Staff Reports
In the beautifully rugged Texas landscape, a summer camp meant to foster growth and camaraderie turned into an unimaginable nightmare. Over the weekend, a picturesque camp became the scene of a tragic event that has left families devastated, yet clinging to their faith and community support. The camp, which has served as a cornerstone for many young girls seeking friendship and a deeper connection with their faith, was struck by a severe flash flood. As the storm descended with historic fury, parents and siblings of those who attended Camp Mystic were thrust into a storm of their own—one of worry, fear, and disbelief.
For Tara Bradburn, the camp was more than just a summer activity for her daughter, Callie. It was a tradition that had been intertwined with their family’s faith and values since Callie was in second grade. Tara chose the camp because of its profound impact and the faith-based community it promised. Little did she expect that the faith instilled in her daughter would be tested in such a harrowing way. As the storm raged and waters rose, the safety of the campers depended on their ability to stay calm, rely on their faith, and follow the protocol hammered into them, just not for flash floods unheard of around these parts.
Callie, at 16, was one of the older campers and found herself thrust into a situation no teenager is prepared for. The cabins, meant to be a sanctuary, soon became traps for many campers when the water began rising unexpectedly. Fortunately, Callie’s cabin on “Senior Hill” remained above the deluge, allowing for an impromptu haven for other girls escaping their flooded cabins. As witnesses to human instinct and survival, counselors and campers shuffled young girls to safety while weathering the relentless flash flood.
What remains remarkable in this story is the community response. Counselors rose to the occasion heroically, as described by Callie’s mother, calming the young girls and aiding their survival efforts. The collective effort demonstrated by campers, counselors, and staff to achieve safety in the face of disaster is commendable.
Amidst the tragedy of friends missing and lives upended, the hope for reuniting families persists. The resolve of Tara and her family, especially considering her background with the Department of Defense, shines through. As they grapple with the emotional aftermath, they also echo the call for unity and resilience. Their faith remains a beacon during this storm, more profound than the raging waters that engulfed the camp. As the community and officials continue the search, it’s the steadfast belief in the strength ofthe human spirit and divine intervention that keeps these families holding on, even when the currents test their grasp. In true Texan spirit, the call for perseverance reminds us all that, when facing the floodwaters of life, support, faith, and a trusty pair of boots might just see us through.
