On the Fourth of July, a Texas summer camp, the Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly, swiftly evacuated around 70 children and adults due to rising water levels and heavy rainfall near the Guadalupe River. Situated on a sprawling 500-acre property, the camp had been hosting a summer camp and a youth conference. Camp communications director Lisa Winters stated that the team monitored the situation for 24 hours before the decision to evacuate was made at 1 a.m. on Friday. Despite there being no local authority warnings, camp officials acted preemptively, relocating everyone to safer areas, thereby avoiding the severe consequences faced by another camp in nearby Hunt, Texas.
The flash floods that struck the Texas Hill Country resulted in devastating losses, with over 80 fatalities and dozens still unaccounted for as of the subsequent weekend. Among those missing were 10 girls from Camp Mystic, prompting ongoing search and rescue efforts in the area. Winters emphasized the camp’s fortunate position on elevated ground, which enabled them to move individuals to safety well before the worst of the storm struck. She highlighted that Mo-Ranch was responsible for several hundred campers and guests, all accounted for amidst the chaotic season, illustrating the effectiveness of their preparations.
Mo-Ranch’s staff remained proactive despite losing power, communicating with parents early Friday morning to assure them of their children’s safety. Winters remarked on the camp’s mission to instill resilience and faith in their young campers. Ironically, this theme of stress management was central to the youth celebration taking place just before the flood, showcasing how the camp’s teachings became a practical exercise in handling real-life anxiety and emergencies. The staff’s swift actions helped them navigate a potentially disastrous situation without significant incident.
However, the absence of authoritative warnings in the lead-up to the flood has drawn criticism towards local officials. Many residents and camp staff were left to make judgment calls without guidance, raising questions about the adequacy of communication protocols. Officials later acknowledged that they were unprepared for the intensity of the rainfall, which delivered what would typically fall over several months. The camp’s ability to predict and react effectively to the impending danger served as a stark contrast to the larger, systemic failures in alerting the region.
When asked about communications prior to the flooding, Winters expressed disappointment, indicating that Mo-Ranch did not receive clear messages from county officials regarding the threats posed by the rising waters. She reiterated how crucial their own vigilance was in preventing a tragedy. The camp staff prioritized contacting parents to reassure them that their children were safe, which was vital given the alarming media coverage depicting the crisis unfolding elsewhere.
While Mo-Ranch sustained some damage, it remained relatively unharmed compared to other camps along the river. Winters acknowledged the power of the floodwaters, reflecting on the miraculous survival of the camp’s occupants. Moving forward, the camp aims to offer support to other facilities grappling with the aftermath of the disaster, embodying a spirit of cooperation and solidarity among camps facing similar challenges. As Winters noted, the emotional weight of the situation underscored their commitment to aid their fellow camps during this difficult time.
