Girl Scout Strong for Uvalde

We are devastated to share the news that the mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde on Tuesday, May 24, resulted in the tragic death of Amerie Jo Garza, 10, one of our Girl Scouts.

Our hearts are broken for her family and friends, along with all of those who have lost loved ones during this tragedy. Dozens of our girls, volunteers, and staff have now lost friends or family members, and we are hurting alongside them.

Amerie was a bright and outgoing fourth-grader who loved Play-Doh, playing with friends at recess—and being a Girl Scout. She was proud of the badges she earned. She completed her Girl Scout bridging ceremony last week, and Tuesday at school had received an award for making the A and B honor roll.

Girl Scouts is committed to providing a high level of support to these families in the weeks and months ahead.

May 31, 2022:

Girl Scouts of the USA posthumously bestowed upon Amerie Jo Garza, 10, of Uvalde, Texas, one of the highest honors in Girl Scouting: the Bronze Cross. The Bronze Cross is awarded for saving or attempting to save life at the risk of the Girl Scout’s own life. On May 24, 2022, Amerie did all she could to save the lives of her classmates and teachers. It was our honor as Amerie’s council to present the Bronze Cross to her family, and Girl Scouts will continue to pay tribute to Amerie at her funeral services today with a Presentation of Colors. We will carry her story with us always and ensure her brave actions will endure for generations.

Ways to Help

We’ve seen an outpouring of support for Uvalde from across the nation, and especially from our council. Here are some ways you can help locally, as well as ways to talk with your Girl Scout about this tragedy.

Note Cards:
Girls are encouraged to create personalized cards for families or friends of the victims, those recovering in the hospital, and first responders.

Cards can be mailed to:

Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center.
811 N Coker Loop, San Antonio, 78216
Hours of Operation

Or cards can be dropped off at:

Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center,
811 N Coker Loop, San Antonio, 78216
Hours of Operation
West Side Girl Scout Leadership Center
5622 W César E. Chávez Blvd., San Antonio, Texas 78237
Hours of Operation
Camp La Jita
19459 RM 187, Utopia, TX 78884

Monetary Donations:
We are accepting funds for the benefit of our sister Girl Scouts in Uvalde – please click here to make a gift.

Troops in the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas council can make a donation through their troop accounts – please click here to do so.

Blood Donations:
The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center and the University Health System are both accepting blood donations. Girl Scouts who are eligible to donate are encouraged to set up an appointment.

Keep watch on our council Facebook page and your Rallyhood community to learn of more ways to help as we continue to support our Girl Scout sisters in Uvalde.

Resources available

Kids and teens are understandably scared and upset when they see acts of extreme violence such as a school shooting, especially when other young people are involved. For guidance on how to talk about the tragedy with girls, the links below from Girl Scouts of the USA may be helpful: When Scary News Shakes Her World.

For child-centered trauma resources:

The Red Cross Mental Health fact sheet can help adults understand common reactions to a crisis and when to seek help.
The National School Crisis Center has resources which offer practical tips for supporting youth and opening conversations – for example, here is one on Talking to children about tragedies.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has many resources on grief and trauma, but here are some aimed at helping adults talk to children about violent events. While many are targeted to parents, they could also be helpful for troop leaders:

For child-centered grief resources:

Guiding Adults in Talking to Children: Provides ways to navigate children’s questions about death, funerals, and memorials. This fact sheet discusses this challenging, but manageable, task and includes sample Q&A to help guide discussions.
The National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) offers videos and an FAQ section aimed at understanding grief in children and helping caring adults guide them through loss. Their “Hero Toolkit” offers activities for talking about grief with children and teens.

For mental health crises:

Call 911.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org for online emotional support.
The Crisis Text Line connects you to a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message: Text NAMI to 741741
National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) links to local support groups and professionals
SAMHSA’s Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information (in English and Spanish)
Mental Health America (MHA) links to affiliates across the country and offers resources for finding treatment