Introduction
On July 4, 2025, the serene beauty of the Texas Hill Country was shattered by catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River, transforming a joyous Independence Day into a day of tragedy. At the heart of this disaster was Camp Mystic, a beloved Christian summer camp for girls located in Hunt, Texas, in Kerr County. The unprecedented flooding, described as a “mass casualty event” by Texas officials, left at least 24 people dead and more than 20 campers unaccounted for, sending shockwaves through communities in Kerrville, Comfort, and beyond. This blog post delves into the events of the Kerrville flooding, the impact on Camp Mystic, the heroic rescue efforts, and the ongoing recovery process, while providing a comprehensive look at what happened in Texas during this devastating natural disaster.
The Setting: Camp Mystic and the Texas Hill Country
Nestled along the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, approximately 17 miles west of Kerrville, Camp Mystic is a nearly century-old institution known for fostering personal growth, spiritual development, and lifelong memories for girls aged 7 to 17. The camp, often referred to as Camp Mystic for Girls, is a cornerstone of the Texas summer camp tradition, attracting hundreds of campers each year from across the state, including North Texas, Houston, and San Antonio. Its mission, as stated on its official website, emphasizes three ideals: becoming a better person, bringing out the best in oneself, and growing spiritually.
The Texas Hill Country, with its rolling hills, clear rivers, and vibrant communities, is a popular destination for summer camps like Camp Mystic, Camp Waldemar, Camp La Junta, and Heart of the Hills Camp. The Guadalupe River, a lifeline for these camps, meanders through Kerr County, offering scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. However, its propensity for rapid flooding, especially in the region known as “Flash Flood Alley,” has long posed a risk, as evidenced by the devastating 1987 Guadalupe River flood that claimed 10 lives near Comfort, Texas.
The Catastrophe: Guadalupe River Flooding in Kerrville, TX
On the night of July 3, 2025, a low-pressure system stalled over Central Texas, unleashing torrential rains that overwhelmed the Guadalupe River basin. According to the National Weather Service, Hunt, Texas, received approximately 6.5 inches of rain in just three hours—a 1-in-100-year event—while some areas reported up to 15 inches overnight. The Guadalupe River, typically a tranquil waterway, surged dramatically, rising 26 feet in just 45 minutes in some areas and reaching a near-record crest of over 29 feet in Hunt, surpassing the levels of the 1987 flood.
The flooding began around 4:00 a.m. on July 4, catching residents and campers off guard as they slept. At 5:34 a.m., the National Weather Service issued a “particularly dangerous situation” warning for Kerr County, urging residents and campers in Hunt, Kerrville, and Center Point to seek higher ground immediately. The Guadalupe River’s rapid rise transformed Texas State Highway 39, which runs parallel to the river, into an extension of the river itself, sweeping away vehicles, cabins, and debris.
In Kerrville, the flooding caused widespread destruction, with homes and businesses inundated, windows shattered, and doors ripped off. Drone footage captured by KSAT 12 News showed the extent of the devastation, with floodwaters submerging bridges and roads. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office described the event as a “catastrophic flooding event,” urging residents to shelter in place and avoid travel.
The Impact on Camp Mystic
Camp Mystic, located along the South Fork of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, was at the epicenter of the disaster. The camp, hosting approximately 750 girls, was evacuated overnight as floodwaters encroached. However, the rapid onset of the flooding made complete evacuation challenging. By Friday afternoon, Acting Governor Dan Patrick reported that between 23 and 25 campers remained unaccounted for, sparking widespread concern among parents and the community.
The missing campers, including girls from North Texas such as Eloise Peck, Lila Bonner, and Hadley Hannah, prompted a massive search and rescue operation. Social media posts from the Sinclair Elementary PTO and other sources highlighted the anguish of families waiting for news, with one Houston ISD student among the missing. The camp’s cabins, some of which were reportedly swept away, underscored the severity of the flood’s impact.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry L. Leitha Jr. confirmed that the flooding had resulted in at least 24 fatalities countywide, with one additional death reported in neighboring Kendall County. The Texas Department of Public Safety labeled the event a “mass casualty event,” reflecting the scale of the tragedy.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
As the floodwaters raged, a coordinated response involving local, state, and federal agencies sprang into action. The Texas National Guard, Texas Task Force 1, and first responders from Bexar County and San Antonio mobilized to assist Kerr County. By the evening of July 4, 237 people had been rescued, with 167 airlifted by helicopter. Helicopters were seen making multiple trips to drop off rescued individuals, including children, at Ingram High School for medical evaluation.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Leitha, worked alongside Texas Game Wardens and other agencies to search for the missing campers. Drones, boats, and Swiftwater Rescue Technicians were deployed to scan the banks of the Guadalupe River, where debris and fallen trees complicated efforts. Kerrville’s Arcadia Live, originally a venue for Fourth of July celebrations, was repurposed as a reunification center for families.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who was out of state during the disaster, issued a statement emphasizing the state’s commitment to providing resources, including water rescue teams, sheltering centers, and the National Guard. Acting Governor Dan Patrick, serving in Abbott’s absence, urged residents to heed local officials’ guidance and vowed to continue search efforts for the missing campers.
Community Response and Support
The Kerrville community, despite its own losses, rallied to support those affected by the flooding. The First United Methodist Church in Kerrville opened as an emergency shelter, and Ingram Elementary School served as a rendezvous point for Camp Mystic families. Social media platforms, particularly X, became a vital tool for sharing updates and expressing solidarity. Posts from local news outlets like KVUE and CBS Austin provided real-time information, while community members offered prayers and assistance.
