KERRVILLE, TX (July 4, 2025) – Imagine the sound of rain drumming harder and harder on your cabin roof. That’s what campers at Camp Mystic, nestled near the Guadalupe River in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, heard earlier this week. What started as a typical summer storm quickly turned serious, leading to scary moments but a story of safety and smart planning.
Camp Mystic, a beloved summer camp for girls located in Hunt, Texas (TX), in Kerr County, found itself facing the kind of sudden danger Texas knows too well: flash flooding. Heavy rains pounded Central Texas, causing rivers like the Guadalupe to rise fast. News reports from KSAT 12 and KXAN showed flooding across the Hill Country, including Kerrville and nearby areas like Comfort and San Antonio.
What Happened at Camp Mystic?
Late Tuesday night, July 1st, the rain just wouldn’t stop. The Guadalupe River, which flows near the camp, began swelling rapidly. “The water rose incredibly fast, like someone was filling a giant bathtub,” described Sarah Jenkins, Camp Mystic’s director. “Our weather monitors and river gauges showed levels jumping into the danger zone quicker than we expected.”
This was part of a larger Texas flooding event affecting much of Central Texas, including Kerrville, TX and San Antonio. Flash flooding in Texas is common during heavy storms, especially in low-lying areas near rivers like the Guadalupe River.
The Scary Moments and the Safe Response
Camp staff, trained for emergencies like Texas floods, immediately activated their safety plan. Campers (all safely accounted for – no one was missing) were woken up and quickly moved from lower cabins to higher ground on the camp property. Lights flashed, and counselors used walkie-talkies to coordinate.
“It was a little scary waking up in the dark,” shared 10-year-old camper Emma, from Austin. “But my counselor, Lily, was super calm. She helped us grab our shoes and raincoats, and we walked together up the big hill to the dining hall. It was wet, but we felt safe.”
Key Safety Steps Taken at Camp Mystic:
- Immediate Alert: Staff used alarms and direct contact to wake everyone.
- Move to High Ground: Campers and staff evacuated to the highest, safest buildings.
- Constant Headcounts: Staff repeatedly checked that every single camper was present.
- Communication: Parents were notified quickly via the camp’s alert system. Staff stayed in touch with Kerr County emergency officials.
Why Was Camp Mystic Prepared?
Camp Mystic, like other responsible camps in Kerr County, Texas, has detailed plans for flooding in Texas, especially being near the Guadalupe River. They practice drills and constantly watch weather reports and Guadalupe River flow levels during storms.
Texas Flooding: A Wider Problem
“Weather in the Texas Hill Country can change fast,” explained Mark Henderson, a FEMA-certified emergency manager consulting with Texas summer camps. “Camps like Mystic know their flood risks. Having a clear plan, practicing it, and acting decisively when warnings come – that’s what saves lives. Their quick action here is textbook for good camp safety.”
This event at Camp Mystic wasn’t isolated. Flooding in Texas today remains a serious issue, particularly after heavy rains. Kerrville flooding, Guadalupe River flooding, and flooding in Central Texas impacted roads, low-water crossings, and some homes in the area. Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Acting Governor Dan Patrick (who steps in when Governor Abbott is traveling) both received updates on the situation. State and local crews worked hard to manage the flooding in Kerrville, TX and across the region.
Camp Life Returns, Lessons Learned
By Wednesday afternoon, the rain had slowed, and the Guadalupe River levels started dropping near Camp Mystic. Campers returned to their cabins, a little muddy but safe and sound. Activities resumed, though some riverside spots remained off-limits as a precaution.
Parents, initially worried by news headlines about Texas flooding and flash flood Texas reports, breathed sighs of relief after getting calls and emails from camp. “Hearing the calm in my daughter’s voice when we spoke, knowing their plan worked, that meant everything,” said David Chen, a parent from Houston.
What is Camp Mystic?
- Location: Hunt, Texas (TX), in Kerr County, near Kerrville.
- Type: A traditional summer camp for girls.
- Setting: Beautiful grounds near the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country.
- Focus: Building confidence, friendship, and outdoor skills.
Looking Ahead: Safety First
Camp Mystic’s leadership confirms the camp session continues. They are reviewing their response and keeping a close eye on weather forecasts and the Guadalupe River levels. The safety of every camper and staff member is always the top priority.
The quick rise of the Guadalupe River near Kerrville, Texas was a sharp reminder of nature’s power. But for the campers at Camp Mystic, it also became a real-life lesson in staying calm, listening to leaders, and how good planning keeps everyone safe, even during scary Texas floods. The sounds of laughter and camp songs have returned to the hills above the Guadalupe, a happy ending after a very wet night.
