A SWAPS board is now available in our very own Hornets' Nest Council store, where girls can leave and take SWAPS to help carry on this tradition!

A SWAPS board is available in our very own Girl Scouts, Hornets' Nest Council store, where girls can leave and take SWAPS to help carry on this beloved tradition locally!

SWAPS are such a great way for girls to express creativity, connect with others, and learn about different troops and experiences. Having a dedicated board in the store gives girls a chance to share their own SWAPS, see what others have made, and be inspired by new ideas and stories from across our council.

SWAPS

The History & Meaning of Girl Scout SWAPS (Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere)

A Brief History

1960s–70s: Inspired by international Scouting traditions, Girl Scouts in the U.S. began trading small handmade items at events.

1980s–90s: The term "SWAPS" was coined and became widely used. Councils encouraged the tradition during large-scale gatherings.

2000s–Today: SWAPS are an established tradition in Girl Scouting, with countless ideas, kits, and themed projects shared online and through troops.

Why Do We SWAP? SWAPS encourage: Creativity – Each token is unique and handmade. Connection – Girls meet others and start conversations through trading. Memories – SWAPS are souvenirs that tell the story of events and friendships. Cultural Exchange – SWAPS often reflect where a troop is from or something meaningful to them. Eco-consciousness – Many are made with recycled materials, encouraging sustainability.

SWAPS Guidelines:

Keep them small and lightweight (fit in your hand or on a pin)
Label them with your name, troop number, and location.
Use safe materials (no glass, sharp edges, etc.).
Get creative! Think outside the box with your designs.
Most Importantly, HAVE FUN!

Bridging Ceremonies

Bridging is a special Girl Scout ceremony that celebrates a girl’s transition from one program level to the next—such as from Daisy to Brownie or Junior to Cadette. It symbolizes growth, progress, and readiness for new adventures and responsibilities in Girl Scouting. The key moment is when the girl crosses a bridge, often a real or symbolic one, to represent her move forward.

We hold bridging ceremonies to honor and celebrate a girl's achievements and to mark an important step in her Girl Scout journey. It gives girls a sense of accomplishment and helps them reflect on what they’ve learned, while looking forward to new experiences. Bridging also strengthens troop unity and provides a meaningful moment for families and leaders to recognize each girl's growth.

Example Bridging Ceremony toggle arrow

Sample Bridging Ceremony Script - For Girls Moving to the Next Level

Leader: "Today, we celebrate a special milestone. Bridging marks a Girl Scout’s transition from one level to the next. It’s a symbol of growth, learning, and readiness to take on new adventures."

(Optional: Set up a small decorative bridge or use symbolic items like stepping stones or signs labeled with levels)

Leader (to bridging girls): "Each of you has worked hard, made friends, helped others, and grown in so many ways. Now you're ready to take the next step on your Girl Scout journey."

(As each girl approaches the bridge…)

Leader or Older Girl Scout announces:

"[Girl’s name] is bridging from [current level] to [next level]."

(Girl crosses the bridge. You may give her a new level pin, certificate, or flower on the other side.)

Optional:

Older-level Girl Scout welcomes the bridging girl:
“Welcome to [new level] Girl Scouts! We're so excited to have you join us!”

Leader (after all girls have bridged):

"Congratulations! You have all crossed into a new chapter of Girl Scouting. We can’t wait to see the amazing things you’ll do at your new level."

Optional Closing:

Sing a Girl Scout song (like Make New Friends)
Friendship circle

Investiture Ceremonies

Investiture is a special ceremony where a girl officially becomes a member of Girl Scouts for the first time. During this moment, she receives her Girl Scout pin and says the Girl Scout Promise, often in front of family, friends, and fellow troop members. It marks the beginning of her journey as a Girl Scout and welcomes her into a global sisterhood.

We hold investiture ceremonies to honor and celebrate a girl's choice to join Girl Scouts. It's more than just receiving a pin—it's a meaningful rite of passage that helps girls feel recognized, valued, and connected to a larger community. It also introduces them to the traditions, values, and responsibilities of being a Girl Scout in a memorable and inspiring way.

Example Investiture Ceremony toggle arrow

Sample Investiture Ceremony Sample Script - For New Girl Scouts

Leader: "Today is a very special day. We are here to welcome new members into our Girl Scout sisterhood. You are about to become part of a worldwide movement of girls who are learning to lead with courage, confidence, and character."

(Optional: Light a Candle or Turn on a Battery Candle)

"This light symbolizes the Girl Scout Promise and the path you are beginning."

Leader (to new girls): "As part of your investiture, you will say the Girl Scout Promise. This is a promise we take to live by the values of Girl Scouting. Are you ready to make your Promise?"

New Girl Scouts respond: "Yes, I am."

Leader: "Please raise your right hand in the Girl Scout sign and repeat after me:"

(Say the Girl Scout Promise slowly so girls can repeat)

On my honor, I will try:

To serve God and my country,

To help people at all times,

And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

Leader: "Congratulations! You are now official Girl Scouts!"

(Pins each girl with her Girl Scout pin)

(Optional: Present a membership certificate)

Leader: "We are so proud of you. Welcome to our Girl Scout family!"

