Camp Mystic Flooding: A Tragedy in Texas Hill Country

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A Summer Dream Turned Nightmare

Nestled along the serene banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, Camp Mystic has long been a cherished summer retreat for generations of girls. Founded in 1926, the Christian camp is known for its lush landscapes, rustic cabins, and a strong sense of community. Each summer, hundreds of girls between the ages of 7 and 17 gather to sing around campfires, kayak on the river, and build lifelong friendships.

But on the morning of July 4, 2025, that peaceful tradition was shattered by a catastrophic flash flood that swept through the campgrounds, leaving devastation in its wake. What was meant to be a joyful summer experience turned into a desperate search for survivors.

The Flood: Nature’s Fury Unleashed

The flooding began in the early hours of Friday morning, triggered by torrential rainfall that overwhelmed the Guadalupe River. According to meteorologists, the area received up to 12 inches of rain per hour, causing the river to rise 29 feet in less than two hours. The speed and intensity of the flood caught everyone off guard—including emergency services.

Camp Mystic was hosting 750 girls at the time, more than half the population of the small town of Hunt. The camp’s cabins, many of which were located near the river, were quickly inundated. Roads were washed out, power and Wi-Fi were lost, and communication with the outside world became nearly impossible.

Chaos and Courage: The Immediate Response

Camp staff scrambled to move campers to higher ground, but the floodwaters moved faster than anyone could have anticipated. Some cabins were swept away entirely. Others were submerged before evacuation could begin. In the chaos, at least 25 girls were reported missing, and more than two dozen fatalities have been confirmed across Kerr County.

Rescue teams, including Texas Game Wardens, National Guard units, and local law enforcement, launched a massive search-and-rescue operation. Helicopters, drones, and boats were deployed to comb the riverbanks and surrounding woods. Some survivors were found clinging to trees, while others were rescued from rooftops and vehicles swept downstream.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster for Kerr County and 14 other affected regions, vowing to use every available resource to locate the missing and support grieving families.

Camp Mystic: A Legacy Interrupted

Camp Mystic isn’t just any summer camp. It’s a cultural institution in Texas, with deep ties to the state’s political and social elite. Over the years, it has hosted the daughters of governors, senators, and even presidents. Former First Lady Laura Bush once served as a counselor there.

The camp’s mission is to foster spiritual growth, character development, and community among young girls. Activities range from Bible studies and sunrise communion services to horseback riding, ceramics, and swimming. The camp’s motto encourages girls to “be a better person for being at Mystic.”

But this summer, that legacy has been interrupted by tragedy. The camp’s directors, Dick and Tweety Eastland, who have been involved since the 1970s, sent a message to parents stating that they were working closely with rescue teams and that families of missing children had been contacted directly.

The Human Toll: Stories of Loss and Hope

Among the missing are girls as young as 8 and 9 years old, including Renee Smajstrla and Janie Hunt, whose bodies were later recovered. The camp’s beloved director, Jane Ragsdale, also lost her life in the flood. Her passing has been mourned widely, with tributes pouring in from former campers and staff who remember her as “the definition of strong and powerful”.

Social media has become a lifeline for families seeking updates. Facebook groups and local forums are filled with photos of missing campers, messages of support, and pleas for information. Former campers have shared memories of their time at Mystic, expressing heartbreak and solidarity with those affected.

Why It Happened: A Perfect Storm

Experts say the flooding was caused by a slow-moving weather system that dumped massive amounts of rain over central Texas. The Guadalupe River, already swollen from previous storms, couldn’t handle the additional volume. The result was a “deadly flood wave” that swept through Kerr County with terrifying speed.

City officials admitted that the flood was unpredictable, even with radar monitoring. Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said he had been jogging along the river just hours before the flood and saw no signs of danger. “Within a matter of minutes, it was up to 29 feet,” he said.

The region’s lack of a comprehensive flood warning system also contributed to the disaster. Many areas were underwater before emergency alerts could be issued.

The Aftermath: Searching for Answers

As of July 5, rescue efforts are still underway. More than 230 people have been rescued, and officials continue to search for the missing using every tool at their disposal. The National Weather Service has warned that downstream areas may still face rising water levels, and mandatory evacuations have been issued in several towns.

President Donald Trump has reportedly offered federal support, and state leaders have pledged to continue rescue operations “24/7” until every person is accounted for.

Meanwhile, Camp Mystic remains closed. Its grounds are damaged, its cabins destroyed, and its community shaken. But the spirit of the camp—its commitment to faith, friendship, and resilience—lives on in the hearts of those who have called it home.

A Call for Reflection

The Camp Mystic flooding is more than a natural disaster. It’s a wake-up call about the vulnerability of even the most cherished institutions. It’s a reminder of the power of nature, the importance of preparedness, and the strength of community.

As families mourn and search teams press on, the nation watches with heavy hearts. And while the river may have taken much, it cannot erase the memories, the love, and the legacy of Camp Mystic.

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