More than 400 Girl Scouts and their families celebrated the release of the final Harry Potter book,
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, at a Midnight Muggle Merriment party on Friday, July 20 at the El Jebel Shrine in Denver. Girl Scouts dressed as their favorite characters, wrote and performed original spells, practiced dueling techniques, played quidditch, had Hermione read their runes, crafted magic wands and more as they waited for the Hogwarts Express to deliver the new books at midnight.
"I needed to come tonight so I can get the book and my mom can read it before I go to Girl Scout camp on Sunday and take it with me," said
Raeann Good, 14, of Aurora. "I've read all of the books five times over!"
Harry Potter enthusiasm was something everyone in attendance had in common.
Tori Goodgion, 12, of Lafayette claimed to be "over-obsessed" with Harry Potter, and 12-year-old
Elisabeth Corenblith of Lakewood said her sister,
Caitlin, would be done with the book by the morning once she got started at 12:01 a.m.
Sarah Murphy, 10, of Westminster won the costume contest for her age group with her portrayal of the evil Dolores Umbridge. "I came to the Girl Scout party for the last book dressed as a Dementor, and I won that time too; so I was pretty motivated to come up with another great costume!" Sarah said. "I love Dolores because she's horrific!"
Jen Hamlett, 15, and
Kate Voight, 14, both of Lakewood, dressed as George and Fred Weasley. "We're best friends and people always get us confused, so we could relate to the twins George and Fred," said Kate.
Life skills such as creativity, imagination and literacy are important in shaping a girl's personality and leadership pathway, and are skills that Girl Scouts is committed to promoting. Girl Scouts - Mile Hi Council is where girls in Denver and 13 surrounding counties gain courage, confidence and character alongside a group of girls who will be their friends for life. It's a safe place for girls to explore their world, develop an understanding and empathy for others and take action to make the world a better place. Girls are guided by committed, caring adults who make learning fun. No other activity helps each girl achieve her personal leadership pathway like Girl Scouting. Girl Scouts has been the nation's leading expert on girls for nearly 100 years.