The Beads and Claws
Every Claw Tells a Story.
Every Bead Marks the Journey.
The Tradition of the Beads and Claws
Beads and Claws at SWC
At Scouters’ Winter Campout, we don’t just make memories—we wear them. Each year you attend, you’ll receive a signature SWC Claw to add to your necklace. It’s a symbol of your participation, your growth, and your place in a 57-year tradition of Scouting leadership, fellowship, and fun.
But that’s just the beginning.
Throughout the weekend, you’ll have opportunities to earn colorful beads that represent specific achievements, roles, and contributions. From completing the Good Turn Project to submitting a skit, participating in the Night Hike, or even winning Honor Patrol—each bead color tells a story about your weekend experience.
Beads are one of the many traditions that have grown and flourished at SWC. Colored beads are awarded for achievements, participation in SWC events, games, and roles. Though the representation of bead colors has not always been consistent, SWC has been standardizing this tradition. Today, each color of bead represents a specific achievement. Beads are placed on the iconic SWC Claw Necklace and worn at any scouting event.
The Competitive Spirit?
Some patrols plan and compete fiercely for the beads! Others come to relax and hangout. Whether you choose to compete or relax, you will have fun along the way.
"At SWC, we don’t just make memories—we wear them."
The Claws
The SWC Claw is awarded once per year—one claw, one year. The longer you attend, the longer your necklace becomes. You’ll see seasoned veterans walking around with claws from decades past—each one a reminder of friendships formed, flags raised, and cold mornings survived.
The Beads
Beads are awarded throughout the weekend for:
-
Participation in events (Games, Campwide Activities, Good Turn Project, Scout’s Own Service, etc.)
-
Achievements and Judged Events (Honor Patrol, Spirit Patrol, Flag, Wood Carving, Table Decorations, Campsite, etc.)
-
Staff Volunteering
Each color corresponds to a specific activity or recognition, and yes—you can earn multiple beads in a single weekend. They’re handed out at Sunday check-out along with your patch.
Wear It with Pride
Your Bead & Claw necklace is more than flair—it’s a walking timeline of your SWC journey. Wear it proudly at campouts, district events, Roundtables, or just to remind yourself that you’re part of something bigger.
The Bead Color Codes
As you examine other SWC Claw necklaces, the legend below will help decipher what each color represents. As this standard has not been long-enforced, you may see weird/unique colored beads that were awarded in some earlier years.
RECOGNITION BEADS |
|
| Gold | Honor Patrol Awarded to only one patrol each year |
| Clear | Spirit Patrol Awarded to only one patrol each year |
EARNED OR JUDGED |
|
| Place winner beads for each contest: Saturday morning games, patrol flag, wood carving, and table decorations | |
| Blue | 1st Place Winner |
| Red | 2nd Place Winner |
| White | 3rd Place Winner |
PARTICIPATION
(Simply participating in this event earns you the bead) |
|
| Black | Astronomy |
| Tan | Pioneering Project |
| Orange | Camp-Wide Activity |
| Glow-In-The-Dark | Night Hike |
| Green | Good Turn Project |
| Copper | Presentation Board |
| Purple | Worship Service |
| UV | Listening Post |
| Yellow | SWC Staff |
| HISTORICAL COLORS | |
| Aqua Blue | |
| Light Blue | |
| Clear Blue | |
| Grey | |
| Rose | |
| Scarlet | |