Traditions Fast Fundamentals
Overview Traditions give Girl Scouts a sense of history—and inspire them to be the best they can be. Sharing
traditions with millions of Girl Scouts—and the huge network of Girl Scout alumnae who came before them—helps remind girls they belong to a big, powerful, and inclusive sisterhood. Here are some examples of traditions in the Girl Scout community:
Girl Scout Week
Kaper Chart
Girl Scout Week is something to celebrate—seven straight days to show off your Girl Scout pride and lift all that this worldwide sisterhood has given you, your community, and the world. Girl Scout Week is usually celebrated around Girl Scout’s Birthday, March 12.
A “kaper chart” is a Girl Scout tradition for dividing up troop responsibilities. A kaper is a job or chore that must be done. A kaper chart indicates all the jobs available and who is responsible for each one. A “Do It” and “Did It” can with names on popsicle sticks works well as a beginning way to allot duties. Using a kaper system right from the start will help with the long-term group behavior management of a troop.
Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthday
Juliette Gordon Low was born on October 31, 1860 a few months before the Civil War began. Girl Scouts of all ages honor Juliette Low’s birthday on or near October 31. Younger girls enjoy hearing the story of the founder, some plan a field trip or special outing like roller-skating, while older girls may choose to do a service project.
SWAPS
Girl Scouts often make small tokens of friendship to exchange with the Girl Scouts they meet while traveling. These little gifts are called” SWAPS,” which stands for “Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere.”
Friendship Circle
Representing the unbroken chain of friendship among Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world, the Friendship Circle involves Girl Scouts standing in a circle, crossing their right arms over their left, and clasping hands with their friends on both sides. Everyone then makes a silent wish as a friendship squeeze is passed from hand to hand around the circle.