**Devastating Floods Disrupt Texas Girls' Camp, Claim Lives**

**The catastrophic flooding at Camp Mystic tragically cut short a joyful summer experience for young girls, leading to loss of lives and unanswered questions.**

Camp Mystic, a beloved Christian girls' camp located on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas, recently transformed from a joyful sanctuary into a tragic site of disaster. Just days before, eight-year-old Renee Smajstrla cherished moments of laughter and fun, but disaster struck when sudden floods swept through the camp. Sadly, Renee was among the confirmed victims of this harrowing event, described by her uncle Shawn Salta as "forever living her best life at Camp Mystic" on social media.

Images from the camp depict the aftermath of the flooding: mud-caked bunk beds and torn possessions littering the once lively camp spaces where children sang songs around campfires. At least 59 fatalities have been reported, including the camp's director, Richard "Dick" Eastland, while numerous campers remain unaccounted for. Many of these missing girls were sleeping in cabins near the river when the flood struck.

Thirteen-year-old Stella Thompson shared her harrowing experience, explaining how the girls in her higher-ground cabin felt panic as they learned of the unfolding disaster. As helicopters arrived to assist, they prayed for their friends still at risk in perilous conditions. "Seeing kayaks in trees and first responders rescuing girls was horrific," Stella recounts of her evacuation by military vehicles.

By Sunday, the scene at Camp Mystic presented a somber sight for BBC journalists, with police cordoning off the area as rain continued to fall. Rescuers faced challenging conditions that complicated their search efforts. While hope remained several days after the incident for those missing, the focus seemed to shift towards a recovery mission.

Camp Mystic, which has been run by the same family for generations, has drawn girls from across Texas and beyond to engage in enriching activities. This tragic event at a camp which symbolizes spiritual growth now raises questions around safety protocols and the risks of flooding in camps located close to rivers. Congressman Chip Roy acknowledged the heartache while urging caution in blaming camp placements by the water.

Amid the chaos, families of the missing endure agony as search efforts continue tirelessly around the clock. Governor Greg Abbott's declaration of a state of emergency underscores the tragic impact of this incident. As Stella clings to a comforting poem shared by camp leaders, many are left reflecting on the loss of joy and innocence brought on by natural disasters.