A Christian summer camp became ground zero for tragedy when flash floods hit Texas Hill Country. Callie McAlary, a teen counselor at Camp Mystic, barely escaped the rising waters that swept through cabins. She recalls lightning striking near her cabin before floodwaters roared in, forcing campers to flee in darkness. Nearby Mo-Ranch evacuated successfully by trusting their own observations when officials failed to warn them.
McAlary describes chaotic scenes as kids scrambled from flooded cabins. Her cabin stayed dry, but others weren’t so lucky. The 16-year-old had attended this camp since second grade, making it her summer home. Her family trusted Camp Mystic completely, valuing its Christian values and safe environment.
Meanwhile, Mo-Ranch staff saved 70 lives by acting alone. They monitored the river themselves when no warnings came from authorities. By 1 a.m. Friday, they moved everyone to higher ground. Their quick thinking prevented any deaths at their location.
Camp Mystic wasn’t so fortunate. The river rose 26 feet in 45 minutes, trapping many. Ten girls remain missing days later. Rescue teams keep searching the devastated area. This camp hosted 750 girls this summer, more than half Hunt’s population.
McAlary’s mother calls the camp a Texas institution. She sent her daughter there to maintain family roots and faith. The Eastland family who runs Camp Mystic earned deep trust from parents. Now families grapple with grief over missing children.
The disaster shows how self-reliance saves lives. Mo-Ranche proved that paying attention beats waiting for bureaucrats. They saw the danger coming and acted. Their vigilance made all the difference when government failed.
This tragedy highlights why communities must protect themselves. Relying on officials often means being too late. Mo-Ranch staff are heroes for trusting their instincts instead of empty promises. Their actions preserved innocent lives against all odds.
Camp Mystic symbolizes both cherished tradition and heartbreaking loss. Generations of Texas girls grew up there, learning faith and friendship. Now prayers continue for the missing and gratitude remains for the survivors. True Texans always find strength through faith in darkest hours.
