Devastating Flooding Strikes Camp Mystic: How a Night of Terror Impacted Young Girls

The Fourth of July morning arrived with a chilling weather alert: flash flooding was set to hit Kerr County, Texas. Camp Mystic, a beloved all-girls camp nestled beside the Guadalupe River, was in the storm’s path, hosting around 750 campers. The girls, including many as young as 7, started their day in cabins filled with excitement about their summer adventures.

For Lucy Kennedy, a 10-year-old camper, the day began with eerie thunder that shattered the camp’s usual calm. “Just relax and go back to sleep,” the counselors reassured them. Yet as the storm intensified, Lucy felt an unsettling intuition that something was amiss.

Inside Cozy Cabin, the atmosphere quickly shifted. Camp photographer Nancy Clement noticed ominous water creeping onto the porch, and within Bug House, counselor Laney Owens woke to water pooling on the floor. The alarming trend prompted urgent action—counselors rallied, moving girls from their cabins to safety zones.

Despite an absence of cell phone alerts due to camp rules, the severity of the flooding soon became undeniable. Evacuation began under the cover of darkness, with counselors assisting young girls through chest-deep waters, guided by bravery and a desperate need to protect.

As the chaos unfolded, the storm’s fury turned the camp into a scene of waterlogged beds and frightened campers. At the recreation hall, hundreds huddled in dim light, their belongings drenched. With singing and prayer, they sought comfort amid the turmoil.

Many counselors recalled that sense of hope; laughter and songs offered a distraction from the rising floodwaters. Remote rescue efforts began as helicopters scanned the area. Parents waited anxiously for news, praying for the safety of their daughters.

Days later, the grim reality settled in: over 27 campers and counselors lost their lives in the storm. This tragedy shook not just the camp community but also friends and family far and wide. The historical significance of Camp Mystic, nearly a century old, was overshadowed by a day filled with sorrow and loss.

A vigil honored those who perished, with families coming together to heal as they recalled joyful summer memories. While new data about weather patterns and flood readiness emerge, communities remain heartbroken, grappling with questions about safety and preparedness for such unforeseen disasters. In a world facing more extreme weather, the lessons learned at Camp Mystic serve as both a reminder of vulnerability and the resilience of human kindness.

As memories of laughter and light linger in the hearts of those involved, the phrase “Be Ye Kind, One to Another” holds ever more profound meaning, echoing through the lives of everyone connected to this beloved camp.

For more on community and climate resilience, visit the No Climate Crisis Initiative.

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