs
- SUPP_Form Fun_AB Checkout_MS2_larajla — Form Fun: Activity Box Checkout
- SUPP_Form Fun_AB Feedback_MS2_larajla — Form Fun: Activity Box Feedback
- SUPP_Form Fun_AB Updates_MS2_larajla — Form Fun: Activity Box Updates
- SUPP_Instruct Fun_AB Create a Box_MS2_larajla — Instruct Fun: Create an Activity Box
- SUPP_Instruct Fun_AB Supplements as AB_MS2_larajla — Instruct Fun: Supplements for Activity Boxes
- SUPP_List Fun_Vagabond Box_MS2_larajla — List Fun: Possible contents for Vagabond Box
NOTE: Actual digital activity box contents and supporting information can be found on the Membership Site under “Activity Box Fun.” This information will be updated online, but not included in this badge program.
Sites to Explore
- www.girlscoutsp2p.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsp2p/documents/SWAPS.pdf
- swaps.beadbee.com
- www.pinterest.com/modernmedieval/girl-scout-swap-ideas
- makingfriends.com/product-category/girl-scout-swaps/swap-kits
- swaps-a-lot.ecrater.com
- www.swaps4less.com
Get the infographic here > larajla blog post