Camp Mystic flood disaster in Texas prompts pleas for helicopters from missing campers

On July 4, severe flooding swept through Texas Hill Country, and Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' sleepaway camp, became the center of frantic 911 calls. Parents and staff reported children missing and urgently requested helicopter rescues as rising waters from the Guadalupe River cut off access to the camp.

Twenty-eight people at Camp Mysticincluding 25 campers, the camps owner and director, and two counselorslost their lives as the river surged rapidly amid intense rainfall. Callers described roads destroyed, widespread flooding, and fears that children had drowned.

One caller reported a missing 7-year-old girl, fearing she might have drowned. The camps director reached out to authorities, stating, Were missing as many as 20 to 40 people, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The Kerrville Police Department released nearly 600 recordings of the 911 calls, providing a stark reminder of the disaster that claimed over 130 lives in Kerr County. Camp Mystic issued a statement expressing condolences and support for those affected.

A security guard at the camp described the chaos while requesting National Guard assistance: Were out of power, hardly have any cell service. The only way out for search and rescue is going to be helicopter. Another caller confirmed that road access was impossible and that urgent aerial evacuation was needed.

Many calls detailed campers trapped on higher ground with limited communication. One woman at Senior Hill reported being surrounded by water and unable to reach the camp staff, emphasizing the isolation and danger posed by the flooding.

Locals also aided in rescue efforts, pulling children from the floodwaters. A resident reported rescuing two girls who had been swept downriver, highlighting the communitys critical role during the disaster.

Calls for help also came from Camp La Junta, a boys camp located about six miles from Camp Mystic. Staff and parents described cabins partially submerged and children trapped, prompting authorities to dispatch rescue teams by boat. Fortunately, all campers and staff at Camp La Junta survived.

Families of victims at Camp Mystic later filed lawsuits alleging negligence, citing the areas reputation as Flash Flood Alley. Camp representatives stated the flooding was unprecedented and caught the camp off guard, emphasizing the lack of prior warning.

Camp Mystic plans to reopen next summer with enhanced safety protocols. Measures include over 100 flood monitoring units, two-way radios in cabins, backup satellite internet, and high-capacity generators to ensure power during emergencies. The camp also announced that activities will move to a new Cypress Lake location to reduce flood risk.

Author: Logan Reeves