Enter our Council SWAPS Contest for G.I.R.L. 2017 National Convention

Here's your chance to create the official GSWPA SWAP to share at G.I.R.L. 2017!

Enter your SWAP design for a chance to be used as the official council SWAP for the G.I.R.L. 2017, our Girl Scout National Convention, held Oct. 4-8 in Columbus, OH. 

Submission Guidelines: 

• SWAP submissions should be made with normal household/crafting material that other Girl Scouts can access to replicate your SWAP.
• How does your SWAP represent GSWPA?  National Convention brings girls from all over, so make your SWAP something that represents our entire council.  Make sure to add a tag or note saying GSWPA or Western Pennsylvania -- or incorporate it into your design.
• Build a SWAP and take a picture to show it off! Submit your entries through this simple form. Be sure to include your instructions on how you made this awesome creation. If your SWAP is selected, we’ll send out those instructions so everyone knows how to make it.
• SWAP submissions must be completed by midnight on Aug. 14. (Deadline extended!)
• Five finalists will be selected and posted on our Facebook page on Aug. 23 so you can vote for the winning SWAP to represent GSWPA at G.I.R.L. 2017! Voting closes Sept. 6. The finalists and winner will each receive a GSWPA prize, and the winner will receive a 2017 GSWPA National Convention T-shirt and a GS prize pack!

Wait! What's a SWAP?

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.

Need some inspiration?

Check out our SWAPS Pinterest board for lots of ideas to help get your creative juices flowing. 

Adventure Squad event now open to Juniors!

We're happy to announce that Geocaching & Mine Magic at Wingfield Pines, Sunday, July 16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., is now open to Girl Scouts entering fourth and fifth grade!

Through this joint program with GSWPA and Allegheny Land Trust, girls will geocache for a patch and enjoy a picnic lunch. Then they'll take a walk to watch the drainage from a former strip mine transition from murky orange to clean, clear water flowing into Chartiers Creek, thanks to the magic of a passive treatment system.

Trust us, it's super cool stuff!

This exciting program is part of the GSWPA Adventure Squad series, and is jam-packed with fun! 

Here are 10 reasons to sign up today!

1. It's a one-day deal! Tons of adventure wrapped up in 7 fun-filled hours.
2. Wingfield Pines is a top spot for hikers, so get ready for some great scenery!
3. Geocaching. Enough said.
4. Geocaching fun patch. Even better.
5. Free gift. You'll get a Girl Scouts water bottle, perfect for your next hike!
6. A former strip mine from the 1940s is now a fabulous green space. Yessss!
7. It's a bargain. Thanks to a generous grant from the RK Mellon Foundation, this awesome event is only $20.
8. Inspiration. Whether you're thinking Bronze, Silver or Gold Award, you'll get plenty of ideas if you want to Take Action for conservation.
9. You'll check more boxes off for the Get Outdoors Challenge!
10. Friends, of course! Every Girl Scouts activity is an opportunity to make new connections, and forge lasting friendships!

Register now! This awesome adventure is open to Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors. Hope to see you there!