Young Texas Camp Survivor Describes Harrowing Moment She Prepared for Worst During Deadly Flood

A Texas camp survivor, 16-year-old Callie McAlary, is sharing her terrifying experience after flash floods ripped through Camp Mystic in Central Texas.
What began as a quiet summer night quickly turned into chaos. As water rushed toward cabins, Callie made a life-or-death decision—placing her name tag on her body in case she didn’t survive the night.

Texas Camp Survivor Recalls Nightmare Flood That Struck in the Night

A Texas camp survivor has described the terrifying moment a quiet night turned deadly.
Callie McAlary was attending Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, when historic floods hit the area on July 4.

“We went to bed thinking it was just a normal thunderstorm,” McAlary told Fox News.
“Then lightning struck near my cabin.”

The river rose rapidly. Within minutes, floodwaters poured into cabins and the camp descended into chaos.

“My cabin was one of the few that didn’t get water, but the cabins in front of us did,” she said.

Campers ran through the dark, some shouting, others trying to reach higher ground. The staff scrambled to help them to safety.

Teen Camper Placed Name Tag on Herself to Be Identified if Lost

Callie knew the situation was growing dangerous. Three cabins nearby flooded badly, and some girls couldn’t return to their beds.

“When I heard water was hitting other cabins, I put on my name tag—just in case,” she said.
“In my head I thought, ‘If I get swept away, at least they’ll know who I am.’”

She had received that name tag on the first day of camp. It became a symbol of her awareness and bravery.

“My mom always taught me to stay calm and be ready for anything. That moment proved it mattered,” she added.

Some campers had to sleep on trunks or floors that night, unable to return to their own spaces. It was clear the camp was in danger.

Parents Praise Counselors, Grieve With Those Still Missing

Callie’s mother, Tara Bradburn, shared how deeply the event affected both campers and families.

“Even on Senior Hill, the water rose fast. It was a 100-year flood,” Bradburn said.

She praised the courage of the young staff and the camp’s directors, who did everything possible to protect the girls.

“They kept the girls calm so decisions could be made,” she said.
“They are heroes. They saved lives.”

Bradburn, who once worked in war zones for the Department of Defense, never imagined her daughter would need survival instincts at summer camp.

“She had her name tag on when she got off the helicopter,” Bradburn recalled.
“That shook me. It said so much.”

The name tag, still pinned to her daughter’s clothes, showed that all the life lessons about preparation had stuck—even in the most unexpected moment.

Texas Camp Survivor Hopes Missing Friends Are Found Soon

As a Texas camp survivor, Callie is haunted by the memory of those still missing. Some had hugged her the night before the flood hit.

“Some of those kids hugged me the night before,” she said.
“The next minute, they could be gone.”

She holds onto hope that the remaining children will be found and reunited with their families.

“There are no easy answers,” her mother said.
“We’re thankful she’s safe, but heartbroken for others.”

Despite the heartbreak, the McAlary family remains grateful to Camp Mystic and the Eastland family, who run it.

“They gave everything to protect those kids,” Bradburn said.
“We’re forever grateful for their sacrifice.”

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