Hi, I’m Jack Guenther, founder of Texas Wake Academy, a water sports day camp in the Texas Hill Country. Running this camp is my passion—but this summer’s floods have put its future at risk.

I grew up on Lake LBJ, falling in love with watersports as a kid. Now, as a husband and father of three boys, I started Texas Wake Academy to share that same joy and confidence with the next generation. Each summer, my staff and I teach hundreds of kids to wakeboard and wakesurf, and I’ve been blessed to watch many grow from nervous beginners to skilled competitors—and, even more importantly, grow as individuals on and off the water.

This summer has been heartbreaking. Historic flooding and unsafe water conditions forced us to cancel multiple weeks of camp. Even after the floodwaters receded, debris and high bacteria levels kept the lake closed. As a small, seasonal business, losing those weeks has been a huge blow.

My staff, mostly college students, lost paychecks they rely on for tuition and living expenses. Meanwhile, I’m still responsible for insurance, equipment loans, repairs, and storage fees, even as our income has vanished.

I was hesitant to ask for help because my family is safe and we suffered only minimal physical damage. But with each week of lost income, the reality hits harder: I might lose the camp I’ve poured my heart into—and the chance to keep sharing the lake I love with the families who return year after year.

I’m seeking support to replace lost staff wages, pay loans, cover expenses, and repair boats and gear for next season.

If you’re able to help, it would mean the world to me, my team, and the kids who love this camp. Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story and support us.

— Jack Guenther

Texas Wake Academy

texaswakeacademy.com