The recent flooding in the Texas Hill Country has led to the heartbreaking loss of 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic, a renowned summer camp that has served generations of Texas families. This tragedy has not only claimed lives but has also brought national attention to Camp Mystic, known as a cherished institution for young girls across Texas and beyond. As floodwaters ravaged the area, over 100 lives have been confirmed lost, with 160 individuals still unaccounted for as of Tuesday.
For nearly a century, Camp Mystic has been the quintessential summer camp for daughters of Texans, offering two four-week sessions and one two-week session during the summer. Its popularity is such that fathers have been known to call the camp registrar directly from hospital delivery rooms to secure a spot for their newborn daughters. Spanning more than 700 acres, Camp Mystic is often described as an all-girls Christian camp, although many would argue that its religious aspects are overstated. The camp has long been a sanctuary for families seeking to escape the oppressive heat of the Texas lowlands, nestled along the picturesque Guadalupe River.
With half of Camp Mystic now in ruins, devastated by the floodwaters, the atmosphere has dramatically shifted from joyous laughter and singing to the sounds of chainsaws and heavy machinery. In the wake of this disaster, 19 state agencies and thousands of volunteers have mobilized for search and recovery operations along the river, sifting through debris to locate the personal belongings of the campers. Tragically, no one has been rescued alive from the river since Friday, and the focus now lies heavily on recovery.
The camp's director, Richard “Dick” Eastland, a fourth-generation owner of Camp Mystic, tragically died while trying to save five girls during the flood. This loss has deeply touched many, including Claudia Sullivan, an author who captured the spirit of the camp in her memoir, Heartfelt: A Memoir of Camp Mystic Inspirations. “To know that they were there, having the time of their life, that they were innocent, and then to be taken away in such a tragic event – it takes you to your knees,” Sullivan expressed, encapsulating the grief felt by many.
Many alumni of Camp Mystic have expressed their sorrow and reluctance to discuss the camp’s reputation during this tragic time. As noted in a Texas Monthly article, Camp Mystic has served as a “near-flawless training ground for archetypal Texas women,” with notable alumni including former First Lady Laura Bush and the descendants of several Texas governors. Despite its characterization as a “Christian camp,” Sullivan clarifies that Camp Mystic is a private camp for girls that embraces Christian values while welcoming individuals from diverse beliefs.
The outpouring of support from the community following this tragic event has been overwhelming. A memorial service held in San Antonio brought together those mourning the loss of the “Mystic girls,” who were remembered fondly by all who attended. At the peak of the summer season, Camp Mystic hosts around 750 girls, making up more than half of Hunt's population of about 1,300. The loss has been felt deeply not only in the camp but also in nearby towns like Ingram, where emergency responders and volunteers are tirelessly working to recover those still missing.
John Sheffield, owner of Ingram’s Ole Ingram Grocery, remarked on the unity shown in the recovery efforts, stating, “This is Americans taking care of Americans. There’s been such a tremendous outpouring of support and compassion.” Local leaders, including Ingram’s mayor and state representatives, are actively involved in recovery operations, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to support families affected by this catastrophic event.
Compounding the tragedy are the controversial remarks made by former board member Sade Perkins, who labeled Camp Mystic as a “whites only” conservative Christian camp. Many, including parents and community leaders, have rejected these characterizations, focusing instead on the human loss and the need for support. Richard Vela, whose daughter was evacuated from a nearby camp, emphasized the importance of compassion over divisive rhetoric during such a time of mourning.
As the community of Camp Mystic and surrounding areas begin the long road to recovery, there is a shared hope that Camp Mystic will be rebuilt. “It’s a place of joy and innocence – or was,” Sullivan reflects, capturing the spirit of a beloved summer camp that will forever hold a cherished place in the hearts of many.
