Mascot/Stuffie Exchange FOR KIDS

When I was a Girl Scout leader, we loved to send our troop mascot to other troops through the mail with a journal and a disposable camera. It was always great to get him back and read the journal to see what he'd done, and have the film developed to see where he'd been.

I'd like to try this here, and see how it works. It could be really cool - or it could be a disaster. This will be a different type of swap because you aren't keeping the item sent to you. This will involve more postage on your part than a normal swap would, and thus, will cost more. This will require more communication than normal as far as The stuffie has arrived followed by I've mailed the stuffie back to you.

The sender: You will be sending a small stuffed animal (think Beanie Baby size, or smaller) and a small notebook to be used as a journal for the stuffie's 'adventures'. If you wish to send a disposable camera, perhaps the host family can take pictures of your mascot at local places and attractions, and with the host family. Try to keep the stuffie, the journal and the camera as compact and tidy as possible because someone has to pay to send it back to you and we don't want it being a hardship. If you were super nice, you could maybe pick up a pre-paid postage label at the post office to send along, as well. The "Date items must be sent by" is when you mail to your host family (ie, your partner from swap-bot).

The host family: You will be getting a package in the mail of a mascot, a journal and perhaps a camera. It will be your job to chronicle the "life and times" of the stuffie while it is living with you. Take it to the grocery store, take it to the kid's schools, family gatherings, 'tourist' type spots or city signs for pictures if a camera was sent with your stuffie. You could also use your digital and take pictures, then email the files during the stuffie's 'visit', if you wish. Most importantly, after your visit is up you have to send the entire package back to the sender. Please, don't hold anyone's beloved stuffie hostage. Please email your partner when the stuffie is in your possession, and return the package by March 26th.

• One partner
• This is an international swap.
• I'm not putting an age limit on this since kids of all ages like mail, but I think that older kids would maybe feel silly walking around with a stuffed animal taking pictures. I don't know.
• Please don't send a cherished friend. I suggest picking up one to be used just for adventuring. I don't want anyone's beloved friend lost somewhere in the world if something bad happens.

• Your package will include the stuffed animal and a journal, at least. Send a disposable camera and extra things, if you wish. Please include your email address in your package so your partner can let you know when it shows up and when they've mailed it back.

• Senders : you need to mail your package to your host family no later than Feb. 26

• Host Families : You need to mail the package back to it's real family on March 26.

I reserve the right to drop anyone that has a rating of less than 4.0 and/or more than two no-sends. Everyone deserves to receive something. Please keep up your end so nobody has a bad experience. Newbies are welcome to play. Thanks.