Animal Adventure

Key information

How do we book and pay?

We have created a list of venues to choose from, with costs for each venue. You can book and pay directly with your chosen venue. We have worked to get the best discounts, at what is a very popular time of year. Some venues offer optional extras, e.g. animal workshops, which you can add to your booking at an extra cost.

Animal Adventure grant and travel grant

A small grant has been made available by Guiding for all young members taking part in an Animal Adventure. This will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Note - Only fully completed forms will be considered.

You will also need to budget for your group’s travel. We have funding to cover travel expenses for those who need it. Please note that in the unlikely event of the travel expenses requested exceeding the funding available, we will prioritise claims based on need.

We want to visit a venue that isn’t on the venue list, can we go there instead?

Yes, you are welcome to go to any venue for your Animal Adventure.

Can families join in?

This is an event for Girlguiding members and unit leaders/helpers. Places are restricted. Parents are welcome to join you to make up the required adult ratio numbers.

How many adults should we have?

• Rainbows: 1 adult for every 5 children with a minimum of 2 adults.
• Brownies: 1 adult for every 8 children with a minimum of 2 adults.
• Guides: 1 adult for every 12 children with a minimum of 2 adults.
• Rangers: 1 leader with a recommended second adult.

What activities will we be doing at the venue?

There are no additional planned activities. Every group can plan their visit to suit their needs and what they want to get out of the visit. It would be a good idea to sit together before you travel to plan your route and which animals/areas are a must to visit! We have provided a few suggestions and ideas to get you started, which you can download below.

Will there be a badge?

A badge has been specially created for this event and is available to pre-order now on our online shop. Badges will be dispatched in May.

Will there be a dedicated First Aid point?

There will not be a designated First Aid point; leaders will need to take responsibility for First Aid for their own unit.

Is there an event consent form for participants?

Each unit will be responsible for issuing and collecting their own consent forms and arranging their own Emergency Home Contact.

Is the event accessible to those with restricted mobility?

If you have anyone in your unit with accessibility requirements please inform our team at info@girlguidinglaser.org.uk. They can speak to the relevant venue.

Will I have to do my own risk assessment?

Yes, you will be required to create your own risk assessment for the visit to the zoo, wildlife park or aquarium and for travelling to and from the event.

What do we wear?

Please wear guiding uniform. Please ensure appropriate weather clothing is worn – sun hats, sun cream, waterproofs. Comfortable footwear should be worn.

Will we need to bring our own lunch?

Units will need to arrange their own lunch. Some of the venues will have facilities to purchase lunch on site but please check the venue website for details.

How can we share our experiences of the weekend?

Everyone will be encouraged to share photos and updates from their events using the hashtag #LaSERAnimalAdventure and by tagging the region social media accounts in so that we can see and share. Please ensure you have up to date and correct photo consent for your girls when sharing photographs publicly. You can also send us your photos and stories on our website.

The region communications team will be looking at other opportunities for PR. If you think you have a special Animal Adventure story, please get in touch with communications@girlguidinglaser.org.uk.

Contact details

If you have any queries please email info@girlguidinglaser.org.uk.