Camp Mystic, a cherished 99-year-old Christian summer camp for girls located in the scenic Texas Hill Country, faced a tragic turn of events this week as catastrophic flooding impacted the region. On Friday morning, the Guadalupe River experienced severe flash flooding, leading to the distressing news that at least 20 children from the camp are currently missing.
Founded in 1926, Camp Mystic has been a nurturing environment for girls, operating two picturesque sites along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas. The camp prides itself on fostering spiritual growth and helping campers develop essential personal qualities and self-esteem. According to its official website, Camp Mystic encourages its attendees to “be a better person for being at Mystic” and to “let Mystic bring out the best in them.” The camp's emphasis on building lifelong friendships within a “wholesome Christian atmosphere” is a cornerstone of its mission.
This week, Camp Mystic was hosting around 750 campers when the rapid onset of flooding struck. The devastating flash floods have already claimed at least 24 lives in the surrounding Texas Hill Country. Although the identities of the deceased and missing individuals have not yet been officially disclosed, numerous families have taken to local Facebook groups to express their concerns, sharing that they have received distressing calls from safety officials regarding the whereabouts of their daughters.
In response to the crisis, Camp Mystic communicated with parents via email, reassuring them that any child not contacted directly by the camp's staff is accounted for. This message aims to alleviate some of the anxiety faced by families during this harrowing time.
The current proprietors of Camp Mystic, Dick and Tweety Eastland, have been dedicated to the camp since 1974. The camp has remained within the same family for generations, with roots tracing back to the 1930s. A promotional video on the Camp Mystic website showcases the expansive campus by the river, featuring joyful scenes of girls engaging in activities such as swimming, rowing, horseback riding, and tennis.
The flash flooding began around 4 a.m. on Friday, following heavy rain that night, which caused the Guadalupe River to swell dangerously. The speed of the water's rise overwhelmed local officials, preventing timely evacuation orders. “This happened very quickly, over a very short period of time, that could not be predicted, even with the radar,” stated Dalton Rice, the city manager for Kerrville, the county seat. “This occurred in less than two hours.”
Reports indicate that bodies have been discovered in vehicles swept away from upstream locations. By Friday evening, the river had crested in Kerrville and Comfort, but downstream areas, including near Spring Branch, were expected to reach peak levels by early Saturday. The National Weather Service has projected a crest of 37.2 feet in these regions, marking it as a moderate flood stage.
As the community rallies together to support those affected, the legacy of Camp Mystic remains a beacon of hope and resilience amid this tragic event.
