Jenna Bush Hager Shares Personal Connection to Camp Mystic Amid Texas Flood Tragedy

Jenna Bush Hager is opening up about her emotional ties to Camp Mystic, a historic Christian summer camp in Texas that was severely impacted by devastating floods. The tragic event has claimed the lives of 27 campers and staff members, with many families mourning loved ones.

Bush Hager revealed that her mother was a counselor at the camp, and that many of her childhood friends grew up there. Describing the camp as a longstanding Texas institution—over 100 years old—the daughter of former President George W. Bush emphasized its deep roots in the community, with multiple generations having attended.

Jenna Bush Hager talks about the devastation at Camp Mystic. — Jenna Bush Hager discusses her connection to Camp Mystic.

She shared that her mother, Laura Bush, served as a drama counselor at the camp. Jenna mentioned her concern over the recent tragedy, especially since many of her friends had children attending there just last week. She described the stories emerging from the crisis as both beautiful and heartbreaking, highlighting Texas’s resilience and generosity in times of crisis.

Camp Mystic, founded in 1926 by former Texas football coach EJ “Doc” Stewart, was located along the Guadalupe River, which surged past 26 feet during the floods. The camp’s website expressed heartbreak over the loss, stating, “Our hearts are broken alongside our families enduring this tragedy. We are praying constantly for them.”

The front door of a Camp Mystic building following the flood. — The entrance of a camp building damaged by floodwaters.

Numerous rescue efforts have been underway, with over 500 operations across Texas, including many by air. Authorities continue to search for missing individuals, with reports confirming the recovery of some bodies, including a camper named Anne Margaret Bellows and another identified as Linnie McCown.

People look through belongings at Camp Mystic. — People gather debris and belongings at the site of the flood damage.

Officials have emphasized their ongoing efforts, urging anyone with information about missing loved ones to contact local authorities. The tragedy has touched many in the community, and the resilience of Texas remains evident as recovery continues.