Rededication Ceremonies

Rededication is a ceremony where current Girl Scouts renew their commitment to the Girl Scout Promise and Law. It's a time for girls who have already been invested to reflect on what being a Girl Scout means to them and to reaffirm the values they've learned and lived by. This ceremony is often held at the beginning of a new troop year or during a special event.

We hold rededication ceremonies to celebrate continued membership and growth in Girl Scouts. It reminds girls of the ideals they strive to uphold and strengthens their bond with the troop and the wider Girl Scout community. Rededication reinforces the idea that Girl Scouting is not just a one-time experience, but a journey of learning, leading, and making a difference year after year.

Example Rededication Ceremony toggle arrow

Sample Rededication Ceremony Script - For Returning Girl Scouts

Leader: "Welcome, Girl Scouts. Today, we come together to celebrate our commitment to the Girl Scout Promise and Law. You’ve grown, learned, and made a difference over the past year. Now, we take this moment to rededicate ourselves to the values that guide us."

(Optional: Light a candle or hold up the Girl Scout pin)

"This light (or pin) represents the spirit of Girl Scouting—shining bright with courage, confidence, and character."

Leader: "As we rededicate ourselves today, think about what being a Girl Scout means to you. Think of the friendships you've made, the skills you've gained, and the ways you've helped others."

Leader: "Let us now join together to say the Girl Scout Promise. Please raise your right hand in the Girl Scout sign and repeat after me."

All Together:

On my honor, I will try:

To serve God and my country,

To help people at all times,

And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

Leader (optional reflection prompt):

"If you'd like, take a moment to share a favorite memory from this past year or one goal you have for this Girl Scout year."

(Girls share if desired)

Leader: "You are strong, capable, and kind—true Girl Scouts. Thank you for rededicating yourself to the Promise and Law. Let's make this year our best one yet!"

(Optional: Sing “Make New Friends” or close with a Friendship Circle)

Color Guard/ Flag Ceremony

A Girl Scouts color guard, also known as a flag ceremony, is a formal event that involves presenting and displaying the American flag (and potentially other Girl Scout flags) with respect and dignity. It's a way to honor the flag, the country, and the Girl Scout Promise and Pledge. The ceremony typically includes a color guard, a caller, and the Girl Scouts and guests. It’s often conducted at the beginning or end of a meeting, campout, or special event. The ceremony teaches girls about citizenship, respect for the flag, and leadership.

What is GORP?

GORP in Girl Scouts stands for "Good Old Raisins and Peanuts". It is a traditional trail mix snack often made during camping or hiking trips and symbolizes sharing, teamwork, and outdoor fun. GORP can be customized with various ingredients like nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, and cereal, making it a fun and nutritious treat for adventures.

Example GORP Ceremony toggle arrow

Girl Scout GORP Ceremony Example:

This ceremony can be used as you create some very special GORP with your girls before heading off on an outdoor adventure.

Today we will build a nifty snack to nourish our bodies that symbolizes how many ways Girl Scouting nourishes our spirits. We have a Promise and a Law. On our honor, we will do our best to be fair and square. So we will begin with CHEX.

Girl Scouts come in all colors, from all races around the world. Every Girl Scout is a sister no matter where she is from, no matter the language she speaks, no matter the color of her skin. God loves variety, and Girl Scouts are the colors of the rainbow. So we will contribute M & Ms.

Some of us are tall, and some of us are small. When we get together, size doesn’t matter at all. So we will add PRETZEL THINS AND MINI MARSHMALLOWS.

Sometimes we are nutty. We love to joke and play. We’d love to put a Girl Scout smile into everyone’s day. So we will toss in NUTS. (Or shredded coconut or corn nuts in case of nut allergies).

Sometimes we are quiet and thoughtful. We have special gifts of love and caring to give in service to those who need our help. So we will sprinkle in TEDDY GRAHAMS.

When we get together, we seem to make circles. We may sit in circles, play circle games, and make a Friendship Circle. You could say that we are well rounded. So we will roll in CHEERIOS.

When we are busy planning a project, or doing a craft, we pop with enthusiasm until we’re done. So we will pop in POPCORN.

Girl Scouts respect all living things. The earth is our home, and we want to keep it safe for everyone. So we will release GOLDFISH & ANIMAL CRACKERS to the mix.

Girl Scouts are “chips off the old block”. Girl Scouting began in 1912. Since then we all have been part of an old tradition, and are proud to be part of the future. So we will drop in CHIPS.

We get a kick out of learning new things, helping others, singing, and being together with our friends. So we will kick in KIX. Young Girl Scouts may be hard to resist because they are fresh, sweet and new. But an older Girl scout maybe more fun, because she has more experience. So we will put in RAISINS.

Girls who come to Girl Scouts bloom. They are like little seeds we water and warmly shine on to grow up strong. So we will finish with scattering these SUNFLOWER SEEDS.

When we mix together the many aspects of Girl Scouts, we end up with something truly special!

Discover More Traditions and Ceremonies

To learn about even more great Girl Scout traditions and ceremonies, click the button below!