The Badge Archive

Advocate – Support Flood-Affected Communities

Flash floods may strike in moments, but their impact lasts for years. Scouts of all ages can help communities recover and prepare by learning, supporting, and advocating for resilience and compassion.

Since mid-June, the United States has faced an unprecedented surge of catastrophic flash floods, with over 500 reports across 34 states and at least five separate 1-in-1,000-year rainfall events.

These disasters have claimed more than 140 lives, displaced thousands, and shattered rainfall records from Texas to New Mexico, North Carolina, and Illinois.

Flash Flood Tragedies Across America

San Antonio, Texas – June 12
Urban flash flooding overwhelmed drainage systems after 6–8 inches of rain fell in a single night.

  • 13 fatalities, including 11 at Beitel Creek
  • Dozens rescued from flooded apartments near I-35 and I-10
  • Marked the wettest June day on record for San Antonio

Hill Country, Texas – July 4 & July 13
A stationary thunderstorm dumped up to 20 inches of rain on July 4, causing the Guadalupe River to surge over 26 feet in 45 minutes. Search operations suspended on July 13 due to renewed flooding and rising river levels

  • 129 confirmed deaths statewide, including 96 in Kerr County (36 children, 60 adults). ABC has a tribute for some of those who didn’t make it.
  • 170+ people remain missing, including 5 campers from Camp Mystic
  • Flags across Texas are flying at half-staff
  • Federal disaster declaration activated; recovery hampered by heat, debris, and new storms

San Gabriel River, Texas – July 5
Torrential overnight rains dumped up to 15 inches across Williamson County, triggering riverine flooding.

  • San Gabriel River crested at 29.7 feet, far above the 9-foot flood stage
  • 11 fatalities, but possibly a dozen people remain missing as of July 7th. Nearly a hundred were rescued
  • FEMA assistance approved; local disaster declaration extended

Central North Carolina – July 6
Tropical Storm Chantal brought torrential rain to inland counties.

  • 8 fatalities, including an 83-year-old woman and two boaters on Jordan Lake
  • Over 100 water rescues in Durham and Chapel Hill
  • Eno River rose 20 feet in 4 hours, breaking all-time flood records
  • Multiple counties under states of emergency; 120+ roads closed

Ruidoso, New Mexico – July 8
Flash floods struck a wildfire-scarred mountain town, with the Rio Ruidoso rising 20 feet in 30 minutes.

  • 3 confirmed deaths, including two children
  • 200–400 homes damaged, one swept away entirely
  • Federal aid en route; shelter and mental health support available

Chicago, Illinois – July 8
A stalled thunderstorm unleashed 5.45 inches of rain in 90 minutes, overwhelming West Side infrastructure.

  • No fatalities reported, but widespread damage and water rescues
  • Major intersections and viaducts submerged, including Kinzie & Ashland
  • Portions of the Dan Ryan Expressway shut down during peak commuting hours

Ways Scouts Can Take Action

Scouts may not be able to donate money, but they can still make a meaningful difference. Here are concrete, age-appropriate actions that support recovery and build future resilience:

If near the area: Coordinate Supply Donations

Before collecting items, contact a trusted organization to confirm needs and delivery instructions.

Hill County, TX

  • ABC13 Houston is keeping a list of locations you can drop off supplies for the Hill County flood response. The Salvation Army Kroc Center in Kerrville is pausing the acceptance of supplies, but others outside of Kerrville are still accepting donations.
  • Austin Pets Alive! is helping displaced animals and welcomes donations of pet supplies.

Chicago, Illinois

  • No active donation portals have been announced by the city or major nonprofits specifically for this flood as of July 11th, 2025.

Central North Carolina

Ruidoso, New Mexico

  • El Paso Times has several drop off locations listed for supplies for the Ruidoso, New Mexico flood response. KRQE is also keeping a list of locations.
  • The Community Foundation of Lincoln County is collecting monetary donations to support victims of flooding and natural disasters for the Ruidoso, New Mexico flood response.

Thoughtful Alternatives for Scout Engagement

  • Go Green For Flood Victims – Join a movement to honor all who have fallen victim to flash floods by tying a 3-foot length of green ribbon around a tree, mailbox, or porch post.
  • Assemble Flood Recovery Kits – Scouts can create cleaning kits with gloves, masks, soap, and mildew remover, just like the “Flood Bucket” project at the national jamboree. Coordinate with local relief groups to ensure kits meet safety and cultural standards.
  • Kindness in Action Challenge – Invite scouts to do small acts of care in their daily lives, like making cards for affected families or helping neighbors clean up their yards. Frame it as helping rebuild hope, one gesture at a time.
  • Flood Safety Awareness Board – Older scouts can help create a display for schools or libraries about what to do during floods, focusing on preparedness, not trauma.
  • Scout Care Packs – If you are able to send items to the affected areas, assemble comfort kits with books, toys, and handwritten notes for children who lost their belongings. Let scouts pick a theme like “Rainbows After the Storm.” Check with the organization you are sending them to for needs before starting a project like this.
  • Honor Through Helping – Organize a “Scout Service Day” in memory of the Camp Mystic campers, where scouts do a good deed in their honor: plant flowers, pick up litter, or clean a trail.

Promote Preparedness & Kindness

  • Design Emergency Plan Templates – Help families prepare for future disasters.
  • Start a Kindness Challenge – Encourage scouts to support their communities with a focus on helping neighbors clean up, offering comfort, or checking on pets.
  • Earn an Emergency Preparedness Fun Patch – Learn about emergencies in your area and how to be prepared. Ensure all troop members know. For those who want to dive deep into preparedness, a patch program like the Be Prepared, Not Scared series may be helpful.

Trusted Resources for Learning More

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Scouts

Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
(Not an official GSUSA Group)

This is a supportive Facebook community for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scout leaders. Whether you’re seeking advice, fresh ideas, or meeting plans, you’re in the right place! Let’s inspire each other, share our experiences, and make every troop meeting a memorable adventure.

for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Scouts

Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
(Not an official GSUSA Group)

This is a supportive community for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scout leaders. This group offers solutions to keep older scouts engaged in scouting amidst their busy lives. Share strategies, tackle challenges, and exchange ideas for fun, meaningful activities that resonate with teens and build lasting connections.

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References

Tia Kennard

2 responses to “Advocate – Support Flood-Affected Communities”

  1. Go Green for Flood Victims – The Badge Archive Avatar
    Go Green for Flood Victims – The Badge Archive

    […] This movement quickly gained momentum, with other communities and organizations joining in. Learn more about three recent Flash Floods in the U.S. […]

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  2. Advocacy – The Badge Archive Avatar
    Advocacy – The Badge Archive

    […] Support Flood Affected Communities […]

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