This week, we talk about a guiding tradition that is close to our hearts - Camp Blankets! Plus, the swaps, badges, crests and everything else that goes with them.
One of the coolest things we learned this week is that SWAPS is an acronym for 'special whatchamacallits affectionately pinned somewhere'! In other words, SWAPS are small crafts that are often made to represent experiences in a guide's/scout's life. With that said, we've made and traded many SWAPS at Guide camps and events but have learned that they aren't common in all Guiding/Scouting countries. What is more common are crests.
We also learned that although the terms ‘badge’, ‘crest’, and ‘patch” are often used interchangeably, they do tend to have different meanings. According to a Canadian Girl Guide blog, a badge refers to something that is earned or awarded as part of the program, whereas a crest refers to the ones bought, swapped, or received via attending an event or just for fun.
Are you a swapper or trader? Do you prefer SWAPS or crests? If you're interested, send us a message and we'll arrange to trade crests with you!
In She Was a Girl Guide You Know, we talk about Tanni Grey-Thompson, a Welsh Para-athlete and Paralympian, who wasn’t letting a wheelchair get in her way!
Tanni was born as Carys Davina, but when her two-year-old sister, Sian, first saw her she nicknamed her “tiny”. The name quickly morphed into “Tanni”. Born with spina bifida, Tanni was confined to a wheelchair from the age of 7. Her parents were always supportive of her and encouraged her independent streak. So, it's no surprise that this led her to a career in wheelchair racing.
Tanni started racing at 13 years old and won the Junior National title over 100m in her last year as a junior athlete. Over 16 years and 5 paralympic games, Tanni amassed a medal haul of 11 gold, 4 silver, and one bronze.
On the 27th of February 2007, Tanni announced her pending retirement with her last appearance for Great Britain at May's Paralympic World Cup in Manchester. She and her husband, Ian Thompson, now coach young athletes in wheelchair racing in England. Tanni also has a political career, becoming an independent peer in the British House of Lords. In this role, she helps to scrutinize bills that have been approved by the House of Commons and regularly reviews and amends Bills from the Commons.
And for Campfire, we talk about a calming campfire opening, Sussex Campfire Opening, a true classic.
You can listen to Episode 19 now, and catch up on previous episodes, either right here on our website or on your favourite podcast app (Spotify, Apple, Google, Anchor, etc.).
We would love to know what your opening and closings you use in your units. Leave a comment below, or send us a message on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you'd like to contribute to an episode of Guides' Own, send us your ideas for topics, program, campfire songs, etc. send a message to guidesown@gmail.com.
Good Guiding!
Marissa & Taryn