(OSV News) — Following catastrophic flooding, at least 20 girls are unaccounted for from Camp Mystic, a Christian, girls-only sleep away camp in Hunt, Texas.
The camp along the Guadalupe River was evacuated overnight as the area received at least 10 inches of rain. The rain on Friday morning caused the river to rise nearly 30 feet in 45 minutes.
In a press conference Friday afternoon, Texas Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick promised anxious parents that “we will do everything humanly possible to find your daughter.”
He said that “20-some” girls attending the camp remained unaccounted for, later putting the figure at “about 23.” He added that the missing girls “could be in a tree, they could be out of communication. We’re praying for all those missing to be found alive.”
Camp Mystic welcomes girls aged 7-17, and its website says the camp, established in 1926, is “nestled among cypress, live oak, and pecan trees in the hill country of west-central Texas on the banks of the beautiful Guadalupe River.”
“The staff at Mystic strives to provide young girls with a wholesome Christian atmosphere in which they can develop outstanding personal qualities and self-esteem,” the website says.
The Christian camp told parents, “If your daughter is not accounted for, you have been notified. If you have not been personally contacted, then your daughter is accounted for.”
Patrick said rescue efforts included 14 choppers, 12 drones, nine rescue teams as well as swimmers in the water — a total of 400 to 500 people on the ground.
There at least 13 people confirmed dead following the flooding in Kerr County, Texas, Sheriff Larry L. Leitha told reporters Friday, saying more fatalities are expected.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, asked for prayers on X, writing “Please pray right now for everyone in the Hill Country, especially Camp Mystic. Today, I’ve spoken with Gov Abbott, Lt. Gov Patrick, the head of TDEM & President Trump. Multiple helicopters are performing search & rescue. President Trump committed ANYTHING Texas needs.”
Lauretta Brown is culture editor for OSV News. Follow her on X @LaurettaBrown6.
The post At least 20 girls missing from Christian camp after severe flooding in Texas first appeared on OSV News.
