<p>Dear parents,</p><p>Watching the weather forecast this morning has prompted me to email you with details of Girlguiding London and South East England's (LaSER's) initiative Growing Up Wild</p><p>We launched Growing Up Wild 18 months ago as a fun way of encouraging more children to spend more time out of doors connecting with nature - it's been a HUGE success. Badges are a great motivator in guiding so we designed a series of Paw Print badges around a range of outdoor themes. The idea is that these themes are just starting points, the badges are for participation not necessarily achievement but there should be a 'good connection with nature' involved. A useful measure might be the expectation of at least 30 minutes spent outside to gain the relevant Paw Print badge.</p><p>Our latest Paw Print Snow and Ice has just been released and maybe something that you could do this weekend with your family? How about laying a trail in the park or on the common with ice cubes? Coloured ones would be even more fun to make together and lay! The ponds and meres on the common may well freeze over the next few days, a frosty walk on the common could include a discussion on safety around frozen lakes and ponds. Or how about blowing bubbles when the temperature is below freezing and catching them on a stick?</p><p>We'd love to do more Paw Print activities with your daughter during our Guide meetings but we obviously face lots of challenges (not least girls turning up in just polo shirts!) so please do look at the Paw Prints as a family and come and tell us what your daughter has been up to. I'll order some Snow and Ice badges in preparation!</p><p>In order for us to give your daughter a badge for an activity done with the family we'll want to hear all about it from her ( and photos would be great too!) and have something from you either verbally or in writing/email to back up a 30minute+ connection with nature. It couldn't be simpler!</p><p>Have a great if freezing weekend!</p><p>Pip</p>