The Great Guide Sleepover

The Great Guide Sleepover is one of the most highly anticipated Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT events. The first sleepover was held in 1996 on the steps of the Opera House to raise awareness and funds for homeless communities.

Over the past decade, the Great Guide Sleepover has established its annual fundraising cause, supporting Taronga Conservation Society. This event is celebrated annually and each year a new animal conservation cause is chosen. Funds raised from the Great Guide Sleepover go to support Taronga Conservation Society. Taronga cares for 4,000 animals from over 350 species, many of which are threatened. 

This year the Wildlife Hospital was selected as the fundraising focus.  Native Australian animals are our mascots for the Great Guide Sleepover 2020. 

This year the event will be held virtually. Members are encouraged to attend with their Unit or individually. Participation in the event is free for members. New this year the event is open to Bring a Friends. 

Register today and gain access to pre-event challenges, the virtual event, and fundraising prizes.  
 


 

When

Saturday 27 August, 2022
 

Where

Online

Who

Guides in a Guide Unit aged 10+, Olaves, Leaders, Adult Helpers and now Bring a Friends
This is not a Junior Guide Event. Any Junior Guides that register will be issued a refund.

Pre-Event Challenges

Participate in these exciting activities as an Individual or with your Unit in the lead up to the event. 

Animal First Aid Kit

Chances are that you have already or may in the future come across injured or orphaned wildlife! It’s important to get these animals to your nearest vet as soon as possible so they can start offering the animal first aid.

Download this sheet to know how you can help injured or orphaned you come across.

Animal Ambulance Kit  

Build a Nest Box

Are you handy on the tools? Keen to tackle a real challenge? Well our Wildlife Hospital has a
special activity just for you! They want you to build your own nest box in your own backyard!

Download this instruction sheet and start building today!

Build a Nest Box 

Ask a Zoo Keeper

Taronga Zoo Keepers are wanting you to ask any question you have every wondered about animals.

Fill in the question form before Monday 17th August and we will send them to the Zoo Keeper to answer for you at the Great Guide Sleepover event on Saturday 29th August.

Zoo Keeper Question

Wild Animal Hospital Donation Kit

The Vets at the Taronga Wildlife Hospital are putting out an SOS for donations to help assist injured and orphaned wildlife.

Please express your interest to create a donation pack by filling in this form and we will send you the specific items needed and where to send these packs too. 

Donation Kit - EOI 

Dance Party Song Request

Yes we will be holding a online dance party!!

Fill in this form to request your favourite song or songs to play during the dance party.

Song Request 

Build a Bedroll

Important part of the kit list for the Great Guide Sleepover is the bedroll. Watch this video from a Girl Guide on the best way to build a bedroll and some tips and tricks.

Bedroll How-to Handout 

Bedroll Video 

Travelling Mascots

Animal Cut-outs 

LEADER'S TIPS & TOOLS 

Virtual Overnight Camp

Download this booklet for ideas on running a vurtual sleepover!
Virtual Campfire Booklet

Region Activity

Join your Region for some fun pre event activities and a chance to say hello at 1 pm on the day of the event!

Downloads

From building a bedroll to packing your bags and what's on at the event itself, download all the helpful info you need below in preparation for an amazing night!

Kit List 

Bring a Friends 

Invite your non-member friends to join you as this event is open to Bring a Friends! 

What's a Bring a Friend, someone who is not already a Girl Guide Member. Bring a Friends will get all the benefits of Girl Guides plus the opportunity to experience guiding at this fun, virtual activity. 

Bring a Friends are charged $10 to attend and receive $10 off your membership when you join after the event.

Click here to learn more about becoming a Girl Guide Member. 

Use these tools to tell your non-Guiding Friends about the event 

Fundraising

Getting Started

Once you have registered for the Great Guide Sleepover, simply set up your fundraising page by clicking the link below. Fundraising is really easy. You can do everything online. Grassrootz is mobile friendly and convenient to use from your phone, iPad, or tablet.
  1. Download our Grassrootz how-to
  2. Sign up for Grassrootz and create your fundraising page.
  3. Click the blue Join Us tab and sign up under your Girl Guides Unit by selecting Join a Team. Personalize your campaign page and then you are ready to start fundraising as an individual or as a Unit.
We’re here to make your fundraising a success. If you need help, please contact the Member and Supporter Engagement Team by email or phone 02 8396 5200. 

Fundraising Focus

Funds raised from the Great Guide Sleepover go to support Taronga Conservation Society. Taronga cares for 4,000 animals from over 350 species, many of which are threatened. This year the Wildlife Hospital was selected as our focus for all donations.
Our goal is also to help raise awareness and funds for Girl Guides NSW, ACT& NT and Taronga Zoo. If you or your donors would like to make an additional donation to Girl Guides you are able to do this through the Grassrootz campaign page as well.
Taronga is offering the below prizes for top fundraisers this year.

