Crystal Nagy is more than just a dedicated mother—she is a role model, a mentor, and a leader shaping the next generation of strong, confident young women. As the troop leader of Johnstown Troop 11391 and a passionate advocate for the Girl Scout mission, Crystal has left a profound mark, not just on her daughter and Brownie Girl Scout Scarlett, but on every Girl Scout she mentors. The impact she has made and the lessons she has passed on through Girl Scouting would ultimately save her own life.
One of the cornerstones of Crystal’s leadership is her emphasis on preparedness. Each year, she ensures that first aid and emergency response are a priority, dedicating the first month of every new Girl Scout year to hands-on training. “The girls and I agreed early on that it was an important skill,” Crystal said. “Aside from first aid, we have also done outdoor aid where a veteran showed them field strategies for quick fixes in the wilderness, such as stabilizing a spinal or neck injury with boots or making a stretcher out of a coat and sticks.” Under her guidance, the girls in her troop have learned essential lifesaving skills. “We want our girls to feel empowered,” Crystal says. “Confidence comes from knowing you’re prepared to handle the unexpected.” This training proved invaluable when Scarlett found herself in a life-threatening situation—her mother’s emergency.
When Crystal suffered a severe anaphylactic reaction after a bee sting, it was the lessons she had instilled in her daughter that ultimately saved her life. Scarlett, only eight years old at the time, acted swiftly and decisively, administering an epinephrine injection that gave her mother the critical time needed for help to arrive. Scarlett reflected on the experience, admitting she felt nervous but determined. “There was a lot of pressure on me at the time,” she recalled. But thanks to the skills she learned in Girl Scouts, she stayed calm under pressure. “We learned different tricks to stay calm and medical safety.” Scarlett’s courageous actions earned her the prestigious Girl Scout Medal of Honor, a national award that recognizes Girl Scouts who demonstrate remarkable heroism in an emergency.
Beyond emergency preparedness, Crystal fosters leadership in her Girl Scouts. She introduced a Daisy mentorship program within her troop, encouraging older Girl Scouts to take new members under their wing. “Mentorship builds leadership,” Crystal explains. “When our older girls take on responsibility, they gain confidence and learn the value of guiding others.” Scarlett was one of the first to step into this leadership role, guiding younger girls and ensuring they felt welcomed and supported.
For Crystal, being a Girl Scout leader is about more than just teaching skills—it’s about building confidence, resilience, and a sense of community. She believes in the transformative power of Girl Scouting and encourages other parents to get involved. “Volunteering with Girl Scouts is one of the most rewarding things you can do,” she says. “You’re not just shaping your own child’s future; you’re impacting an entire generation of girls.”
Crystal’s dedication has changed Scarlett’s life and inspired countless other Girl Scouts to step up, take action, and believe in themselves. Her leadership exemplifies the heart of Girl Scouting—preparing young girls to face challenges, serve their communities, and become strong, capable leaders of tomorrow.
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