TEXAS — A desperate search is underway in Kerr County after catastrophic flooding left at least 20 campers missing from a private Christian girls’ camp, triggering a statewide emergency response and calls for prayer and support from leaders and families.
Floodwaters Trap Campers, Disrupt Communication
The crisis unfolded at Camp Mystic, a summer camp for girls located near the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas. The Ingram Fire Department reported the camp had lost power, water, and WiFi, making contact with the outside world extremely difficult. Camp officials confirmed only the parents of missing campers were contacted, while search teams scrambled through damaged roads and harsh terrain.
Photos of missing girls have circulated widely on social media. Among them is Greta Toranzo, a student confirmed missing by the Sinclair Elementary School PTO, and the Wilson family from HTR TX Hill Country Campground in Kerrville. “Jeff is a teacher at Kingwood Park High School. We are told the family was headed to a youth rodeo for Shiloh when they went missing,” reported Click2Houston.
The Burgess family from Liberty was also reported missing — except for 8-year-old Jenna Burgess, who is now safe at a nearby camp.
Calls for Prayer and Action from Texas Leaders
At a press conference, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick made an emotional appeal:
“We will do everything humanly possible, 24/7,” he said, urging, “Serious praying — on your knees kind of praying — that we find these young girls.”
He repeated that message in a statement shared via AP News, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and pleading for support from the public.
Former Athlete and Local Camps Join Search Awareness
Former Houston Astros player Alex Bregman joined the search by posting about another missing girl on social media, adding to the public awareness and emotional momentum of the rescue effort.
Nearby Camp Waldemar issued a statement confirming that all of its campers and staff are “safe and sound,” according to Click2Houston.
Rescue Operations and Support Services Mobilized
Emergency responders — including Texas Game Wardens, the Red Cross, and Kerr County Sheriff’s Office — are actively involved in search and rescue operations, using boats and ground units to reach isolated areas. However, debris-filled roads and unstable terrain have slowed progress significantly.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about missing campers or family members to come forward. Reunification efforts are also underway for those already rescued.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Worry
The combination of emotional social media posts, uncertain weather, and limited camp infrastructure has left families and Texans across the state anxiously awaiting updates.
“I’m glued to the news hoping to see Greta or any of the other girls found safe,” said one concerned parent in a viral Facebook comment.
As of now, no fatalities have been confirmed, but the situation remains extremely fluid, with officials warning that the coming hours are critical.
What’s Next
The search will continue overnight and into the weekend, as rescue teams rotate shifts and supplies are brought in. Local volunteers and churches are also providing support in nearby shelters.
Are you or someone you know affected by the Texas flooding or connected to Camp Mystic? Share your story in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — where real families matter, from Illinois to Texas.
