By Aliza Flug, Senior Layout Editor and Social Media Manager
Founded in 1926, Camp Mystic is a Christian summer camp for girls in West-Central Texas. Located on the bank of the Guadalupe River, Camp Mystic is a safe haven for so many.
When a devastating flood hit Texas on July 4, Camp Mystic was unfortunately among the worst places affected. Among the catastrophic death toll of at least 135 killed in the flood, 28 were campers, counselors and staff of Camp Mystic. In just two hours, the water rose more than 20 feet, directly impacting the camp’s “Bubble Inn” and “Twins” cabins, which housed the youngest campers, ages eight and nine.
Hadley Hanna, a sweet eight-year-old cheerleader, gymnast and fisherwoman loved giving everyone hugs. She was known as a bright light and had an infectious smile. Jane (Janie) Hunt aspired to be an artist when she grew up. She was empathetic, comforting homesick campers. She loved life and had countless hobbies, endless energy and so much talent. Lila Bonner was a sweet almost third-grader who spread love and kindness with warm hugs. Dreaming of becoming a veterinarian, Lila loved animals and enjoyed watching animal TV shows. Lila was best friends with Eloise Peck, who was also tragically killed in the flood. Their parents had been receiving pictures of the girls at camp, both of them extremely happy in every photo. Much like Lila, Eloise had a love for animals and nature and a deep care for others. She was especially fond of her younger brother Holden, enjoying her built-in playmate. Looking at pictures of Eloise, the first thing I notice is her glowing smile. It’s hard to think about all of these girls’ parents who said their last goodbyes to their kids, sending them off to camp.
Chloe Childress was a 19-year-old counselor at Camp Mystic who was preparing to start college in the fall. Exploding with passion, faith and kindness, Chloe filled her schedule with volunteer work, medical internships, student leadership opportunities and various sports. She had dreams of becoming a doctor to exemplify a strong, independent woman, and to have the opportunity to help others. Chloe had been attending Camp Mystic since third grade and was excited to return as a counselor.
I know some of these details may seem minor in the scheme of things, but reading each of these girl’s stories reminded me that these aren’t simply names or numbers you see on the news. These are kids who had hobbies, talents, passions and dreams for the future. They had loving families, friends and communities. Their lives were just beginning, they still had so much to learn, so much life to live. They were just little girls.
In the days following July 4, we tragically learned of more and more lives lost throughout Kerr County, Texas. Among the other victims of the flood were Blair and Brooke Harber, sisters ages 13 and 11 who died with their hands locked together. At 3:30 AM the morning the storm hit, they both sent texts telling their parents that they loved them. Blair was about to start eighth grade as a student ambassador, athlete, cheerleader and actress. She was looking forward to auditioning for the lead in her eighth grade play, Bye Bye Birdie. She loved children and was known for having the kindest heart with a passion for helping and serving others. Brooke was going into sixth grade and was also a student athlete who loved speech and theater. They had a strong connection to their Christian faith until their final moments, and died clutching their rosaries. They passed alongside their grandparents, with whom they were spending the weekend.
I wish I could write about each of the flood victims, the girls from Camp Mystic, the parents, children, siblings and friends that people lost. There is so much to learn from every one of them, but I couldn’t possibly tell all of their stories in this short article. I urge you to read their obituaries, learn from them and grieve their losses.
There are countless heroes that have come out of this tragedy as well. It breaks my heart to know that we were forced to witness a disaster in order for their stories to be brought to light. Julian Ryan, a 27-year-old father of two, punched through a window to save his family and fiancée, ultimately sacrificing himself. He died in his mother’s arms, while telling her he loved her. Dick Eastland, the owner of Camp Mystic, died saving campers. His friends, family and campers shared that it wasn’t surprising that he spent his final moments helping others. Paige Sumner, a graduated camper, wrote that he had already saved so many lives with Camp Mystic. She said that he was a father figure and role model who always put the campers’ safety first.
I have also seen so much courage and strength from the families who lost their girls. In an interview with CNN, Dr. Patricia Bellows, who lost her daughter Margaret in the flood, thanked the counselors who tried to save the girls. Shortly after her passing, the family of Wynne Naylor, a victim of the Camp Mystic flooding, launched “More Like Wynne”. Honoring her passion for adventure, the foundation supports youth wildlife conservation as well as the elementary school Wynne attended and ministries. Wynne’s father explained that he is choosing to channel his grief into service, to provide hope and comfort to others. Additionally, Camp Mystic parents urged Texas lawmakers to pass a law to ensure future disasters don’t occur. The Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act, signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in early September, puts stricter regulations on camps throughout Texas in order to protect campers from flooding. Thanks to this law, Texas camps will now be provided with the proper resources to deal with flooding and prevent disasters.
My heart breaks over and over for these families as I read their stories. I can’t help but think of my eight-year-old self, and all the similarities I shared with these girls. We may not share a religion, but there is so much we have in common. There is truly no comfort, but I know that the legacies of these girls will continue to live on.
Photo Caption: Girls on lake.
Photo Credit: Unsplash