Woodgreen and Girlguiding Cambridgeshire West challenge you to help pets in need this summer!
A new Girlguiding badge, in partnership with Woodgreen Pets Charity, gives local Guides the chance to host a pawesome sleepover and help homeless and vulnerable pets.
The Big Den Sleepover challenge is as simple as it sounds: build an amazing den, host a sleepover and get sponsored by friends and family members.
As part of this challenge, children will also learn about the 5 Welfare Needs of pets. By considering their own environment when designing the den, participants will understand the importance of meeting a pets’ needs for:
- A home – a cosy den to sleep in
- The right diet – because no sleepover is complete without healthy snacks
- Being able to display normal behaviour – fun activities like reading, playing games or watching a film
- Companionship – inviting friends, family members and/or your favourite cuddly toy
- Veterinary care – being careful in the den to prevent any accidents
Beth Twite, community fundraiser at Woodgreen, said: “The Big Den Sleepover is a fun way for children to support a local charity, whilst also becoming more knowledgeable about pets themselves. Challengers can take part as an individual, as a Guides unit, or just at home with friends and family. Indoors or outdoors – it’s completely up to you!”
Woodgreen helps more than 5,000 pets a year, from rehabilitating and rehoming cats, dogs and small animals from their centre in Cambridgeshire, to giving free advice and hands-on services to pet owners. This wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of supporters, and just £20 raised from hosting a Big Den Sleepover could pay for four pets to have a much-needed veterinary check-up, helping them get back on their paws and into a loving new home as soon as possible.
The Big Den Sleepover challenge badge was designed through a competition, with more than 100 entries from the Guides, Brownies and Rainbows. The winning design was drawn by joint winners Emily (1st Offord Brownies) and India (1st Kimbolton Guides), and is now available to purchase online. Sales from the badge will be split between Girlguiding Cambridgeshire West and Woodgreen Pets Charity, with all sponsorship funds raised going straight to Woodgreen.
To find out more, download the challenge pack and get started, visit the Girlguiding Cambridgeshire West website.