A Night of Terror and Courage: The Flood at Camp Mystic
What began as a peaceful summer evening at Camp Mystic—girls chatting softly in their bunks, counselors finishing up headcounts, and the gentle murmur of the Guadalupe River nearby—quickly turned into a nightmare.
In mere minutes, the tranquil river transformed into a fierce, unforgiving torrent, swallowing cabins and sweeping away everything in its path. Amid the chaos, one name stood out: Emma Foltz.
Her quick thinking and fearless leadership didn’t just calm panic—they saved lives. But behind the accolades, a troubling question remains: Why was no warning given before the flood struck?
July 2025 — Kerrville, Texas
A devastating flash flood tore through parts of Texas, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least 81 lives across six counties. Among the hardest hit was Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ retreat nestled near the Guadalupe River. The camp has confirmed 27 deaths among campers and staff, with several others still missing.
The disaster was triggered by relentless rainfall that caused the Guadalupe River to swell and burst its banks, submerging cabins in minutes. In response, the federal government declared the area a major disaster zone, unlocking crucial resources to support rescue and recovery.
In the midst of heartbreak, a story of extraordinary courage has emerged. Emma Foltz, a counselor and senior at Louisiana Tech University, stood firm as floodwaters rose. Leading 14 girls to safety, Emma’s calm determination turned a potential tragedy into a story of survival.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry publicly praised Emma on X (formerly Twitter): “Emma’s brave actions saved 14 young lives. We are grateful for her courage.”
Camp Mystic issued a heartfelt message: “Our hearts are heavy. We ask for prayers and privacy as we navigate this painful loss. May God’s comfort be with us all.”
Survivor Amanda Sue Jones told CNN, “It was like a wall of water, so fast and fierce—we barely had time to react.” Despite monitoring water levels, the speed of the flood left the camp vulnerable.
Tributes to Emma flood social media, one user writing simply, “You saved 14 little girls. That is nothing short of heroic.”
As Kerrville mourns, Emma’s bravery shines as a beacon of hope—proof that even in devastation, courage can emerge to protect and uplift.
Conclusion
Texas faces one of its deadliest natural disasters in recent history, marked by loss, grief, and communities forever altered. Yet amid the sorrow at Camp Mystic, Emma Foltz’s heroic actions offer a powerful reminder: even when nature’s fury strikes without warning, human courage can create moments of salvation.
Her story—of calm resolve and selfless leadership—embodies the best of us. It reminds us that in the darkest hours, there are those who rise to shield others, whose actions inspire hope and resilience.
As the search continues and families seek answers, Emma’s legacy will endure—not just as a story of survival, but as a testament to humanity’s capacity for bravery in the face of overwhelming odds.