Team "Spirit Bags"

[ajasfolks2]

So for high school sports in our area there seems to be some "tradition" (I HATE the overuse of that word, but THAT is what they insist it is) of each player (or cheerleaders to players) giving another a "Spirit Bag".

There has only been some sort of verbal announcement to the team members (some of whom did not "hear" whatever sketchy info was given).

I've asked for more info from coach/teachers, but am wondering what experiences some of you have with this in your schools?  (Honestly, I didn't know what to even ask except for "more info".)

Supposedly (per DS) the bag includes lots of crap candy, but no clue what else.

~ ~ ~

ALSO, would appreciate some NON-FOOD suggestions for the bag we likely must make for teammate.


HELP, PLEASE?!!   

[rebekahc]

From what I remember of spirit bags, they're intended to be goodie bags with candy, gum, snacks, etc. for hungry teenagers.  I think if you wanted to do some non-food items it might be okay, but wouldn't go over as well - especially if it's "tradition"  .

My non-food suggestions would be things in team colors - car window paints, body paint, mascot face tattoos (too girly?), silicone bracelet (or rainbow loom bracelet), those anti-glare stickers that go under the eyes, travel size Axe body spray, $5 gift card to Sonic or Starbucks.

[hezzier]

My niece did them for cross country races.  They called them secret psych bags.  Their bus rides were usually very long so the bags contained a snack for before and after the race.  I think she usually did a piece of fruit, granola bar, water or gatorade and some sort of candy.  She has a friend on the team with allergies so she called me to find out what kind of candy would be ok.  If she knew the person well, then she also included an inspirational quote.

[becca]

I have not heard of this tradition around here, but we are only in 8th grade. 

[yelloww]

Please do not put Axe body spray in the bag! That stuff is horrid and some schools have banned it entirely.

I've never heard of these, but I'd do fruit, some kind of granola bar if there's one that's pn free, water, and some dum dums probably....  I don't have any good non-food ideas for a long bus ride. Maybe a sports magazine?

[ajasfolks2]

Son and I have already discussed that it wouldn't be wise for him to eat anything given to him in a "bag".  Just no clue about safety of the items and level of understanding of the other teammate . . .

I think you all know how we might feel about the whole "food crap" gift thing and "tradition" . . . *sigh*   

[ajasfolks2]

Love the magazine idea -- Sports Illustrated would have Olympics stuff likely right now, so that might be good. 

And since they have super late night bus rides, a small flashlight to read?

I did see a couple good ideas on Pinterest:

"Spirit Shaker" of water bottle filled with beads (school colors) and tied with school color ribbons.  Just wouldn't want somebody to take a swig of this on the dark bus thinking it was the REAL water bottle!!

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OK -- time for some levity --

And, then, well there was this Google hit when I searched.  Guess we won't include any of these in the bag, LOL!
http://www.khou.com/news/local/Wharton-HS-cheerleaders-benched-for-putting-condoms-in-spirit-bags-229319751.html

[Scout]

ds gets one every game,  its all candy...

he told his cheerleader numerous times no pnuts   (he is not allergic, dd is)  she always forgot and m&ms and recess were always present.  He and his friends just thought it was funny and he handed it over to someone else.

she said every time  "oh ya"  but if you get a less ditsy friend I am sure they will comply.

it was always in a nice paper gift bag......so we could see in it easily.    BUT I guess this isn't helpful since he is not allergic.....but yes Candy.

[TabiCat]

Superglue the lid of the shaker bottle. 


"spirt bags" are intended to be part of the team building/ comrardery of the team. The expected expense is usually low and yes it often centers around junk food. All the ones I have had to do were for young girls but I did things like embellished cheap flip flops. Hair ribbons in spirit colors. Bead necklaces, painted cow bells for noise makers, I sometimes added a single favorite snack but usually just a drink.

Most likely to sprit gift swap is "run" by the student leadership within the team and not the coach or faculty sponsor though they do likely guide them.

[maeve]

Is this done at the beginning of the season or before every game?

[ajasfolks2]

Well, it supposedly recently was started -- and I don't know if it was to be before each/every competition or what . . . never got any "official" info on this.  So, half way through season?

If it is team member / student driven there has been ZERO info to the families -- but the team captain has only once sent emails when she was supposed to at beginning of season (regarding pre-season workouts).

This is high school and for a co-ed team.  I *think* the boys draw boy names and girls draw girl names, but I may be all wet on that.  (LOL, accidentally punning, for those who know . . . )

Besides the food allergy concerns, I also have concerns about those families who really don't have any extra $ to put into this . . . and there are a few of those families to consider in this instance.  (And some families with cultural differences on this as well . . . )

 

[Macabre]

In high school peppetes did this for our football players. We were assigned a football player. I had the (ungrateful) quarterback. I had other duties (yard sign) but decorated his locker every Friday and out a bag like this inside.

Once I was dropping something off at his house, and his little brother said "<Name> wants something other than candy." 

[CMdeux]

Well, on the bright side, that left it pretty much wide open, though, didn't it?   

[twinturbo]

Did you give him something other than candy? Flaming bag of poo. Hex. A wedgie.

[Mfamom]

We've done lots of sports at school and through town rec dept.  Have never heard of this.  We do not do it as far as I know.  They may do it in football for the seniors who have assigned cheerleaders, but I don't think so. 
I am LMAO on the Axe comment.  We are finished with the Axe phase Thank God!