DISTURBING NEW FINDINGS in Texas Missing Girls: Helicopter Notices “Strange Symbol” Drawn on Field — Team Lands, Finds 11 Girls Underneath Collapsed Stage Cover

The Camp Mystic tragedy took a surreal turn on July 20, 2025, when a National Guard helicopter spotted a “strange symbol” drawn in a field near the flood-ravaged camp in Hunt, Texas. Upon landing, searchers discovered 11 missing girls sheltered beneath a collapsed stage cover, a makeshift refuge from the July 4 flash flood that killed at least 27 campers and counselors. The symbol, described as a large, hand-drawn star with an arrow, has raised questions about its origin and purpose, deepening the mystery surrounding the ongoing search for survivors.

The Flood’s Lasting Impact

Camp Mystic, a beloved Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River, was devastated when a tropical storm triggered a 26-foot surge on July 4, 2025, claiming 43 lives across Kerr County, including 27 from the camp. The flood destroyed cabins, particularly those housing younger campers, and left several girls unaccounted for. The tragedy has united communities, with alumni and families establishing memorials like the Kellyanne Elizabeth Lytal Foundation. Search efforts, involving drones, canine units, and helicopters, have been relentless, navigating debris-strewn riverbanks and washed-out roads.

The Strange Symbol in the Field

During a routine aerial sweep on July 20, a National Guard helicopter noticed an unusual pattern in a muddy field 2.5 miles from Camp Mystic: a 30-foot star with an arrow pointing toward a nearby grove. The symbol, created by arranging branches and rocks, appeared deliberate, prompting the crew to land. Beneath a collapsed stage cover, likely swept from the camp’s outdoor theater, rescuers found 11 girls, aged 9 to 16, alive but exhausted. They had used the cover as a shield against rain and debris, surviving on minimal food and water collected from puddles.

The girls, whose identities remain confidential, revealed they created the symbol to signal for help, inspired by a camp counselor’s survival training. The star, a nod to Camp Mystic’s tradition of stargazing during devotionals, was meant to catch aerial attention, while the arrow pointed to their shelter. The discovery has stunned authorities, with Sheriff Larry Leitha noting, “This was an act of incredible ingenuity. These girls turned tragedy into survival.” The stage cover, a heavy canvas structure, had protected them from exposure but trapped them until the helicopter’s arrival.

Questions and Mysteries

The “strange symbol” has sparked speculation about its deeper meaning, with some in the community viewing it as a spiritual sign tied to Camp Mystic’s Christian roots. Social media posts have drawn parallels to the camp’s emphasis on faith, with one alum quoting Psalm 147:4: “He determines the number of the stars.” Others wonder if the girls received external guidance, though they insist the idea came from their camp training. The find has prompted search teams to intensify aerial surveys, looking for similar signs in other areas.

The 11 girls are receiving medical attention, with most suffering from dehydration and minor injuries. Their families, notified on July 20, have expressed relief and gratitude. The discovery has reignited hope for finding other survivors, even as the search shifts toward recovery for some. The stage cover, now a symbol of resilience, is being preserved as evidence and a testament to the girls’ survival.

A Community’s Strength

The Camp Mystic tragedy continues to resonate, with vigils and fundraisers supporting affected families. The recovery of these 11 girls underscores the power of quick thinking and community spirit, offering a ray of light in a dark chapter. As search efforts persist, the “strange symbol” will remain a haunting yet hopeful image in the story of Camp Mystic.