Grace in the Storm: Remembering the Girls of Camp Mystic

The Fourth of July weekend was meant to be a celebration of freedom and summer joy. But for dozens of families in Texas, it became a time of unimaginable loss. As torrential rains swept across the Hill Country, flash floods surged through the Guadalupe River, claiming at least 89 lives statewide - including 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp nestled in Hunt, Texas.

The river rose more than 26 feet in less than two hours, turning a place of laughter and friendship into a scene of devastation. Pink blankets, stuffed animals, and waterlogged journals were found scattered among the debris - haunting reminders of the young lives that had filled the camp with energy just days before.

Among the victims were sisters Blair and Brooke Harber of Dallas, aged 13 and 11, who were not attending Camp Mystic but were in the area when the floods struck. Their deaths were confirmed by St. Rita Catholic Community, where they were beloved students. Also lost were 9-year-old Lila Bonner and 8-year-old Eloise Peck, both campers at Mystic. Their families, now grappling with grief, asked for privacy as they mourned the daughters they had sent off to make summer memories.

One of the counselors, Chloe Childress, had just graduated from The Kinkaid School and was preparing to attend the University of Texas at Austin. Known for her empathy and quiet strength, Chloe was remembered by her school's headmaster as someone who "made space for others to feel safe, valued, and brave." She died helping others - a final act that reflected the selflessness she lived by.

Another life lost was Jane Ragsdale, director of Heart O' the Hills Camp for Girls, located nearby. A fixture in the summer camp community, Jane had spent decades shaping generations of young women. Her camp described her as "the heart of The Heart," a woman whose kindness and wisdom left an indelible mark on every camper she met.

The tragedy has sparked national reflection. Senator Ted Cruz called the loss "every parent's nightmare," acknowledging that in hindsight, evacuation might have saved lives. "Particularly those in the most vulnerable areas - the young children in the cabins closest to the water," he said. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for an investigation into whether staffing shortages at the National Weather Service contributed to delayed warnings.

President Donald J. Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, unlocking federal aid for victims and first responders. He announced plans to visit the area later this week, stating,

"I just signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas, to ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need," President Trump wrote on Truth Social. "These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing. The Trump Administration continues to work closely with State and Local Leaders. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was on the ground yesterday with Governor Greg Abbott, who is working hard to help the people of his Great State. Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!"

As rescue teams continue searching for the missing - including 10 campers and one counselor still unaccounted for - families are left clinging to hope and memories. The floodwaters may have receded, but the emotional toll remains high. Survivors have shared stories of counselors who acted heroically, guiding children to higher ground and shielding them from the rising waters.

Camp Mystic, long known for its ties to Texas political and social circles, now finds itself at the center of a heartbreaking reckoning. The camp's website describes its mission as helping girls "grow in grace." In the face of tragedy, that grace has taken on new meaning - seen in the courage of those who tried to save others, and in the resilience of families determined to honor their daughters' lives.

The cabins may be empty now, but the spirit of the girls who once filled them lingers. In every song sung around a campfire, in every friendship bracelet exchanged, and in every prayer whispered by grieving parents, their memory endures.

As Texas braces for more rain and the threat of additional flooding, the state - and the nation - mourns the loss of innocence and the fragility of life. But in remembering the girls of Camp Mystic, we also remember the joy they brought, the love they shared, and the grace they embodied.