For Individuals & Units - sample prizes 
• $50 or more – receive a Taronga Keyring 
• $250 or more – receive four tickets (family pass) to Taronga Zoo or Taronga Western Plains Zoo (valid for 12months) 
• $500 or more – receive a plush toy and pin 
• $1,000 or more – receive a BTS experience at Sydney (Dubbo by request only) 
 


Fundraising Prize Deadline:  30 September at 5 PM

Fundraising tips

Fundraising doesn’t have to be difficult. So follow these ten simple tips for success, and feel free to reach out to us at any time so we can help with your fundraising journey.
  1. Start your fundraising early.
  2. Once you create your Grassrootz fundraising page, share it. Keep your supporters engaged by regularly posting pictures and updates on your activities.
  3. Update your email signature and social media bio’s to include information about Girl Guides and your fundraising campaign.
  4. You can use social media* to help your campaign and also provide more information about your fundraising focus. Download social media badges and graphics under the resources section.
  5. Ask your family, friends, teachers, and neighbours for their support. Share your fundraising page, let them know what you are fundraising for and keep them updated on how you are progressing to reach your goal.
  6. Draw up a list of your potential donors and approach them for their support (consider businesses in your committee or work colleagues).
  7. Always ensure you are with a friend or responsible adult at all times.
  8. Work in your Unit as a fundraising team. Teams are truly a great way to get others involved, have fun, and access a wider pool of resources and networks.
  9. Make a donation yourself to set the expectation. If you have a special occasion such as a birthday, anniversary or christening, ask your friends to donate to your fundraiser instead of buying a gift.
  10. Be cheerful, courteous and don’t forget to say thank you. Thank your supporters in person, via email or with a card and let them know how much you raised.
  11. Have Fun!
*  Ask your parents to share your link on their social media accounts. If you’re old enough and have permission you may use your own account too.

Fundraising FAQs

Is fundraising required this year for everyone?
No, fundraising is optional but highly encouraged. There are prizes available for both top fundraising individuals and Units.

What are the fundraising goals this year?
Our overall goal is $15,000  to support the Wildlife Hospital at Taronga Conversation Society. For individuals the first goal is $50 with additional prizes on offer from Taronga Zoo for higher goals. For Units the fundraising goal is $1000. All attendees are encouraged to fundraise a minimum of $10

What are the fundraising prizes offered by Taronga?

Sample Prizes

Keyrings 
Plush Toys 
Wild Squad Pin
Zoo tickets and family passes 
Behind the scenes tour 

Who can help fundraise for the Great Guide Sleepover?
Guides, Leaders, and Parent Helpers are all able to create a fundraising page. Just sign up under your Unit, create your page and fundraise away!

What happens if I receive a cheque or cash donation? 
Yes, If you receive a donation via cheque please download this form   and mail your cheque to the Girl Guides Office:
Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT
Attn: Member and Supporter Engagement Team, Great Guide Sleepover 
PO Box 950 Strawberry Hills NSW 2012
Cash donations should be collected into a bank account and submitted online via the Grassrootz portal. Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT is not able to accept a direct cash donation for this event. 

Can additional donations to Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT be made?
Yes, you are able to donate directly to Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT through the main page of Grassrootz by using the link in the About Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT section

How does fundraising work?

  • Guides and Adults have the option to do fundraising to support Taronga Zoo’s Wildlife Hospital. 
  • Collection of funds is done online through Grassrootz.

How much money do I have to raise if I have purchased a Ticket?
The minimum encouraged sponsorship is $10 per Youth Member and Adult Member (this is an optional addition to the event fee). This includes the opportunity to raise funds and work toward earning exciting prizes from Taronga Zoo.

When do I need to return my fundraising money to Girl Guides NSW & ACT?
Leaders are responsible for ensuring that Guides who are fundraising have submitted their funds through the online portal. 
All fundraising for prizes must be submitted by August 28 at 5pm. 
The online fundraising portal will remain open through the event however to be eligible for prizes all monies must be in by the above date.

Resources

There are resources, below, to help you with your fundraising. Coming soon.

Grassrootz Step by Step for additional assistance setting up your Grassrootz page download this step by step guide.

Do some research on the Taronga Zoo Website or download this Taronga Wildlife Hospital Facts Booklet.

Great Guide Sleepover Flyers & Social Media Content use this flyer and social media to help you spread the word about the Great Guide Sleepover!

Fundraising Nametag.  Personalise this download  and be sure to wear Guide uniform when fundraising door to door. There's also a poster you can personalise and use to promote your fundraising efforts. Ask everyone that you know to hang it in there work or home, or use it as a leave behind when doorknocking and nobody is home. 

