Torrential Texas Floods Ravage Historic Girls’ Camp, Leaving Generations Grieving
New York, N.Y. — In the predawn hours of July 4, 2025, a catastrophic flood swept through the storied grounds of Camp Mystic, a revered Texas institution attended for nearly a century by the daughters of the state’s political elite.
As the Guadalupe River surged more than 20 feet above flood stage in less than two hours, tragedy struck the heart of a community bound by tradition, faith, and generational ties. The disaster claimed dozens of lives, left many missing, and forever altered the legacy of a camp that shaped leaders and families across Texas and beyond.
A Night of Terror on the Guadalupe River
The serenity of Camp Mystic—a private, Christian summer retreat nestled in the Texas Hill Country—was shattered when torrential rains triggered a flash flood before dawn on July 4, 2025.
More than 700 children, ages 7 to 17, were present when the river burst its banks, inundating cabins and sweeping away entire structures with little warning.
The youngest campers, some just eight or nine years old, were sleeping in cabins less than 225 feet from the river’s edge.
Within 90 minutes, water levels soared, trapping children and counselors in the low-lying junior section of the camp, while older campers, situated on higher ground, watched in horror as the disaster unfolded below.
By sunrise, the devastation was unmistakable. Helicopter images revealed shattered cabins, personal belongings strewn across muddy fields, and the remnants of a community built over generations now unrecognizable.
A Storied Institution, Now in Mourning
Founded in 1926, Camp Mystic has long been a summer destination for the daughters of Texas’s political and social elite.
Its alumni include the granddaughters and great-granddaughters of President Lyndon B. Johnson, former First Lady Laura Bush—who served as a counselor—and the children of governors, senators, and business leaders.
For many families, Camp Mystic is more than a camp; it is a rite of passage. Generations return each summer to forge friendships, deepen faith, and participate in traditions that have shaped Texas’s civic and cultural life. The camp’s ethos—rooted in Christian values, outdoor adventure, and leadership—has produced a network of alumni who have gone on to serve in public office, philanthropy, and business.
Lives Lost, Heroes Remembered
As of July 6, at least 70 people have been confirmed dead in the region, including 21 children. Eleven campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic remain missing, their families clinging to hope as search and rescue operations continue.
Among those lost is Dick Eastland, the camp’s longtime director and co-owner, who died while attempting to save campers from the surging waters.
Eastland, who led the camp with his wife since 1974, is remembered as a mentor and father figure to generations of campers.
His sacrifice has been hailed by former campers, counselors, and public officials alike.
The names of the missing and deceased—such as Sarah Marsh, Janie Hunt, Lila Bonner, and Eloise Peck, all between eight and nine years old—underscore the profound loss felt by families across Texas and beyond.
Community Response and the Road Ahead
Texas Governor Greg Abbott visited the site, describing scenes of devastation “unlike anything I’ve seen in any natural disaster.” He pledged that “we won’t stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins.” Disaster declarations have been issued for nearly two dozen counties as first responders and volunteers continue the search amid the threat of further rain.
Families, alumni, and faith communities have rallied to support survivors and honor the memory of those lost. Social media has become a space for prayers, remembrances, and calls for action to ensure such a tragedy never recurs. The camp’s future remains uncertain, but its legacy—of resilience, leadership, and community—endures.
The Enduring Legacy of Camp Mystic
For nearly a century, Camp Mystic has been a crucible for character, leadership, and lifelong friendships. Its impact resonates through the stories of those who attended, led, and loved the camp. As the community mourns, it also reflects on what it means to belong to something larger than oneself—a tradition that, even in tragedy, binds generations together.
The flood of July 4, 2025, will be remembered not only for its devastation but also for the courage, compassion, and unity it inspired among those connected to this remarkable institution.
Audio Summary (75 words)
In the early hours of July 4, 2025, a catastrophic flood devastated Camp Mystic, a historic Texas girls’ camp attended by generations of the state’s political elite. The tragedy claimed dozens of lives, including children and the camp’s director, and left many missing. As families and alumni mourn, the community rallies in grief and solidarity, reflecting on the camp’s profound legacy and the enduring bonds forged on its storied grounds.
