Devastating Texas Flood Destroys Christian Girls Camp, Leaves Over 30 Dead

A tragic disaster unfolded in Texas when sudden, intense floodwaters tore through a Christian summer camp for girls, killing several children and leaving a heartbreaking scene of destruction. The powerful storm surge flooded Camp Mystic, a 99-year-old Christian camp for girls located in Hunt, Texas, a quiet town near San Antonio. As floodwaters rapidly surged from the Guadalupe River, they swept through cabins, halls, and gathering spaces, leaving widespread damage and heartbreaking loss in their path.

Tragedy Strikes at Night

According to reports, the flooding began in the early hours of the morning. Most campers and staff were asleep around 4:00 a.m. when a flood alert was issued. Unfortunately, the timing of the flood and the intensity of the water gave people little time to react. Within just 45 minutes, the Guadalupe River rose by 26 feet, creating one of the most dangerous flooding events the area has seen since 1987.

The speed and force of the water overwhelmed the camp. Many campers and counselors were caught off guard, and in just a short time, floodwaters filled the buildings and surrounding areas. Emergency officials described the scene as one of chaos and fear, as those trapped tried to escape the rising waters.

Heartbreaking Loss of Young Lives

Among the at least 32 people confirmed dead in the region, nine were children, and four of them were young campers at Camp Mystic. The victims from the camp include:

• Renee Smajstrla, 8 years old

• Sarah Marsh, 8 years old

• Janie Hunt, 9 years old

• Lila Bonner, 9 years old

These girls had been attending the camp, like many others, to enjoy summer activities, make friends, and grow spiritually. Their lives were tragically cut short by an event that no one could have anticipated.

The tragic deaths of these young girls have caused tremendous grief across their families, communities, and among camp staff and volunteers who knew them. Many who were close to the girls expressed shock, sadness, and disbelief at the sudden loss.

Scenes of Destruction at Camp Mystic

Photos taken after the floodwaters receded reveal the sheer damage caused by the storm. The campgrounds were left in ruins:

• Cabin walls were destroyed, and roofs were damaged or missing.

• Furniture was overturned, and personal belongings were scattered everywhere.

• Stuffed animals, clothing, shoes, and bags lay soaked in mud and water.

• A large hole was torn in the side of the cafeteria, and white dishes and bottles of soda were found outside on the ground.

• In many places, the water reached higher than the doors, soaking interiors with muddy water and debris.

The images shared from the camp give a glimpse into the fear and force of nature that the campers and staff faced. Even strong buildings, like the mess hall, were no match for the strength of the flood. After the waters pulled back, what remained was a ghostly, mud-filled shell of what used to be a vibrant and joyful place.

About Camp Mystic

Camp Mystic has a long and proud history. It was founded nearly 100 years ago and is known for its strong focus on faith, friendship, and leadership. Every summer, the camp welcomes more than 750 girls between the ages of 7 and 17. The camp operates on two separate sites, both near the Guadalupe River. One of the campgrounds is located on higher ground, while the other, tragically, lies closer to the river’s edge.

Camp Mystic is well-known across Texas and beyond for offering Christian education, traditional summer camp experiences, and opportunities for girls to grow closer to God and each other. It is a place that many young girls look forward to each year. Families have trusted the camp for generations, with many campers returning year after year.

The camp has now been forced to close temporarily as emergency crews assess the damage and conduct rescue and recovery efforts. Camp staff, local church groups, and families are grieving together and calling for prayers for all those affected.

Large-Scale Rescue and Search Operations Underway

Since the storm began, emergency crews have been working non-stop to rescue survivors and recover missing persons. Officials confirmed that at least 858 people have been rescued in total, many of them from Camp Mystic and surrounding communities. Eight people were reported injured during the rescue missions.

More than 20 girls from the camp were still unaccounted for at one point, prompting intense search-and-rescue operations using boats, helicopters, and tracking dogs. Emergency responders, including the National Guard, local firefighters, and volunteers, are combing through debris and riverbanks for survivors and those still missing.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick reported that this kind of flooding had not been seen in the region since 1987. The speed and level of water rise were described as "historic," and the area was declared a state disaster zone, allowing more resources to flow in for rescue and rebuilding.

Community in Mourning

As the number of victims rises, communities across Texas and the country have responded with an outpouring of support. Vigils, prayer circles, and fundraising efforts have started in local churches, schools, and neighborhoods.

Grief counselors have been made available for families, friends, and survivors who are coping with trauma. Messages of love, comfort, and prayer have poured in from people near and far.

Many parents, shaken by the tragedy, are demanding better early warning systems and flood protection for summer camps and schools. Some are asking how facilities located near rivers can be better prepared for extreme weather, especially when children are involved.

A Time for Reflection and Support

This heartbreaking tragedy reminds us of how unpredictable and dangerous nature can be — especially in a time when climate events are becoming more extreme and frequent. As families mourn and rescue workers continue their efforts, people are also coming together to ask how such loss might be prevented in the future.

The story of Camp Mystic is one of love, loss, and community strength. In the face of unimaginable sadness, people are pulling together to support one another. The young girls who lost their lives will not be forgotten, and their memories will live on in the hearts of their families, friends, and the Camp Mystic community.

In Memory of the Victims

Let us remember the lives of Renee, Sarah, Janie, Lila, and all those who were lost during this tragic event. May their souls rest in peace, and may their families find comfort and strength in the support of their communities.