Flash Floods Impact Iconic Texas Summer Camp with Deep Political Ties

Flash Floods Impact Iconic Texas Summer Camp with Deep Political Ties

Severe flash floods have tragically claimed over two dozen lives in Texas’ Hill Country, affecting many popular youth summer camps, including the storied Camp Mystic. This Christian girls’ summer camp has held enduring connections with Texas politicians and presidential families for decades.

The torrential floods struck Kerr County, Texas, early on July Fourth, despite earlier warnings issued on Thursday. Residents found themselves caught off guard as the waters surged in the early morning hours of Friday, leading to widespread devastation.

Cedar and Cypress Stand Tall Amidst Disaster

Located in central Texas’ Hill Country, Kerr County boasts several youth summer camps, notably Camp Mystic, established in 1926 by renowned University of Texas football and basketball coach “Doc” Stewart. As the waters of the Guadalupe River rose, at least 27 campers and counselors lost their lives, confirmed by information posted on Camp Mystic’s website.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott visited the scene on Saturday. He expressed his shock through social media, stating, “Today I visited Camp Mystic. It, and the river running beside it, were horrendously ravaged in ways unlike I’ve seen in any natural disaster. The height the rushing water reached to the top of cabins was shocking. We won’t stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins.”

A Legacy of Growth and Resilience

The camp prioritizes spiritual growth, aiming to nurture the best qualities within campers during their time there. It describes itself as a private Christian summer camp designed specifically for girls, surrounded by cypress, live oak, and pecan trees on the banks of the beautiful Guadalupe River. Located 18 miles northwest of Kerrville, Mystic cherishes its role in fostering self-esteem and character in young girls.

Connections with Political Families

Camp Mystic has deep roots, intertwined with notable Texas political figures and their families. Former First Lady Laura Bush, for instance, was a counselor at the camp during her university years, and former President Lyndon B. Johnson sent his daughters to participate as campers.

Jenna Bush Hager shared during a recent television appearance that her mother was a drama counselor at Camp Mystic. She remarked, “My mom was a counselor there, but also so many of my friends were raised at this camp. Texas camps are institutions, where many family members from different generations have attended. This camp was 100 years old, so grandmothers, mothers, kids have all gone there.”

Expressing her sentiments about the camp community, Bush Hager added, “The stories that I heard over the last couple of days were beautiful and heartbreaking. Texas has a type of resilience where they’re generous people, where people want to reach out and help.”

Following a Tragic Path

The tragedy extended beyond the camp itself. Former President George W. Bush released a heartfelt statement, expressing grief over the profound loss of life. He stated, “Laura and I are holding up our fellow Texans who are hurting. We are heartbroken by the loss of life and the agony so many are feeling.” He praised the efforts of the first responders and volunteers trying to locate the missing and comfort grieving families at Camp Mystic.

The camp also attracted families from former President Johnson’s lineage. Historical records indicate that not only his daughters, but also his granddaughters and great-granddaughters have fond associations with Camp Mystic.

Enduring Bonds Over Generations

Throughout its nearly century-long history, Camp Mystic has become a tradition among many Texas political families. Notable former governors, including Dan Moody, Price Daniel, and John Connally, sent their daughters to this esteemed camp. Additionally, figures like James Baker, who held chief of staff roles under Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush, entrusted the same camp with his family.

While some families faced immense loss during the floods, others found safety. Representative August Pfluger and his family reported that his daughters were among those who attended the camp during the tragedy yet survived the ordeal.

The Heart of a Community

Amid the devastation, the camp’s longtime director, Dick Eastland, tragically passed away while attempting to rescue campers. Eastland, who purchased Camp Mystic in 1974, dedicated his life to educating and nurturing girls and young women.

Pfluger shared heartfelt remarks following Eastland’s passing, stating, “Camp Mystic’s Dick Eastland no doubt gave his life attempting to save his campers. For decades, he and his wife Tweety poured their lives into loving and developing girls and women of character. Thank you, Mr. Eastland. We love you and miss you.”

Looking Toward Recovery

In response to this humanitarian crisis, President Trump signed a disaster declaration for Kerr County, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to provide support. He expressed sorrow for the families grappling with grave losses, stating, “These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost and many still missing.”

Despite the oppressive heat that often characterizes Texas summers, families continue to flock to the Hill Country’s summer camps, drawn by the love and connection that these camps foster. As the community rebuilds, the legacy of Camp Mystic and its enduring spirit will surely remain in the hearts of many.

This report was contributed by Fox News Digital’s Stephan Sorace.