The art of physical mail is slowly dying. Even bills are typically sent electronically now. Paperless is good for the environment!
However, there is a special feeling when you get a stamped envelope or package in the mail. Physically opening it, reading what someone wrote by their own hand – it’s special.
The Badge Archive has made an “All About Me” sheet for States Across the U.S.A. Several scout groups are trying to collect all 50 states as a PenPal Exchange – and this form works perfectly as a quick intro to each other.
Participate in The Badge Archives 50 State Challenge – The Challenge page as a specific form to fill out as an independent scout or as a troop.
If you’re doing the challenge as a troop – use the Troop version: “Our Troop”.
How to Write?
In modern society, it’s extremely important to be safe – even when connecting through a written letter. There are safety rules for Pen Pals everyone should follow. If you are concerned about sharing a physical address for strangers to send mail to – look into having a P.O. Box at the post office or mail carrier store.
Who to Write?
There are organizations, like the PenPal Community, where you can find a random stranger to connect with. There are social media groups that are designed to find pen pals (like GS PenPals Facebook Group) you can find someone. Others start off by writing to distant relatives or friends that moved away.
What to Write?
Many start with a simple Post Card Exchange – writing a simple few facts about you and moving to letters if there is a good connection.
Letters can include general information on where you’re from, what you do, fond memories. You can include your dreams, hopes, wishes. Talk about friends or family. Include you hobbies, what movies you’ve seen, shows you watched, or books you read. Be yourself and see what they respond.
If you are responding to a letter – always pick something out that you can comment on. It shows you took the time to read and understand what they took the time to write. Even better if you can ask questions to continue a conversation about a topic you both enjoy.
Basic Rules for Pen Pals
- Don’t share your address or personal information. Favorites are okay, but don’t tell a stranger your home address or birthday.
- Never send money or financial information to someone. Even if you think you know them, if you have not met them in person and have a relationship with them, you should not be sending them money.
- Tell an adult if anything inappropriate, abusive, vulgar, violent, or suspicious occurs. Disrespectful behavior should never be tolerated. Especially if they send an inappropriate picture.
- Don’t sell things to others because you are pen pals. Connect and communicate only.
Fun Facts
Pen Pal (Community Life) GSUSA badge, in the 1953 Girl Scout Handbook, pages 218-220, have tips for writers as well. To summarize:
- Take care when writing.
- Speak about what you do in scouts, family, school, and town.
- Topics you can write about include: pets, hobbies, everyday life, special celebrations.
- Approved photos that are safe to send to strangers adds a personal touch. Postcards of your town/state, or clippings from magazines are also fun to include.
- Put in directions for your favorite game or craft – they can be very different in each area of the U.S.A.
- Exchange collections, pictures of birds/trees/flowers, or which badges you have earned and liked.
- Explain any holidays your family celebrates and traditions you enjoy. Include why you celebrate them and why they are important to your family. Ask your new pen pal what their holidays and traditions are.
- After exchanging several letters, send your pen pal a special gift for a special occasion you know they celebrate or that you celebrate and want to include them. Keep it small and meaningful.
The Badge Archive 