In the heart of the Texas Hill Country, where summer memories are made under wide skies and tall cypress trees, a true act of bravery turned a potentially tragic moment into a story of courage and selflessness.
Last weekend, Camp Mystic counselor Emma Foltz became a local hero when rising floodwaters from a sudden storm threatened the safety of her cabin of 14 girls. With the Guadalupe River swelling rapidly after hours of heavy rain, Emma sprang into action without hesitation.
As the water rose, Emma’s only concern was the safety of her campers. Remaining calm and focused, she led the group through a careful and swift evacuation process. Carrying younger girls when needed and guiding others by hand, Emma navigated slippery paths and high water to bring everyone to higher ground. Her leadership, quick thinking, and compassion ensured that every camper reached safety without injury.
Parents, fellow counselors, and camp directors have since praised Emma for her heroism. “She didn’t wait to be told what to do—she just did it,” said Camp Mystic Director Laura Jamison. “Emma embodied everything a counselor should be: strong, calm, and completely devoted to her girls.”
Several of the campers’ parents have called her their daughters’ “guardian angel,” noting how Emma comforted frightened children and kept them smiling even in the most stressful moments.
Emma, a college student and second-year counselor, remains humble about the experience. “I just did what I hope anyone would’ve done,” she said. “Those girls are like family to me.”
Local first responders who later arrived on the scene commended Emma’s actions, saying her quick response made their job easier and may have prevented a much more dangerous situation.
In a world that often seems too full of chaos, Emma Foltz’s bravery is a shining example of what it means to lead with heart. Her actions not only kept 14 girls safe—they reminded us all that everyday heroes walk among us.
By Iflex9