Need help from former shoebox swap planners!

[newdemo]

I am preparing to co-host a shoebox swap in the end of July for a few friends (we're thinking fairly small scale... maybe 10-20). I'm wondering if anyone who has already planned something like this could give me any tips or advice. Particularly:

* How much time would you plan? I'm thinking we'll offer two different project catergories (one card and one 3-D item) that people can participate in. I was thinking I would allot 20 minutes per project - does that sound ample? Then an hour for dinner and breaks, and 20 minutes "wiggle room".

* What do you do about food? We'll be there over dinner, so I was thinking we would include about $5 in our fee to provide pizza and beverages... have everyone bring a snack to share?

Thanks for your help!

[khowardga]

* How much time would you plan? I'm thinking we'll offer two different project catergories (one card and one 3-D item) that people can participate in. I was thinking I would allot 20 minutes per project - does that sound ample? Then an hour for dinner and breaks, and 20 minutes "wiggle room".

*We do a SCS get together in GA and we do the shoebox swaps. Basically we have all done them and we just set our shoeboxes on the table (2/table) and then everyone just plays musical chairs. Really how long it takes depends on how many you are. I think there were about 20 of us at our last one and it took about 5-6 hours. Of course you have to include time for chatting.

* What do you do about food? We'll be there over dinner, so I was thinking we would include about $5 in our fee to provide pizza and beverages... have everyone bring a snack to share?

*We all pitched in $10, the host purchased snacks and beverages and we ordered pizza at lunch time. That also covered the cost of the room we rented. I'm working on hosting one here in August and we'll do the same thing.

Good Luck!
Kim

[newdemo]

That helps a lot - thanks for the feedback! Anyone else have wisdom to share?

[shrtscrapper]

I would suggest the same thing, that each person brings their own project to do. You move from project to project until they are all finished. My last shoebox swap was 17 people and it lasted 5 hours. We all brought a snack and it was definately too much food. We've decided to pitch in for pizza & salads next time. Here's the thread from my latest gathering, maybe it will help with the little details. I'm thinking/starting to plan my next one for July 16th. Have fun and goodluck! Dawn

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