When Disaster Struck, One Young Woman Stepped Up

In the early hours of what should have been an ordinary summer morning, chaos erupted at Camp Mystic—a beloved Christian girls’ summer camp tucked away along the Guadalupe River near Kerrville, Texas. A catastrophic flash flood engulfed the area with terrifying speed, leaving destruction, heartbreak, and unimaginable loss in its wake.

But in the middle of the devastation, a story of extraordinary courage emerged—and her name is Emma Foltz.

While floodwaters swept through the campgrounds, Emma, a college senior and long-time counselor at Camp Mystic, saved 14 campers’ lives, guiding them to safety through darkness, water, and fear. Her quick thinking and selfless bravery have turned her into a symbol of hope and heroism during one of Texas’ most tragic natural disasters in recent memory.

A Deadly Flash Flood Hits Texas

The floods that struck Kerr County and surrounding regions in early July have claimed the lives of at least 81 people across six counties. With rivers overflowing, homes swept away, and entire communities upended, President Donald Trump officially declared Kerr County a major disaster zone.

Camp Mystic, usually filled with laughter and the sounds of summer fun, became a scene of heartbreak. According to camp officials, 27 campers and counselors have been confirmed dead, with others still missing. Families are reeling. Rescue teams are searching. The entire community is grieving.

In a statement released on the camp’s website, the message was clear:
“Our hearts are broken… we are praying for the missing girls and are working closely with authorities to bring answers to families.”

Video : Camp Mystic campers, counselors among over 80 killed in Texas floods

A Flood That Came Without Warning

Amanda Sue Jones, a survivor of the flood, described the event as nothing short of horrifying in an interview with CNN.

“In a matter of minutes… lights came on, and then campers were just being washed away,” she recalled. “It wasn’t chaos at first. It seemed fine. But when the water crept out of the banks… it became like a wall coming for us.”

Many residents had little to no warning. One moment, everything seemed calm. The next, cabins were submerged, vehicles floated like paper boats, and survival became the only focus.

The Girl Who Didn’t Run—She Rescued

In that terrifying moment, Emma Foltz didn’t panic. She acted.

A counselor at Camp Mystic for three years and a senior at Louisiana Tech University, Emma was responsible for a cabin of young girls—children who trusted her, looked up to her, and depended on her.

As the floodwaters rose and confusion spread, Emma sprang into action. She organized the girls, calmed their fears, and led them to higher ground—one by one, two by two, making sure every camper in her care made it to safety.

In total, she helped evacuate 14 young girls from danger.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry publicly recognized her bravery, writing on social media:
“She played an instrumental role in helping evacuate 14 of her campers to safety. Please join me in thanking Emma for all her hard work and bravery under immense pressure.”

Social Media Calls Her What She Is: A Hero

The internet didn’t hesitate. Comments flooded in from across the country, calling Emma everything from “brave” to “a blessing.”

One comment read, “You saved 14 little girls’ lives, and that can never be repaid.”
Another said, “God bless this wonderful, brave, and amazing young lady.”

And many more echoed a single word:
Hero.

Who Is Emma Foltz?

Born and raised in Alexandria, Louisiana, Emma is no stranger to leadership and compassion. At Louisiana Tech, she’s known for her involvement, kindness, and maturity beyond her years. But nothing could have prepared her for what unfolded at Camp Mystic that night.

Yet she didn’t hesitate. She didn’t freeze. She did what true leaders do: she protected those in her care, even when the odds were stacked against her.

Video : Louisiana governor recognizes Camp Mystic counselor for heroic efforts

Honoring Courage in the Face of Loss

While the tragedy of the Texas floods continues to unfold—with rescue crews still working tirelessly to find the missing—it’s vital to also honor the moments of strength that shine through the darkness.

Emma’s actions likely prevented a much greater loss of life at Camp Mystic. Fourteen families will be able to hug their daughters tonight because of her. Fourteen girls will carry a lifelong memory of the counselor who never left their side.

And while Emma has humbly stepped away from the spotlight, many hope her home state—and the nation—will recognize her heroic actions in a meaningful way.

A Reminder of the Power of One Person

In a world that often feels chaotic and divided, stories like Emma’s remind us of something simple and true: one person can make all the difference.

Disasters will come. Storms will rise. But as long as there are people like Emma Foltz—people who act selflessly, lead fearlessly, and love fiercely—we will always find reasons to hope.

May her story inspire all of us to lead with courage, even when we’re scared. To serve, even when it’s hard. And to show up for others, even in the middle of the storm.

Because sometimes, the most heroic thing you can do… is simply not give up.