Camp Mystic, a cherished Christian girls’ camp nestled along the banks of the Guadalupe River in Texas, transformed from a haven of joy and faith into a scene of tragedy just days ago. Among the campers was eight-year-old Renee Smajstrla, who had been captured smiling broadly in photographs, truly “having the time of her life” with her friends.
However, the next day, the camp, which brought joy to countless young girls, became a site of one of the deadliest flood disasters in Texas history. Tragically, Smajstrla was among those who lost their lives.
“She will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic,”
her uncle Shawn Salta expressed in a heartfelt Facebook post. The aftermath is haunting, with images showing mud-covered and toppled bunk beds, a stark reminder of the summer camp that was abruptly cut short. Personal belongings, once cherished, lie strewn across the drenched interiors where children gathered for Bible study and campfire songs.
Casualties and ongoing rescue efforts
As of now, at least 59 people, including the camp’s longtime director, Richard “Dick” Eastland, and many young campers, have been confirmed dead. Additionally, eleven campers and one counselor remain unaccounted for, with many of the missing girls having been in low-lying cabins perilously close to the riverbank, as reported by US media.
Camp Mystic has been a family-run institution for generations, emphasizing spiritual growth within a wholesome Christian environment, as outlined on its website. Each summer, families from across Texas and the United States send their daughters to experience activities like swimming, canoeing, horse riding, and building lifelong friendships.
Sadly, the very allure of the Guadalupe River, which attracts many to the region, became a source of devastation. The floodwaters struck with little warning, sweeping through the scenic riverfront area, home to nearly 20 youth camps. Although Camp Mystic faced the most significant losses, officials report that the impact of the tragedy extends beyond its grounds.
Nearby at the all-girls camp Heart O’ the Hills, flooding also occurred. The camp’s co-owner and director, Jane Ragsdale, was among those who perished in the disaster. Fortunately, the camp was not in session at that time. A statement from the camp conveyed, “Most of those who were on camp at the time have been accounted for and are on high ground… We are mourning the loss of a woman who influenced countless lives and was the definition of strong and powerful.”
Calls for accountability and recovery efforts
In the wake of this heartbreak, questions are being raised about the decision to situate numerous camps so close to the river and the lack of timely evacuation procedures for the children. Congressman Chip Roy, who represents the affected area, acknowledged the gravity of the situation while cautioning against hasty blame.
“The response is going to be, ‘We’ve gotta move all these camps – why would you have camps down here by the water?’” Roy remarked. “Well, you have camps by the water because it’s by the water. You have camps near the river because it’s a beautiful and wonderful place to be.”
As recovery efforts persist, families are anxiously awaiting updates on their missing loved ones. Search and rescue teams are working tirelessly, some navigating the floodwaters by boat, while others sift through debris. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed on Sunday that the search for survivors is ongoing.
“Until we can get them reunited with families, we are not going to stop,” said City Manager Dalton Rice. Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency, with officials warning that the total number of casualties may continue to rise in the coming days.