Scarlett Nagy, a Brownie Girl Scout from Johnstown Troop 11391, proved that Girl Scouting is more than just badges, cookies, and camping—it’s about leadership, quick thinking, and preparedness. Scarlett’s bravery and presence of mind in a life-threatening emergency earned her the prestigious Medal of Honor, a national award given to Girl Scouts who demonstrate Girl Scout spirit and heroism in an emergency.
It was an ordinary day until the unexpected happened—Scarlett’s mother, Crystal Nagy, was stung by a bee. Within moments, her body reacted violently, causing her throat and mouth to swell. As Crystal’s ability to breathe diminished, she lost consciousness. Scarlett, only eight years old and a Brownie Girl Scout at the time, felt the pressure of the moment. Fear gripped her, but she knew she had to act fast.
Despite the fear and urgency, Scarlett recalled her Girl Scout training. Her troop had practiced first aid, focusing on emergency preparedness and medical response. She had trained with an epinephrine injector before, and in that critical moment, she remembered exactly what to do. Despite being stung by a bee herself, Scarlett remained calm and administered the epinephrine injection into her mother’s upper leg, then called for help. The medication worked, buying crucial time for help to arrive. Scarlett’s actions saved her mother’s life.
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.”
Her confidence in handling the situation stemmed from experience in her troop. Troop 11391 placed a strong emphasis on first aid training, dedicating the start of each year to building these critical skills. In addition to basic first aid, the girls were trained in advanced emergency response techniques, such as stabilizing injuries in the wilderness and improvising medical tools when necessary. Crystal, serving as both Scarlett’s mother and troop leader, instilled in the girls the importance of always being prepared for the unexpected. “From the beginning, we knew first aid was an essential skill,” Crystal said. “We made it a priority, practicing regularly because emergencies can happen at any time.”
Scarlett was no stranger to leadership in Girl Scouts. She had previously served as a Daisy mentor, helping new, younger Girl Scouts integrate into the troop. She understood the importance of guiding and supporting others. That leadership mindset carried over into the emergency, where she took charge with confidence beyond her years.
For Crystal, the experience was humbling. “Words cannot describe how I felt,” she admitted. “My daughter is sensitive and afraid of so many things, and as I lay there slipping out of consciousness, I don’t think the thought ever occurred to me that anyone, let alone my child, would be able to get to me in time. Looking back now, I’m just immensely proud that she overcame her fear of bees, even if just for that moment, and put herself out there for someone else.”
Scarlett earned the Girl Scout Medal of Honor on August 7, 2024. Receiving the award was a surprise for her, as she only learned about it at the moment it was presented. The honor reinforced what Scarlett already knew: preparedness matters, and staying calm in a crisis can make all the difference.
Scarlett’s experience has deepened her appreciation for emergency preparedness. “Even though an emergency might not be happening, it’s still good to have the tools or medical kit with you,” she advises other Girl Scouts. The event has also sparked her interest in first aid, medicine, and leadership—fields she now considers pursuing further.
Crystal hopes this story will inspire other parents and Girl Scouts. “You don’t know what you’re capable of until you are put in the deep end,” she said. “[Girl] Scouting helped prepare my daughter for this situation, and I hope others will allow the program to do the same for them.”
Scarlett Nagy is living proof that the lessons learned in Girl Scouting prepare young girls for real-life challenges. Her quick thinking, bravery, and determination saved a life. With her Medal of Honor, she stands as a shining example of the strength and spirit that Girl Scouts instill in their members—developing the courage to face the unexpected, confidence to take action, and character to serve others in times of need.
#MadePossiblebyGirlScouts
GSWPA 