Craft Lightning Camp Crafts - Make a Sleeping Bag Potlatch (Girl Scout Swap)

For many years I was a Girl Scout leader for my daughter's troop. One of my favorite memories was being a volunteer leader at day camp. Being outdoors and totally unplugged from the modern world is one of my favorite ways to spend my time.

One of the things we did every year was to make and share potlatches (I believe these are referred to as swaps by "modern day" Girl Scouts). The term "Potlatch" is an Indian term that means "to give away" or "gift". So, what we would do is make potlatches to to share with other Girl Scouts that were attending day camp. These little goodies would then be attached to our hats with a 0 or 00 sized safety pin. Here' my hat with just some of the potlatches I had received.

Also, my co-leader and I would also reward the girls in our Unit for doing their kapers (chores) by giving them a potlatch we had made to place on their hats once the work was done. Here is an upclose picture of a "life preserver" that I made to hand out when I was the canoe instructor.

Here is a "kitchen apron" we made to give the girls when they had been the cooks for a meal.

Here is the "toilet brush" we rewarded to the girls when they had complete latrine duty.

I know this hat may look funny but trust me, the girls were always super proud of their accomplishments. Also, they would wear their hat from the previous year and add new potlatches that they received. Some of their hats became very full!

So, I thought I'd share a super easy way to make a Sleeping Bag Potlatch that your kids could make to celebrate the first time they go camping.

Sleeping Bag Potlatch (Swap)

Supplies:

• Felt cut into a strip 1-3/4" x 6"
• Embroidery floss (or yarn would work)
• Size 0 or 00 safety pin

Directions:
Starting at one end, tightly roll up your piece of felt.

Wrap your embroidery floss (or yarn) around one end of rolled felt and tie. Repeat with the other end.

Snip off any long pieces of floss and add the safety pin.

Isn't this super easy? You could also add a tag that has the date and location of your camping experience, just for fun!

If you are looking for other camping crafts and ideas that you can complete in 15 minutes or less, just click on the "Craft Lightning - Camp Crafts" button below. You'll be absolutely amazed at all the fun crafts!


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