Introduction
On July 4, 2025, disaster struck Camp Mystic, a serene all-girls camp in Kerrville, Texas, as floodwaters from the Guadalupe River surged, claiming the lives of 25 campers and staff members. Amid this chaos stood Glenn Juenke, a night security guard whose heroic actions saved numerous lives, yet he finds himself grappling with profound grief and unresolved feelings after the tragic event.
The Fateful Night
As the rain began to pour heavily, Juenke, a retired officer from the Houston Police Department, was on duty that night. He recalls how a routine evening spiraled into a life-threatening crisis. Thunder and lightning echoed in the dark as he witnessed the first signs of trouble.
“I started thinking what I would always tell my kids, which was that I'm coming home at the end of my shift,” Juenke recounted.
The water rose swiftly, cutting off escape routes and putting the young campers in dire peril. Juenke and camp staff initially employed a safety protocol that required sheltering in cabins, yet as the waters pressured the structure, they were forced to adapt.
Moments of Heroism
As the deluge began to swallow the Wiggle Inn cabin, Juenke made the critical decision to keep the terrified girls inside rather than risk evacuation.
- He encouraged the campers to stay calm, turning a terrifying situation into a makeshift “pool party” atmosphere.
- Despite his own fears, he focused on maintaining a sense of security for the young girls around him.
“We're not going anywhere. We're going to be OK,” he reassured them amidst the swirling chaos.
The Aftermath
In the wake of the flood, Juenke faced emotional turbulence. As he attempted to support others, he battled waves of guilt and sadness.
“I'm a big crier, and I'm too numb to cry,” he expressed, reflecting on the trauma he endured during the night.
With lingering questions about the night's events, he emphasized the profound need for a thorough investigation into what happened at Camp Mystic, as many families waited for clarity regarding the tragic losses.
Community Response and Support
The tragedy has triggered widespread support and scrutiny. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced a formal investigation to uncover the circumstances leading to the disaster, stating:
“The families who lost their precious daughters deserve answers.”
Public sentiment has stirred a renewed interest in enhancing safety measures not just at Camp Mystic but across similar establishments, ensuring that such a tragedy does not recur.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
As Glenn Juenke reflects on the harrowing events, he remains a vital part of the narrative pushing for transparency and better safety protocols. His story is a somber reminder that behind every statistic is a human life, deserving of respect and dignity. This disaster opens a wider conversation about accountability and the importance of safety at camps nationwide.
A Personal Reflection
Juenke now wears necklaces that symbolize the lives he tried to protect that night—a poignant reminder of the changes that must take place to avoid future tragedies. Their respective inscriptions reflect a sense of hope and resilience, capturing the essence of survival amidst despair.
The lessons learned through this experience extend beyond Camp Mystic; they echo the need for continuous vigilance and preparedness in our communities.
Source reference: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/18/us/camp-mystic-flooding-texas-security-guard.html
