Thankfully, the sky was clear from rain showers on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 18 so about 60 Girl Scouts from Santa Clara-based troops were able to brighten up Santana Row by performing Christmas carols on the outdoor mall’s stage. The uniformed Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors sang in unison for 20 minutes. A number of traditional holiday songs were performed, including “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.”
“The caroling event is part of community involvement, which is one of the key aspects of being a Girl Scout,” says Susan Miller, local troop leader and service unit council program manager. “I [organized the event]. It was the girls who practiced the music, got up on stage, and spread the holiday cheer. There are other troops that have sung at Kaiser Santa Clara and the Westmont Retirement Home. This is one small area where our girls can contribute to the community overall. Being in the Girls Scouts is rewarding for the girls.”
Miller’s daughter, Alexandra, 7, is a Brownie representing Troop 61374, based at Sutter Elementary School. Alexandra participated in the caroling event at Santana Row.
“The songs [were fun to sing.],” says Alexandra. “I liked singing ‘Frosty the Snowman.’ I was a little nervous at first, and then I got used to it, and then I felt more confident during the show.”
Alexandra shares that caroling is one of a few enjoyable things for her to do during the holiday season. She mentions about other activities she has participated in, including contributing to Toys for Tots and assisting underprivileged children through a giving tree set up at her gymnastics school.
According to Miller, there are about 600 Girl Scouts who are part of the Santa Clara Unified School District.