Do’s & Don’ts for Charitable Fundraising

We’ve provided some great suggestions to help you fundraise for this unique Guiding event. But before you hit the ground running, please take time to read the following list of Do’s and Don’ts for Guides aged 10–17 (otherwise known as the boring but ever so important legal bits)

Do
  • Guides are to be adequately clothed in uniform and otherwise protected from extremes of climate or temperature.
  • At all times reasonably practical, participating Guides must be able to contact their parent/s during the fundraising activities.
  • Guides must be adequately supervised. Their supervisor must supervise no more than six Guides; be in close proximity and make contact with the Guides at intervals not greater than 30 minutes.
  • Guides must work with at least one other Guide raising funds for the Sleepover.
  • There must be 12 hours between shifts.
  • Parents or Guardians should ensure that Guides receive appropriate and nutritious food.
  • Food should be available at reasonable hours and drinking water available at all times.
  • Toilet facilities (toilet, hand washing and hand drying facilities) must be accessible to each Guide participant.
  • *After the appeal is finished the Guide must be accompanied by their parent or an adult authorised by their parent/s to travel home.
  • *This requirement does not apply if the child is more than 12 years of age and the distance home is less than 10 kms and public transport is available, and the travel is in daylight hours
Don’t
  • Guides must not enter a private dwelling when soliciting door to door; and not solicit, sell to or collect from a person in a motor vehicle.
  • Guides must not fundraise for more than four (4) hours a day—three (3) hours if under 12 years of age.
  • Guides must not fundraise before 6am or sunrise (whichever is later) and not after 7pm or sunset (whichever is earlier).
  • A Guide is not to lift any weight that would be likely to cause injury.
Register Online
 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets & General Information

How old must I be to attend the event?
Guides must be a minimum of 10 years old by 25 August and registered in a Guide Unit to attend this event. Junior Guides cannot attend. All Bridging Junior Guides must be registered with paperwork approved and submitted by 31 July.

Can I invite my friends?
Yes, you can invite your friend by purchasing a Bring a Friend Ticket. Your friend must be 10 years of age or older to attend.

If my membership is not current, can I still attend?
No, your membership must be current for you to attend this event and all your fees must be up to date. Your membership status will be checked before the event.

What if I can no longer attend? Can I get a refund?
Refunds will only be offered to those with extenuating circumstances and who notify us they cannot attend before the registration closing date.
This event fills quickly and we often have a waiting list, so please make sure you notify us asap if you can’t attend so we can give the place to someone else.

If the event is booked to capacity, can I be put on a waiting list?
Yes. The event fills quickly and we do create a waiting list. However, we can’t guarantee you a place.

I am a Leader/District or Region Manager and I can’t see my Guides when trying to register my Unit?
If you are having difficulty registering please use the below resources to assist.
How to register for an event
How to register a Unit
How to register a Non-Member Adult Helper
Please email the Member and Supporter Engagement Team to assist with registration issues.

Guiding Requirements

I want to invite Bring a Friend or adult non-member, how do I register them?
If you are inviting a Bring a Friend or a non-member adult (females only), please register them for the event by purchasing an Bring a Friend Ticket (for bring a friend) or a Adult Ticket (for non-member adult). For assistance in registering a non-member download the how to register a Non-Member  document.

If I am a Leader, how many Adult Helpers will I need to invite to make sure I have the correct Adult: Child Ratios?
Adult Ratios for camping are as follows:
  • 10–14 years olds, 1:8 adults to Guides. Minimum 3 adults including 1 Qualified Leader
  • 14–17 year olds, 1:10 adults to Guides. Minimum 2 adults including 1 Qualified Leader.
I am a Unit Leader Not Yet Qualified, can I take my girls to the Great Guide Sleepover?
Yes, but all ULNYQs must be accompanied by a Qualified Leader.

Terms & Conditions

  • Attendees must be a minimum of 10 years old in a Guide Unit and be valid Member of Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT to attend this event. Girls age 9 and in a Guide Unit (not a Junior Guide Unit) are able to attend. 
  • Once Leaders & Girls register, a copy of the fundraising materials, the link to the online fundraising portal and additional information will be sent to the Unit or Guides. 
  • Funds raised from this event go to support Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT and Taronga Conservation Society. 
  • All Adult Members must be part of a Unit to attend. Parents, Adult Helpers and Unit Helpers are welcome to attend with a girl or a Unit. If you are inviting adult non-members (females only) to bring with your Guides please register them by purchasing an Adult Ticket.
  • Membership must be current for all participants to be registered and to attend this event and will be checked.
  • Following the registration cut-off date no refunds or name changes will be offered unless an extenuating circumstance.
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