Severe Flooding Strands Dozens at Historic Texas Summer Camp
On July 8, 2025, record-breaking rainfall in the Texas Hill Country triggered rapid flash floods, isolating Camp Mystic near Hunt, Texas. The beloved century-old girls' summer camp, located along the banks of the Guadalupe River, found itself cut off as water levels surged overnight, stranding more than 120 campers and staff.
Infrastructure Overwhelmed Amid Unprecedented Storms
According to the National Weather Service, over 14 inches of rain fell in Kerr County in less than 24 hours, pushing the Guadalupe River to historic levels. Roads leading to Camp Mystic were rendered impassable, with emergency services unable to reach the area for nearly 18 hours. The flood event is the latest in a series of climate-driven weather extremes affecting Texas in 2025.
Parents, many of whom were monitoring the situation from across the state and country, expressed frustration with the delayed rescue efforts and lack of direct communication. Local officials cited dangerous conditions and washed-out bridges as reasons for the slow response.
Camp Mystic Relied on Emergency Preparedness
In the absence of immediate outside help, Camp Mystic's staff enacted emergency protocols, moving campers to higher ground and rationing food and water. No serious injuries have been reported, and all individuals were safely evacuated as of the afternoon of July 9, after floodwaters began to recede.
"Our staff performed heroically," said a spokesperson for the camp. "We drilled for emergencies and, thankfully, everyone remained calm and safe." The camp, established in 1926, has faced floods before, but this year's event has reignited concerns about severe weather preparedness in rural communities and summer camps statewide.
Calls for Improved Disaster Planning
Texas Governor Dan Patrick visited Kerr County on July 10, pledging resources for infrastructure repair and a review of emergency communication protocols. Environmental experts warn that the frequency of such extreme weather events is expected to rise, urging camps and rural institutions to update their disaster response plans.
The Texas Department of Emergency Management is conducting an after-action review. Meanwhile, families and campers are grappling with the emotional aftermath, but grateful for the safe outcome.
- More than 120 campers and staff stranded for 18 hours
- No serious injuries reported
- Calls for improved preparedness and infrastructure
As the Hill Country recovers, the resilience of Camp Mystic and its community stands as a testament to the importance of emergency readiness in an era of intensifying natural disasters.
