WHAT TO COLLECT

The first thing you must do is figure out what you want to collect. Below are just some of the options.

CAMP PATCHES

-- all patches from one camp
-- all camps within a state, region
-- all camps beginning with 'S'

EVENT PATCHES (CAMPOREES, SCOUT SHOWS, ... )

-- all patches w/ same theme
-- all patches with same colors
-- all patches with same design
-- all patches from the year you were born
-- all patches that end the same (o-ree, o-rama, show, ...)

COUNCIL SHOULDER PATCHES (CSP)

-- 1 from each council
-- 1 from each state
-- all from within a state

ORDER OF THE ARROW (OA) ITEMS

-- conclave / conferences
-- lodge flaps
-- 1 from each lodge number (good luck !!)
-- 1 from each state
-- all from within a state
-- all from within a lodge

NATIONAL AND/OR WORLD JAMBOREE ITEMS

-- patch and neckerchief from each Jamboree
-- all items from a specific Jamboree
-- all Jamboree items

BOY SCOUT MEMORABILIA

-- old badges / insignia
-- old books
-- Scout mugs
-- old uniforms
-- Scout pins / hat pins

ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING TO DO WITH SCOUTING

WHERE TO GET ITEMS

In order to trade patches and Scout memorabilia, you must first get something to trade. Extra camp patches can normally be purchased at the camp's trading post. Extra event patches can sometimes be purchased at the event or from your District Activities Chairman after the event. OA items can be bought at all OA functions. CSP's can be purchased from your council office.

When visiting another state, stop by other council offices. (Addresses can be found in the phone book). Many are willing to sell you their CSP's, flap's or any event patches they have on hand (Always bring your membership card).

Old Scout books, uniforms, pins, etc. can sometimes be found at Tag Sales and Flea Markets. These items however, are becoming harder and harder to find. Many items are available from other collectors and dealers. Ebay, the online auction, also has hundreds of Scouting items listed.

Finally, don't forget to check with friends who are no longer Scouts. Many have items that you can acquire.

WHERE TO TRADE

After you decide what to collect and have something to trade, all you have to do is find someone to trade with. Many Scouts trade patches at summer camp, Philmont, OA conferences, Jamborees and other Scouting events.

Scout memorabilia collectors also get together at trading conferences called Trade-o-ree's (TOR). These TOR's are scheduled through out the country and are attended by as many as 1000 collectors. The International Scouting Traders Association (ISCA) has a TOR calendar online at http://www.scouttrader.org/TOR/tor_cal.xml

Many Scouts also trade by mail. When you meet a new Scout get his address. Write him a letter asking him to trade. (Make sure to put your name and address on every letter).

COLLECTOR GROUPS
 AND NEWSLETTERS

There are a number of Boy Scout and Girl Scout Collector Groups and News Letters that you can join. Many of these groups publish regular newsletters about Scout Memorabilia, Collecting and the hobby. Tell me more ...

UNWRITTEN RULES

As with any other hobby, Scout patch collecting has some unwritten rules that most well respected collectors follow.

1. A Scout is HONEST. Everyone wants to make a good trade, but both parties must understand the value of what they are trading and receiving. If the deal is 'too good to be true', the other person may not know what they are trading. It's your responsibility to tell him (especially if he is a younger Scout).

2. Never interfere in a trade unless asked.

3. Always ask before going through someone else's patches.

4. If someone writes to you, always write back in a timely manner (even if you do not want to trade). If someone sends you a patch, try to send yours the next day.

5. Always try to help out and encourage new collectors.

6. Display your collection at Scout Shows, Conclaves, Court of Honors, and other events so others can enjoy it.

7. Don't let trading take the place of attending workshops and other activities.

8. Take time to get to know who you are trading with.