Ice skating star Frankie Seaman glides into action with Bracknell Guides

Former Dancing on Ice professional skater, Frankie Seaman took to the ice with 25 Guides for a special takeover of their local ice rink in Bracknell, Berkshire. Frankie and the girls enjoyed getting their skates on to achieve their Snow badge.

The girls aged between 10 and 14 from 1st Priestwood Guides had fun learning the basics of ice skating and watching Frankie’s professional pirouettes before she taught them a choreographed dance routine on the ice. 

Frankie shared some of her professional skating secrets during a Q&A session before showing the girls how to add a touch of sparkle to their skating moves. For many of the Guides, the trip marked their first time trying the popular festive activity. Frankie’s encouragement calmed any pre-ice nerves, and the girls were soon whizzing about the ice as they gained confidence.

After the session, all the girls and Frankie were awarded their Snow badges to celebrate. The Snow badge is one of Girlguiding’s five adventure badges launched earlier this year, with others including Water, Land, Sport and Height. The badges form part of the wide-ranging activities on offer to girls designed to encourage members across all guiding sections (Rainbows 4-7 years, Brownies 7-10 years, Guides 10-14 years and Rangers 14-18 years) to get involved and try new and exciting adventurous activities, as a whole unit or individually.[1]

Girls will achieve the Snow badge by doing something new, and by challenging themselves. This could be having their first experience of creating snow angels, spotting the signs of winter on a local walk or trying ice-skating or skiing .

Professional Ice Skater Frankie Seaman said: ‘I’m thrilled to be given the snow badge from Girlguiding’s new adventure badges. As a professional ice-skater, I'm so excited to be encouraging more girls to get on the ice and try new activities, like ice-skating, skiing and tobogganing. Alongside Girlguiding, I want to inspire girls to know they can do anything.’

Sharing their experiences on the ice with Frankie and their Girlguiding Friends, Guide Eloise, 10, said: “It was so fun, I loved when we learned the dance but then I also really liked the freestyling. Frankie was amazing! This is my first adventure badge and I really want to do another one.” 

Victoria, 10, of 1st Priestwood Guides said: “It was incredible, Frankie was such a good teacher. I want to come skating again and I can’t wait to get my next adventure badge!”

Guide leader Caroline Aylen said: “Skating with Frankie was such a great opportunity, one hey would never have been able to do without Girlguiding. It's been amazing, the girls had a brilliant time. There were girls who were really nervous about going on the ice and now want to be ice skaters! Next we're taking the girls on a camp where we're going to do the Land badge.” 

With over 100 activities to choose from, adventure isn’t just about the high–adrenaline activities it's all activities that challenge and excite. Girlguiding wants girls to experience adventure and know that girls can do anything, from paddling in open water, canoeing, mini golf, coasteering, cycling or going grass sledging or roller blading at a local park.

For more information about Girlguiding, becoming a member or volunteering opportunities, visit www.girlguiding.org.uk.