Girl Scouts take master class in New York

New York City Exclusive, sponsored by Girl Scouts of Maine, took 44 Girl Scouts and adult volunteers, girls ranging in age from grade six to 11 and from New Sweden to Naples, to New York City in December. The girls left on a Friday night and arrived in New York at dawn.

After dropping their luggage at Hosteling International New York, the girls walked down Fifth Avenue, enjoying the store windows decked out for the holidays with their animated displays, to their destination: Rockefeller Center.

The girls enjoyed seeing the Christmas tree with its more than 5,000 lights, and the skating rink, before lining up outside the NBC “Today” show. Some parents back home saw the group on TV.

The centerpiece of the trip was a master class on Broadway conducted by a member of the cast of the Broadway production of “Rent,” who is a teaching artist and a pianist.

The Girl Scouts learned choreography and two songs from “Rent,” along with the history of the Broadway area and the evolution of theater on Broadway.

Actor Owen Johnston II educated the girls about the world of theater and encouraged them to continue their education and pursue their dreams whether as a performing artist or in another career.

The girls toured the NBC studios of “NBC Nightly News,” “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “Saturday Night Live.” They gained insight into the tricks of the trade used in the broadcasting field.

The girls had time on their own to enjoy city tours on foot or by bus, while others chose to attend Broadway plays or visit museums.

Others marveled at the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, and some simply explored the sights and sounds of the Big Apple.

To learn more about Girl Scouting and how to join the fun and friendship of an all-girl organization, call Samantha Lott at the Girl Scout Service Center in Brewer, 989-7474.