Connect and Serve
Sudden Service
For sudden calls for Girl Scout assistance, Girl Scouts OSW is forming a team that truly knows the meaning of “Be Prepared!”
Are you or your troop interested in doing service for special television, radio and newspaper coverage? Can your troop do flag ceremonies, or does your troop have a special interest? Can you be available on short notice?
If the answer is yes, this is your opportunity to sign up to be a sudden service troop or individual! All girls and adults must be registered members. What the service is all depends on who contacts Girl Scouts OSW in need of assistance.
Generally all girls must have a sash or vest. Some activities may require a full uniform (i.e. white shirt and khaki pants). Participants will be chosen on a first come, first served basis. Check out the sudden service flier for more details.
Sign Up!
Pen Pals
Girl Scouting is all about making friends and there’s no better way to expand your troop’s circle of friends than through Pen Pals or SWAPS.
A pen pal is a friend you get to know through letters. She usually lives in another state or country, and will write about her hometown, school, family, pets, customs and traditions, special interests or talents. Pen pals share things like games, recipes, solutions to problems and photos.
SWAPS, the tradition of Girl Scouts exchanging keepsakes, started long ago when Girl Scouts and Girl Guides first gathered for fun, song, and making new friends. Swaps were widely exchanged at national Girl Scout Senior Roundups in the 1950's and 1960's. In more recent years, some Girl Scouts describe the types of objects now preferred as swaps by calling them: Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere. Swaps are still the perfect way for Girl Scouts to meet each other and promote friendship. Each one is a memory of a special event or Girl Scout Sister. Swaps should tell something about the givers or their group and represent the givers' country, community, or local Girl Scout council.
The national US Pen Pal Network connects Girl Scout troops with girls across the country to form lasting friendships.
Guidelines
Troops/Groups are matched by program level and troop size. There are no provisions for individual pen pals. Matches will be made as quickly as possible and can be made at any time. Troops/Groups interested in being pen pals/SWAPS must fill out the form below. When troops/groups are paired up both leaders will receive a confirmation email that includes how to contact each other. GSOSW highly recommends troops/groups signing up contact each other using an e-mail address set up for this purpose so that replies can be screens.
Questions
Have questions? Girl Scout troops within GSOSW should contact Minda Trulove-Sapp, Girl Leadership Experience Administrative Assistant, at (503) 977-6850 or mtrulove-sapp@girlscoutsosw.org.
Sign up now!