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A young camper from Camp Mystic recently shared her chilling experience amid the catastrophic flooding that struck Central Texas. As torrential rains transformed a peaceful night into chaos, 16-year-old Callie McAlary described how quickly normalcy spiraled into danger on a national news segment.
McAlary recounted, “We went to bed thinking it was just a normal thunderstorm. One moment, there was a lightning strike right beside our cabin, and the next, we could hear water rising.” She emphasized the panic that ensued as campers scrambled for safety. Fortunately, her cabin remained dry, unlike several nearby cabins that were inundated.
The aftermath of the floods deeply affected not only survivors but also their families. Tara Bradburn, McAlary’s mother, reflected on the traumatic events, significantly impacting their family. Although they currently reside in Virginia, Bradburn has cherished memories of sending her daughter to Camp Mystic since she was in second grade.
“We chose this camp because it was essential to me that my child has Texas roots. Despite living in Virginia, we entrusted her to the Eastland family and their dedicated staff, knowing they would nurture her growth in faith and character,” Bradburn shared.
She expressed both devastation and gratitude towards the camp community, emphasizing how grateful they were for the heroic efforts made to protect their daughter and her friends.
Bradburn recounted how fast the floodwaters rose that evening, sharing her astonishment at witnessing a historic flash flood. “Even up on Senior Hill, it is evident how rapidly the water surged and how high it reached. We had never seen anything like this before. I cannot express enough appreciation for the counselors who worked tirelessly to ensure the girls’ safety during such a frightening time,” she said.
McAlary’s account of that dreadful night illustrated the fear and uncertainty experienced by many young campers. “We heard really loud thunder. I woke up to a huge crack of thunder and lightning,” she remembered. She described the moment panic set in when a camper rushed in to alert them that their cabin was flooding. Some girls had to share beds or sleep on the floor, unable to return to their cabins due to the overwhelming floodwaters.
As she faced the terrifying night, McAlary took a precautionary step that few would imagine in such circumstances. Fearing for her safety, she put on a name tag in the middle of the night. “I thought if the water came and swept me away, at least I would have my name on my body,” she explained.
Bradburn, a veteran of the Department of Defense, expressed her surprise that their family needed to prepare for such an environment. “We’ve been in war zones because of our jobs, and I have spoken to Callie countless times about safety. Yet, this was something we never thought would happen at camp,” she admitted. “Seeing her get off that helicopter wearing her camp name tag hit me hard. It reinforced the lessons we’ve instilled in her throughout her life, which resonated with her when it mattered most.”
Despite their relief at McAlary’s safety, Bradburn conveyed the heartache shared by many families still searching for loved ones missing in the aftermath of the floods. “There are no answers. The emotional toll is staggering, and as parents, we must stay strong for our child and ensure she receives the support she needs going forward,” Bradburn said.
As the search continues, McAlary holds onto hope for her friends still unaccounted for, saying, “I truly hope those kids who are missing are found. I knew many of them, and it’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that just moments before, they were hugging me goodbye.”
In a time of profound loss and uncertainty, tales like McAlary’s shine a light on courage and resilience. As families navigate the emotional aftermath, the community stands united, longing for answers and healing in the face of tragedy.
