Once a place of joy and outdoor adventure, Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ camp on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Texas, now lies in ruins after flash floods tore through the region. What was supposed to be a fun summer experience has turned into a tragedy, with 78 dead across Texas, including 28 children, and 41 individuals still missing, among them 10 girls and a counselor from Camp Mystic.

The flooding, which began Friday, has devastated central Texas, sweeping away cabins, trees, and lives. Officials have warned that the toll could rise as storms continue, complicating rescue efforts already hindered by mud, debris, and venomous snakes.

Camp Mystic’s Long Legacy Washed Away in Minutes

Founded in 1926 as Stewart’s Camp for Girls, Camp Mystic later became a family-run institution known for nurturing generations of girls through outdoor activities. The camp was once even attended by the daughter of former US President Lyndon B. Johnson. Today, it’s operated by Dick and Tweety Eastland, who represent the third generation of caretakers.

Until just days ago, the camp echoed with laughter and cheer. Girls fished in the river, performed dances, and bonded in green-roofed cabins nestled under oak and cypress trees. That changed overnight as rising waters engulfed the cabins, some housing junior and intermediate campers less than 500 meters from the river.

“The camp was completely destroyed. It was really scary,” said 13-year-old Elinor Lester, a survivor from elevated ground known as Senior Hill.

Tragic Deaths and Acts of Heroism Emerge

So far, families have confirmed the deaths of young campers including Lila Bonner (9), Janie Hunt (9), Sarah Marsh (8), Eloise Peck (8), and Renee Smajstrla (9).

Chloe Childress (18), a counselor, lost her life trying to save the younger girls.

“She died upholding a selfless and fierce commitment to others,” said Jonathan Eades, head of her school in Houston.“To be quite honest, I cried… I just couldn’t imagine the terror… and the sadness,” said former counselor Chloe Crane.

Dick Eastland, the camp’s owner, also died trying to rescue campers.

“If he wasn’t going to die of natural causes, this was the only other way — saving the girls that he so loved,” said his grandson, George Eastland.

Evacuation Chaos and Survivor Accounts

“When we got that news, we were all, like, hysterical and praying a lot,” said survivor Stella Thompson (13), describing the panic when helicopters hovered overhead.

“Kids were in pajamas — some terrified, some wanting comfort,” recalled Scott Ruskan, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer.

State, Federal Response and Investigations

Lt Governor Dan Patrick assured families that search operations would not rest.

“Twenty-four-seven, looking at every tree, turning over every rock… to find your daughter,” he said. Governor Greg Abbott visited the camp and described the scene as “horrendously ravaged in ways unlike I’ve seen in any natural disaster.”

Nearby camps such as Heart O’ the Hills also experienced flooding. Its director Jane Ragsdale was among the dead. President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County on Sunday and said he might visit Texas by Friday.

“It’s a horrible thing that took place, absolutely horrible,” Trump remarked.

Climate Change and Missed Warnings Under Scrutiny

Scientists say extreme weather like the Texas floods is becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Questions are now being raised about whether early flood warnings were issued and if evacuations were timely.