The Texas Hill Country has been struck by unimaginable tragedy as a beloved Christian summer camp, Camp Mystic, reels from a deadly flash flood that swept down the Guadalupe River early Friday morning. Known for nearly a century as a serene sanctuary where generations of girls forged lifelong friendships and spiritual growth, Camp Mystic was plunged into chaos and grief as water surged through its grounds, catching hundreds off guard in the pre-dawn darkness.
With 750 children present at the time, the camp faced a catastrophic natural disaster that has since left 27 girls unaccounted for. Rescue efforts are ongoing, as families across Texas and beyond hold onto hope, anxiously waiting for news.
The event, which unfolded with terrifying speed, has already claimed the lives of at least 51 people across the state, including 15 children and a camp director. While the full scope of devastation is still being uncovered, the emotional toll is already searing its mark on families and communities.
A Century of Summer Memories Shattered
Founded in 1926, Camp Mystic has long been nestled along two stretches of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, surrounded by cypress, pecan, and live oak trees. Each summer, the camp hosts hundreds of girls who engage in canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, dancing, and worship in a deeply spiritual environment.
With its mission rooted in Christian values, Camp Mystic sought to provide more than just recreation. It aimed to build character, confidence, and community among young girls, many of whom would return year after year.
For many families, sending their daughters to Mystic was a tradition — a rite of passage passed down through generations. Videos on the camp’s website show happy girls playing in rivers, learning new skills, and celebrating in unison, all clad in matching T-shirts and wide smiles. It is this image — of innocence and joy — that now stands in painful contrast to the somber aftermath of the flash Flood in Texas.
On Friday morning, sometime around 4 a.m., everything changed. Torrential rain overnight had swelled the Guadalupe River beyond its limits. Within 90 minutes, the water surged by more than 20 feet, catching the region by surprise and leaving no time for proper evacuation. The peaceful riverbanks became a dangerous torrent, tearing through cabins and sweeping away vehicles and campers alike.
Please do not victim shame: This is what a Texas hill Country flash flood looks like. pic.twitter.com/3m5VcvJHCY
— Houston Flood (@houston_flood) July 5, 2025
Search-and-rescue teams quickly mobilized, joined by volunteers and local officials. Some parents were informed their daughters had survived, while others were left in agonizing silence. Camp Mystic attempted to reassure families, stating that if they had not been contacted, their daughters were safe. But as hours turned to days, the list of those unaccounted for remained long.
Families in Anguish, Communities in Mourning
Among the missing are girls whose parents have already come forward, speaking to local media and confirming their worst fears. Two such families are those of Lila Bonner and Janie Hunt, both from Dallas. Their mothers shared their devastation with NBC 5, each describing their daughters as bright, spirited, and full of promise. “We are just devastated,” said Janie’s mother, her voice heavy with sorrow.
Local Facebook groups quickly became hubs for information, with families posting updates and pleading for help. Dozens shared that they had been contacted by safety officials and told that their children were still missing. Others asked for prayers, and some offered support to those in the throes of grief.
The emotional ripple has spread far beyond the campgrounds. In nearby Bexar County, the superintendent of Alamo Heights Independent School District, Dana Bashara, released a statement acknowledging the loss felt by students and families in her community. She noted that many students were either at Camp Mystic or attending other camps along the Guadalupe River when the flood struck.
“The ripple effects of this loss will be felt across our entire community,” Bashara said. “Many of our students experienced the fear and trauma of yesterday’s events first-hand.” The district is working with the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas and Alamo Heights Baptist Church to offer counseling services and emotional support to affected families.
In Kerrville, a reunification center has been established to aid families searching for missing loved ones. Officials emphasized that it is for individuals not connected with Camp Mystic, as the camp’s administration is handling their own direct communication with families of the 750 campers.
Flash Flood Nightmare: A Tragedy Beyond Prediction
Natural disasters are often unpredictable, but the flash flooding on Friday was particularly swift and merciless. According to Dalton Rice, the city manager for Kerrville, the water levels rose with such speed that even radar and emergency systems couldn’t forecast the danger in time. “This happened very quickly, over a very short period of time, that could not be predicted,” Rice explained.
Authorities reported that several bodies were found in vehicles washed downstream, highlighting just how treacherous the floodwaters were. While the river had crested in places like Kerrville and Comfort by Friday evening, downstream locations such as Spring Branch were still expecting their peak by Saturday, with water levels projected to rise to 37.2 feet — a level considered moderate flood stage by the National Weather Service.
This deadly flood adds to the toll of extreme weather events across Texas in recent years, raising questions about preparedness, infrastructure, and climate resilience. Yet, in this moment, the focus remains squarely on the missing — the 27 girls who were supposed to be enjoying one of the most carefree and formative times of their lives.
Camp Mystic’s tranquil grounds have now become a center of emergency activity. Search teams, including divers, canine units, and helicopters, continue to comb through debris, cabins, and the river itself. With time running against them, the rescue teams work day and night, driven by the hope that some of the girls may still be found alive.
An Enduring Spirit Amid Tragedy
The tragedy at Camp Mystic is heartbreaking not only for the lives lost but also for the dreams shattered. For nearly 100 years, the camp stood as a place of joy, renewal, and faith — qualities that are now tested in ways never imagined.
Despite the grim reality, the spirit of the Mystic community remains strong. Messages of hope, remembrance, and solidarity continue to pour in. Former campers from decades past have taken to social media to express their grief and support, recalling their own cherished memories and expressing love for the current generation of Mystic girls.
Local churches have held vigils, and strangers across Texas have offered shelter, food, and emotional support to those affected. The tragedy has also prompted renewed conversations about emergency protocols and weather monitoring for summer camps, especially those located near rivers and other vulnerable areas.
While the days ahead are filled with uncertainty, one thing is clear: the pain of this disaster will not soon fade, but neither will the resilience of the community. The families of the missing, the surviving campers, and the generations who passed through Camp Mystic will carry the memory of this moment forever.
And amid the mourning, there remains a flicker of hope — that the missing girls might still return, that answers will come, and that healing, however slow, will begin.