Update on Camp Mystic Campers On July 4, 2025, catastrophic flooding struck Kerr County, Texas, leaving a devastating impact on Camp Mystic, a historic all-girls Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River. This tragic event has left families, authorities, and communities anxiously awaiting updates on the Campers missing from Camp Mystic and the ongoing rescue efforts. Update on Camp Mystic Campers With the Camp Mystic campers flood dominating headlines, here’s a comprehensive update on the situation, the response, and the hope for reuniting families.
The Flooding Crisis at Camp Mystic
Update on Camp Mystic Campers Camp Mystic, a nearly century-old summer camp located in Hunt, Texas, has been a cherished retreat for girls aged 7 to 17 since its founding in 1926. Nestled along the Guadalupe River, the camp offers activities like archery, kayaking, and spiritual development in a wholesome Christian environment.
Update on Camp Mystic Campers However, the camp’s idyllic setting turned perilous when unprecedented rainfall up to 11 inches in just hours caused the Guadalupe River to surge dramatically, rising 26 to 40 feet in some areas within hours. This catastrophic flooding, described as a “once-in-a-lifetime” event, overwhelmed the camp and surrounding areas, leading to significant loss and uncertainty.
Update on Camp Mystic Campers
Update on Camp Mystic Campers The flooding began around 4 a.m. on July 4, catching campers, staff, and local authorities off guard. Kerr County, located in Texas Hill Country, is part of the flood-prone “Flash Flood Alley,” where heavy rains can quickly turn rivers into torrents. The National Weather Service had issued a flood watch on Thursday evening, followed by flash flood warnings early Friday, but the speed and severity of the floodwaters were unprecedented. Cabins at Camp Mystic were flooded, and some were reportedly washed away, complicating evacuation efforts.
Campers Missing from Camp Mystic: The Current Situation
As of the latest updates on July 5, 2025, between 23 and 25 girls from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for, out of the 750 campers present at the time of the flooding. The camp has two sites along the Guadalupe River, including the Cypress Lake and Senior Hill areas, where all campers have been confirmed safe. However, other parts of the camp were severely impacted, and the missing campers are believed to be from these areas. Camp Mystic officials have communicated to parents that if they have not been personally contacted, their daughters are accounted for, providing some relief to many families.
Among the missing are girls from various regions, including North Texas and Houston. Names such as Hadley Hanna, Eloise Peck, Lila Bonner, Kellyanne Lytal, Lainey Landry, and Greta Toranzo have been shared by families and media outlets, with parents posting heartfelt pleas on social media for information about their daughters. The uncertainty has been agonizing, with some parents, like Janie Hunt’s mother, expressing hope through prayers while awaiting news.
Rescue and Search Efforts
The response to the Camp Mystic campers flood has been swift and extensive. Texas authorities, including the Texas National Guard, Texas Game Wardens, and local sheriff’s offices, have mobilized a massive search-and-rescue operation. Over 500 personnel, 14 helicopters, and 12 drones are actively searching the flood-affected areas, focusing on the Guadalupe River and surrounding regions. By Friday evening, 237 people had been rescued, with 167 evacuations conducted by helicopter, many from Camp Mystic.
Texas Game Wardens reported gaining access to Camp Mystic with vehicles by Friday evening, evacuating accounted-for campers to safety. Helicopters have been ferrying girls to Ingram Elementary School, designated as a reunification center, where families anxiously await reunions. Some rescued campers were first taken to Ingram High School for medical evaluations. Stories of survival have emerged, including 13-year-old Elinor Lester, who described wading through floodwaters with her cabinmates and being airlifted to safety after holding onto a rope bridge.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist. Washed-out roads, including a nearby highway, have hindered access to the camp, which also lacks power, water, and Wi-Fi. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office has described the situation as an “extremely active scene,” urging residents to avoid traveling near the Guadalupe River to facilitate rescue operations.
Community and Official Response
The flooding has claimed at least 24 lives in Kerr County, with one additional fatality in Kendall County, making it one of the deadliest flooding events in the region’s history. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster for Kerr County and 14 other counties, emphasizing that search-and-rescue efforts will continue “non-stop” through the night and into the weekend. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, acting governor at the time, vowed to families, “We will do everything humanly possible, 24/7, looking at every tree, turning over every rock,” to find the missing girls.
Federal support has been pledged, with President Donald Trump assuring Texas officials of full assistance. Texas Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn have also expressed condolences and committed to supporting recovery efforts. The Kerrville Police Department and local community have shown resilience, with the police stating, “We are strong together,” and expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support.
Hope Amidst Tragedy
While the situation remains dire, there are glimmers of hope. Social media posts have shared stories of miraculous rescues, such as girls found 10 miles downstream clinging to trees after holding onto mattresses that floated in the floodwaters. Update on Camp Mystic Campers These accounts, though unverified by officials, have fueled hope among families and communities. However, authorities have cautioned that some reports of all campers being found are false, and the search continues for the 23 to 25 unaccounted-for girls.
Camp Mystic’s leadership, including directors Britt and Catie Eastland, has been working closely with search-and-rescue teams despite the camp’s infrastructure being devastated. The camp, which was set to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, has a legacy of fostering lifelong friendships and personal growth. The community’s prayers and support are now focused on the safe return of the missing campers.
How to Help and Stay Informed
For those looking to assist, officials have urged the public to avoid the affected areas to prevent hampering rescue efforts. Donations can be made through organizations like the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, which is supporting nonprofits responding to the disaster. Parents with campers at Camp Mystic are encouraged to contact camp officials directly for updates. For the latest information, monitor trusted sources like disaster.texas.gov and local news outlets such as KSAT and KPRC 2.
Conclusion
The Camp Mystic campers flood has brought heartbreak and urgency to Texas Hill Country, with 23 to 25 girls still unaccounted for amid catastrophic flooding. The resilience of rescue teams, the support of communities, and the hope of families keep the search alive. Update on Camp Mystic Campers As Texas rallies to find these young campers, the nation watches, prays, and hopes for their safe return. Stay updated through official channels, and continue to support the efforts to bring these girls home Update on Camp Mystic Campers.