LATEST UPDATE: Texas Camp Counselor Opens Prayer Box Left by 2 Missing Girls — Finds Old Photo Torn in Half, With One Message on Back

In a heart-wrenching development in the ongoing search for survivors of the catastrophic flash floods that struck Central Texas on July 4, 2025, a camp counselor at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls, discovered a prayer box left behind by two missing campers. Inside the box, the counselor found an old photograph torn in half, with a single message scrawled on the back, offering a poignant clue in the search for the girls. This article explores the details of this discovery, the context of the devastating floods, the ongoing rescue efforts, and the emotional weight of this new lead in the tragedy that has gripped the nation.

The Devastation at Camp Mystic

On July 4, 2025, Central Texas was ravaged by flash floods triggered by torrential rains, with the Guadalupe River rising over 20 feet in less than two hours. The floods claimed at least 121 lives, with 173 individuals still missing as of July 11, 2025, according to authorities. Camp Mystic, located along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, was among the hardest-hit areas, with 27 campers and counselors confirmed dead and five girls and one counselor still unaccounted for. The nearly century-old Christian summer camp, which hosted 750 girls aged 7 to 17, was left in ruins, with cabins destroyed, personal belongings scattered, and families across Texas reeling from the loss.

The discovery of the prayer box adds a new layer of emotional complexity to the search, which has already been marked by stories of heroism, grief, and resilience. As rescue teams continue to comb through debris-laden riverbanks and treacherous terrain, this finding has renewed focus on the missing girls and the hope of uncovering their fate.

The Prayer Box Discovery

On July 10, 2025, a Camp Mystic counselor, whose identity has not been disclosed, was assisting with cleanup efforts when they found a small prayer box among the debris near the camp’s recreation hall. Prayer boxes are a tradition at Camp Mystic, where campers write down prayers, hopes, or messages and place them in decorated boxes as part of the camp’s spiritual activities. This particular box, believed to belong to two missing girls, contained a torn photograph and a cryptic message written on the back.

The photograph, described as old and weathered, depicted two young girls—presumed to be the missing campers—smiling together at what appears to be a previous Camp Mystic session. The photo was torn in half, with one half missing, suggesting it may have been damaged in the flood or deliberately split. On the back of the remaining half, a single message was written in a child’s handwriting: “We’re still here.” The message has sent chills through the camp community and search teams, raising questions about whether it was written before or during the flood and whether it could indicate the girls’ survival.

Authorities have not released the names of the two girls to protect their families’ privacy, but sources indicate they are among the five campers still missing from Camp Mystic. The prayer box and its contents have been handed over to investigators, who are analyzing the photograph and message for clues about the girls’ location or condition. The discovery has also prompted renewed searches in the area where the box was found, with drones and K9 units deployed to scour the riverbed and surrounding woods.

The Emotional Impact

The discovery of the prayer box has struck a deep chord with the Camp Mystic community and beyond. For families of the missing, the message “We’re still here” offers a glimmer of hope, though tempered by the grim reality of the ongoing search. Parents, former campers, and counselors have taken to social media to share their grief and support, with many describing the prayer box as a symbol of the camp’s tight-knit community and the faith that has sustained it through this tragedy.

One former camper, posting on X, wrote, “Camp Mystic was a place of joy, where we wrote prayers and dreams in those boxes. To think two girls left this message behind—it breaks my heart but also gives me hope they’re out there.” The camp’s tradition of prayer boxes, often filled with messages of kindness and compassion, underscores the values that have made Camp Mystic a beloved institution for nearly a century.

Ongoing Search Efforts

The search for the missing girls and counselor remains a race against time. Rescue operations, involving over 1,000 state responders, 14 helicopters, and 12 drones, have been hampered by rugged terrain, downed power lines, and spotty cellphone service. The Guadalupe River, swollen by up to 15 inches of rain in some areas, has left behind piles of debris, making it difficult to locate survivors or remains. The brief cell phone signal detected on July 10 near the riverbed, which lasted 17 seconds, further intensified efforts in that area, and the prayer box discovery has now focused attention on the recreation hall vicinity.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has vowed to continue the search “until every missing person is accounted for,” with federal support from agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard and FEMA. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha emphasized the community’s resolve, stating, “We will not stop until every single person is found.” However, the lack of a robust flood warning system in Kerr County has drawn scrutiny, with reports indicating that officials had been denied funding for such a system prior to the disaster.

Stories of Loss and Resilience

The floods have left an indelible mark on Central Texas, with Kerr County reporting 96 deaths, including 30 children. Among the victims are young campers like 8-year-old Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, twin sisters from Dallas, and 9-year-old Lila Bonner, whose families have shared heartfelt tributes to their joy and spirit. Camp Mystic’s director, Richard “Dick” Eastland, also perished while attempting to save campers, a testament to the bravery displayed during the crisis.

Survivor stories have also emerged, highlighting the courage of campers and counselors. Some girls were helicoptered to safety, while others climbed to higher ground or took refuge in a rec hall loft. One counselor reportedly led campers in song and prayer as floodwaters rose, a moment that has become a symbol of hope amid the tragedy.

Implications of the Prayer Box

The message in the prayer box, “We’re still here,” raises profound questions. If written before the flood, it could reflect the girls’ faith or a playful note from their time at camp. If written during or after the flood, it could suggest they survived the initial deluge and left the box as a sign of their presence. Investigators are examining the ink, paper, and condition of the photograph to determine its age and context, but the torn photo and missing half complicate the analysis.

The discovery has also sparked discussions about the emotional toll on survivors and rescuers. The prayer box, a symbol of Camp Mystic’s traditions, now carries the weight of loss and the faint hope of survival. Community members have called for continued prayers, with vigils held in Dallas, Houston, and Austin, where many Camp Mystic families reside.

Looking Ahead

As the search continues, the prayer box serves as both a clue and a reminder of the human cost of the July 4 floods. The message “We’re still here” resonates as a call to keep searching, even as hopes of finding survivors dim. The tragedy has prompted broader conversations about disaster preparedness, with critics pointing to the lack of sirens or adequate warning systems in Kerr County. Proposals for “old-tech” sirens combined with modern alerts are now being considered to prevent future losses.

For now, the Camp Mystic community and the families of the missing girls cling to the message in the prayer box, holding onto the possibility that it could lead to answers. As rescue teams sift through debris and volunteers support grieving families, the torn photograph and its haunting message stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of the “Mystic Girls” and the community’s resolve to find them.