A once vibrant and joyful girls’ summer camp in Kerr County, Texas, has become the site of tragedy following a catastrophic flood that has claimed at least 59 lives, including that of eight-year-old camper Renee Smajstrla. Camp Mystic, nestled along the scenic Guadalupe River, was an idyllic place for young girls to bond, explore, and grow spiritually. Just days before the disaster, Renee was captured in a photo beaming with joy alongside her friends.
Tragically, the camp quickly deteriorated into chaos as floodwaters surged with little warning. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of horror as survivors were evacuated. Stella Thompson, a 13-year-old girl who sought refuge in a higher cabin, recalled the panic that ensued as the reality of the flooding became apparent. “We were all, like, hysterical and praying a lot,” she said, reflecting the fear shared among campers as they awaited rescue amidst the tumult.
Photos from the aftermath reveal a haunting landscape littered with debris—upturned bunk beds, discarded belongings, and traces of what once flourished in the camp’s lively atmosphere. Eleven campers and one counselor remain missing, with search efforts ongoing, although the situation is evolving into a grim recovery mission rather than one of rescue as weather conditions worsen, igniting hope that is quickly fading.
Camp Mystic’s long-standing family ownership offered generations of girls a spiritually enriching experience, attracting attendees from across Texas, including influential families. However, the very allure of the river that charmed many now poses serious questions regarding safety measures for such camps situated close to its banks.
Congressman Chip Roy has emphasized the need for care in assigning blame, urging that the beauty of the river is a reason for its proximity to camps. With families anxiously waiting for news of the missing, Governor Greg Abbott has announced a state of emergency, acknowledging the scale of the disaster while promising diligent efforts from search and rescue teams.
As the community reels from this unfathomable loss, the resilience and spirit of Camp Mystic endure, championed by the words of its leaders: “The love in your heart was not put there to stay.” The hope for recovery, although dim, continues to burn in the hearts of those affected.
