07/10/2025
🏕️ Camp Mystic: A Piece of Texas Childhood
For nearly a century, Camp Mystic has been more than just a summer retreat—it has been a rite of passage for generations of Texas girls.
đź’« A Treasured Tradition
Nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country, where the Guadalupe River carves through limestone bluffs and cypress trees whisper with the breeze, Camp Mystic has served as a sacred space for families across the state. It wasn’t just a place to ride horses or roast marshmallows—it was where many young Texans:
Made lifelong friendships
Built self-confidence
Discovered independence
Grew spiritually and emotionally
From Houston to Dallas, San Antonio to Midland, families have proudly sent daughters, granddaughters, and even great-granddaughters to Camp Mystic. For many, it was the heartbeat of summer, the bridge between girlhood and womanhood.
🌟 A Camp with Historical Weight
Founded in 1926, Camp Mystic quickly became an anchor of Texas' summer camp culture, alongside others like Camp Longhorn and Camp Waldemar. But Mystic stood out—not just for its gorgeous riverside location—but for its strong Christian values, rituals, and intergenerational loyalty.
The daughters of Texas governors, CEOs, cattle barons, and everyday working families came together under one banner, stripped of outside distractions, immersed in nature, and guided by time-honored traditions.
🕯️ The July 4th Tragedy—A Statewide Wound
When the floodwaters rose with terrifying speed on the morning of July 4, 2025, they didn’t just wash away cabins—they tore into the heart of a Texas legacy.
27 young lives lost at Camp Mystic sent shockwaves across the entire state.
Nearly every major city had someone who knew a Mystic camper, counselor, or alum.
The flood marked one of the worst natural disasters in Texas camp history.
This wasn’t just a local loss—it was a statewide heartbreak. Churches, schools, and families from across Texas held vigils, flew flags at half-staff, and shared memories online with the hashtag
đź’— Why It Matters So Deeply
Ask any Mystic alum and you’ll hear stories about:
Jumping into the Guadalupe before sunrise
Tying “sister” bracelets during tribal ceremonies
Singing camp songs under the stars
Learning values that lasted a lifetime
These weren’t just childhood memories—they were spiritual and emotional anchors that helped shape thousands of Texas women into who they are today.
A Symbol of Resilience
As Texas mourns, Camp Mystic is also a symbol of resilience and unity. From alumni organizing fundraisers to churches opening their doors for grief counseling, the state has responded with love, faith, and determination.
The message from Mystic families is clear:
“This place shaped us. And we will rebuild—not just the camp—but the spirit that has carried us for generations.”
