It was a takeover by Girlguiding, Isle of Wight, at the Wildheart Trust over the weekend. All the Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and leaders were working towards a special challenge set by Girlguiding’s Southwest England Region for a day or night with the Tigers.
Girls from across the Region, which extends from Cornwall to Hampshire and Berkshire to the Channel Islands and includes the Isle of Wight were undertaking the challenges which are set to take place over the coming months.
Working in partnership with the Wildheart Trust at Sandown the Girlguiding Isle of Wight members made a visit to the Sandown site where they were able to complete challenges and experience new adventures.
Environmental issues were explored as well as animal habitats and World Sites for endangered species.
A campfire sing- song based on animal songs was led by Girlguiding leaders, with Wildheart Trust colleagues joining in, a film was viewed, and posters made.
Sessions took place on Friday and Saturday evening and all-day Sunday. There was a special treat for everyone when one of the Tigers new to Sandown appeared. Following a long journey across Europe, the two Tigers arrived at Sandown recently but have been reluctant until now to show themselves to visitors.
Linda Stone, Island Commissioner, said, “This was a wonderful experience for girls and leaders alike. The Isle of Wight has certainly stepped up to the challenges set by our Region and special thanks to the Wildheart Trust for hosting us. All Isle of Wight girls are now the proud holders of the challenge badges for ‘A Day with the Tigers’ or ‘A night with the Tigers’ depending on which time of the day they visited The Sanctuary.”
Linda presented the special Day or Night with the Tigers badges to some of the girls attending.
As well as Girlguiding IW members spending time with the Tigers and other animals, on Sunday the girls’ families and friends were invited to spend the day at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary at a reduced cost for entrance. Thank you Wildheart Trust for this partnership.
A stand promoting Girlguiding IW at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary was also popular with members of the public.