Jenna Bush Hager delivered an emotional tribute during a Today show segment on July 7, opening up about her family’s deep connection to Camp Mystic—the beloved Texas girls’ summer camp where 27 people, including campers and staff, lost their lives in catastrophic flooding.
“Texas camps are institutions,” Bush Hager said, her voice heavy with emotion. “This camp was 100 years old. Grandmothers, mothers, daughters—they’ve all gone there.”
Her mother, former First Lady Laura Bush, once served as a drama counselor at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas. “My mom was a counselor there,” she added, recalling how many of her friends were raised at the camp and remained closely tied to its legacy.
A Tragedy at a Cherished Institution
The deadly floods that swept through Central Texas over the July 4 weekend overwhelmed the Guadalupe River, causing it to surge more than 20 feet in a matter of hours. Camp Mystic, which was hosting around 750 girls at the time, was among the hardest-hit locations.
On July 7, the camp confirmed that 27 campers and staff had died. At least 10 children and one counselor are still missing, as search and rescue operations continue.
“Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy,” the camp’s leadership wrote in a statement. “We are praying for them constantly.”
Remembering Richard ‘Dick’ Eastland
Bush Hager also paid tribute to Camp Mystic’s longtime director, Richard “Dick” Eastland, who was among those killed. Describing him as “Texas royalty,” she said Eastland was viewed by many girls as a “summer father.” According to reports, he died while trying to lead campers to safety.
His grandson confirmed his passing in a heartfelt tribute shared on social media, and his loss has rippled through generations of Camp Mystic alumni.
A Deeply Personal Loss
For Bush Hager, the tragedy isn’t just news—it’s personal. Her own three children—Mila, 12; Poppy, 9; and Hal, 5—had just been dropped off at another Texas summer camp days before the flooding struck.
Speaking to People, she emphasized the deep emotional ties that many Texas families have to places like Camp Mystic. “Texans are resilient and generous,” she said. “They want to reach out and help, especially in moments like this.”
Texas Flood Death Toll Passes 80
As of July 6, at least 82 people have died in the floods across Central Texas, including 28 children. In Kerr County alone, 68 deaths have been confirmed. More than 40 individuals remain unaccounted for.
President Donald Trump has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, opening the door for federal aid. Meanwhile, flood watches remain in effect across much of Central Texas, including San Antonio, Austin, and surrounding areas, as more rainfall is forecast.
FAQs
Q: What happened at Camp Mystic?
A: On July 4, 2025, flash flooding caused by the rapidly rising Guadalupe River devastated Camp Mystic, killing 27 people and leaving others missing.
Q: Why is Jenna Bush Hager connected to the camp?
A: Her mother, Laura Bush, was once a counselor at Camp Mystic. Many of Jenna’s friends and their families have deep generational ties to the camp.
Q: What is Camp Mystic?
A: Founded over 100 years ago, Camp Mystic is a Christian summer camp for girls located in Hunt, Texas. It is a cherished institution among many Texas families.
