Young Camp Mystic Staff Describe Haunting Choice to Write Campers’ Names on Their Skin as Texas Flood Toll Rises

The serene banks of the Guadalupe River, usually a place of joy and laughter for young campers, turned into a scene of heartbreak on July 4, 2025.

A sudden and catastrophic flood swept through central Texas, leaving devastation in its wake. Among the hardest hit was Camp Mystic, a beloved all-girls Christian summer camp in Kerr County.

The tragedy has left families, friends, and a tight-knit community grappling with loss and searching for answers. What happened during those fateful hours, and how are survivors and loved ones coping?

Texas Floods: A Night of Terror at Camp Mystic

The flooding began after torrential rains dumped 4 to 10 inches of water across the Texas Hill Country, causing the Guadalupe River to swell rapidly.

At Camp Mystic, the rising waters caught everyone off guard. The camp, a cherished summer destination for generations of girls, confirmed the heartbreaking loss of 27 campers and counselors.

Among them was Chloe Childress, a counselor remembered as loyal and beloved by her community. Five campers and one counselor remain unaccounted for, with rescue efforts ongoing as authorities, alongside state and federal agencies, comb the area for survivors.

Two surviving counselors, Silvana Garza and Maria Paula, shared their harrowing experience. As floodwaters surged, they faced a grim reality, taking the drastic step of writing the names of the girls in their care on their bodies to ensure identification in case the worst happened.

Maria said, in a New York Post: “Us as counselors, we started to write our names on our skin, anywhere that was visible. We did the same for the girls, wrote their names anywhere that was easy to see.”

Silvana said, “At the time, we started to prepare our girls because we thought we were also going to be evacuated.

“We told them to pack a bag, to pack their favorite stuffed animal.” She added, “We didn’t know if we were going to be evacuated or not. We were just waiting.”

Their quick thinking and bravery helped save lives, but the emotional toll of the tragedy lingers. The counselors’ actions highlight the chaos and fear that unfolded as the camp was overwhelmed by the flood.

A Community in Mourning

How are survivors of Camp Mystic receiving support after the Texas floods?

The impact of the Camp Mystic tragedy extends far beyond the riverbanks. Families across Texas and beyond are mourning the loss of young girls, counselors, and others caught in the floods.

They shared a message saying, “Camp Mystic is grieving the loss of 27 campers and counsellors following the catastrophic flooding on the Guadalupe river. Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly.”

The death toll across the region has climbed to at least 110, with over 160 people still missing. Governor Greg Abbott has vowed to continue search and rescue efforts until every person is accounted for.

The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, supported by regional and federal teams, is working tirelessly to locate those still missing.

For many, Camp Mystic was more than just a summer camp—it was a place of tradition, friendship, and growth.

Former campers and counselors, like Claudia Sullivan and Lauren Garcia, have spoken about the camp’s special place in their hearts.

Sullivan, who spoke with NBC News, reflected on the camp’s history and its uncertain future. Garcia, in an NPR interview, shared how Camp Mystic’s traditions bonded generations of women in her family.

The loss of so many lives has left a void in this close-knit community.

Looking Ahead Amid Grief

As central Texas braces for more rain, the focus remains on recovery and support for those affected. The floods have raised questions about weather monitoring and preparedness at the camp, with officials still investigating what could have been done differently.

For now, the priority is supporting grieving families and honoring the memories of those lost. Stories of heroism, like those of the counselors who fought to protect their campers, offer a glimmer of hope amid the sorrow.

The tragedy at Camp Mystic serves as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the strength of community in times of crisis.

As rescue efforts continue and the region rebuilds, the legacy of Camp Mystic will endure in the hearts of those who called it home.

You might also want to read: Texas Flash Flood Leaves 82 Dead and Dozens Missing