‘Brave’ Counselors at All-Boys Camp Saved Hundreds of Kids from Texas Floodwaters

**Brave Counselors at All-Boys Camp Save Hundreds from Texas Floodwaters**

In a heart-stopping turn of events, around 400 campers and counselors from Camp La Junta in Hunt, Texas, were successfully evacuated amidst a flooding disaster that gripped the region. The valiant efforts of the counselors have been hailed by parents whose sons attended the camp, with one grateful mom expressing, “If it hadn’t been for them, it would have been a very different scenario with our boys.”

The camp, situated just miles away from Camp Mystic where tragically at least 27 campers and counselors lost their lives, found itself inundated by the rising Texas floodwaters. Tucker Hope, a 13-year-old camper, recounted waking up to water surrounding his cabin on Friday, July 4. He shared how counselors swiftly advised him and other campers to gather their belongings and seek refuge on the second floor. The urgency of the situation was evident as shouts to evacuate echoed across the camp, with Tucker noting the frantic efforts made to ensure everyone’s safety.

Keli Rabon, the mother of campers Braeden Davis, 9, and Brock Davis, 7, recounted the harrowing experience faced by her sons during the flooding. Brock found himself trapped in his cabin with other boys and two counselors when the water surged in, forcing him to climb up to escape the rising waters. Despite the chaos and uncertainty, the heroic actions of the counselors led to Brock’s rescue, albeit with only the clothes on his back, highlighting the life-saving impact of their quick thinking.

Video footage shared by ABC affiliate KSAT depicted a cabin housing Camp La Junta counselors floating in the Guadalupe River before eventually coming to a halt against a tree. Miraculously, all counselors emerged unscathed from the ordeal. As the situation unfolded, the concerted efforts of the camp staff ensured that approximately 400 campers and counselors were safely brought to higher ground away from the floodwaters, averting further potential tragedies.

Acknowledging the exceptional leadership exemplified by the counselors, Lindsay Pope, mother of Tucker, commended their unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety of the campers. She expressed relief in her son’s composed demeanor during the crisis, underscoring the trust and admiration the boys held for their mentors. Similarly, Georgie Brown, mother of 11-year-old Beau, lauded the counselors for their decisive actions, emphasising the pivotal role they played in safeguarding the campers under their care.

Camp La Junta, with a rich legacy dating back to 1928, has weathered numerous challenges while maintaining a commitment to fostering excellence in camping experiences. The ethos of empowerment and growth ingrained in the camp’s philosophy has empowered generations of young men to discover their potential and cultivate confidence in themselves.

In a poignant interview with CBS Mornings, Rabon shared her mixed emotions of relief and empathy towards other families whose loved ones were still unaccounted for. The devastating toll of the Texas floods, with at least 119 fatalities and 173 individuals reported missing as of the latest updates, serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of natural disasters on communities. Amidst the turmoil, a sense of solidarity and compassion has emerged as collective efforts rally to support the victims and aid in the recovery process.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the calamity, the selfless actions of the counselors at Camp La Junta stand as a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The indelible mark left by their bravery serves as a testament to the unwavering spirit of community and the unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives of those entrusted to their care.