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Nearby camps, such as Camp Waldemar and Mo Ranch, reported that their campers and staff were safe, providing some relief amid the crisis. However, the focus remained on Camp Mystic, where the uncertainty surrounding the missing girls weighed heavily on families and the broader Texas community.
The Guadalupe River: A Double-Edged Sword
The Guadalupe River, a defining feature of the Texas Hill Country, is both a blessing and a challenge. Its clear waters and scenic beauty make it a hub for recreation, but its history of flash flooding has earned the region the moniker “Flash Flood Alley.” The river’s flow, monitored by the U.S. Geological Survey, can change rapidly, as seen in the 2025 Kerrville flooding. A Guadalupe River map shows its path through Kerr County, from its headwaters near Hunt to downstream communities like Comfort and Spring Branch, where the river was expected to crest at 38 feet on July 4.
The 2025 flood was not an isolated event. The 1987 Guadalupe River flooding near Comfort, which killed 10 teenagers on a church camp bus, serves as a grim reminder of the river’s destructive potential. The National Weather Service noted that the 2025 flood wave surpassed the 1987 levels in Hunt, highlighting the increasing intensity of weather events in Central Texas.
Why Was Dan Patrick Acting Governor?
During the flooding, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick served as acting governor, raising questions about Governor Greg Abbott’s whereabouts. According to Texas law, when the governor is out of state, the lieutenant governor assumes the role of acting governor. On July 4, 2025, Abbott was traveling, though specific details about his location were not disclosed. Patrick’s leadership during the crisis included coordinating state resources and addressing the public, emphasizing the urgency of the rescue operations.
The Aftermath: Assessing the Damage
The Kerrville flooding left a trail of destruction across Kerr County. Homes, businesses, and infrastructure were heavily damaged, with Louise Hays Park in Kerrville completely inundated. The city’s water supply was affected, prompting officials to urge conservation as the system relied on well water. Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. issued a disaster declaration, activating the city’s emergency management plan.
The economic and emotional toll on the community is still being assessed. For Camp Mystic, the loss of cabins and the uncertainty surrounding the missing campers have raised questions about the camp’s future operations. The tragedy has also prompted discussions about flood preparedness in the Texas Hill Country, particularly for summer camps located along the Guadalupe River.
FEMA and Long-Term Recovery
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is expected to play a role in the recovery process, providing assistance to affected residents and businesses. FEMA’s Texas flood map highlights the high-risk flood zones in Kerr County, underscoring the need for updated flood mitigation strategies. Community leaders, including Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, have emphasized the need for long-term planning to prevent future tragedies.
Lessons from the Past and Moving Forward
The 2025 Camp Mystic flooding echoes the 1987 tragedy, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of the Texas Hill Country to flash floods. Kerr County officials faced criticism for not evacuating sooner, but City Manager Dalton Rice defended the response, noting that the speed and scale of the flooding were unprecedented.
Moving forward, experts are calling for enhanced flood warning systems, improved infrastructure, and stricter regulations for development along the Guadalupe River. Summer camps, including Camp Mystic, may need to reassess their emergency protocols to ensure camper safety during extreme weather events.
Conclusion
The Camp Mystic Texas flooding of July 2025 is a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the resilience of communities in the face of tragedy. The loss of life, the missing campers, and the widespread destruction in Kerrville, TX, have left an indelible mark on the Texas Hill Country. Yet, the heroic efforts of first responders, the support of neighboring communities, and the determination to rebuild offer hope for recovery.
As the search for the missing girls continues, the story of Camp Mystic serves as a call to action for better preparedness and a deeper appreciation for the fragility of life. The Texas Hill Country, with its beauty and challenges, remains a place of community, strength, and healing.
FAQs
Q: Where is Camp Mystic located in Texas?
A: Camp Mystic is located in Hunt, Texas, in Kerr County, along the South Fork of the Guadalupe River, approximately 17 miles west of Kerrville, TX.
Q: What happened at Camp Mystic during the 2025 flooding?
A: On July 4, 2025, catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River inundated Camp Mystic, leading to the evacuation of approximately 750 campers. Between 23 and 25 girls remained unaccounted for, and at least 24 fatalities were reported in Kerr County.
Q: Why was Dan Patrick acting governor during the flooding?
A: Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick served as acting governor because Governor Greg Abbott was out of state on July 4, 2025, as per Texas law.
Q: How did the Guadalupe River contribute to the flooding?
A: The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes due to torrential rains of up to 15 inches, causing widespread flooding in Kerrville, Hunt, and Comfort.
Q: What is being done to find the missing campers?
A: A massive search and rescue operation involving the Texas National Guard, Texas Task Force 1, and local agencies is underway, using helicopters, drones, and boats to locate the missing girls.
Q: How can I stay updated on the Kerrville flooding?
A: Follow local news outlets like KSAT 12, KXAN, and Texas Public Radio for real-time updates. Social media platforms like X also provide community-driven updates.
Reference:
- National Weather Service – Official weather updates and flood warnings for Texas.
- FEMA Flood Maps – Resources for understanding flood risks in Kerr County.
- Camp Mystic Official Website – Information about the camp’s mission and programs.
- Texas Public Radio – In-depth coverage of the Kerrville flooding and recovery efforts.
- Kerr County Sheriff’s Office – Official updates on rescue operations and disaster response.
