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Camp Mystic Celebrates Thanksgiving Amidst Flood Recovery

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/3 .. lebrates-thanksgiving-amidst-flood-recovery.html
  Published in House and Home on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 21:39 GMT by Houston Public Media
      Locale: UNITED STATES

By Eleanor Vance | February 1, 2026

CAMP MYSTIC, GUADALUPE COUNTY - The scent of roasting turkey and pumpkin pie hangs heavy in the air of Camp Mystic, but it's a scent mingled with the lingering memory of rushing water and the grit of rebuilding. Two years after the devastating floods of May 2024 ripped through this small, unincorporated community along the Guadalupe River, Thanksgiving isn't just a holiday; it's a testament to resilience, a beacon of hope, and a hard-won victory over despair.

The flood, triggered by unprecedented rainfall and river swelling, fundamentally altered the landscape - and the lives - of Camp Mystic's residents. What was once a close-knit haven between San Antonio and Austin became a scene of widespread destruction. Homes were swept away, families displaced, and a sense of security irrevocably shattered. While the initial shock has subsided, the long shadow of the disaster continues to fall over the community.

Last Thanksgiving, as reported by Laura Galvan, the community center served as a refuge, offering a modest meal to around 50 survivors, those financially struggling, and others in need. This year, the scale has expanded - not because the situation has improved for everyone, but because the need persists, and the community's capacity for compassion has grown. Organizers anticipate serving over 75 meals, a figure that speaks volumes about the ongoing challenges faced by Camp Mystic's inhabitants.

Maria Rodriguez, a resident who lost her home in the flood, remains a central figure in the recovery efforts. "It's still... a lot," she admits, her voice catching slightly as she oversees the preparation of sweet potato casserole. "But we've learned a lot in these two years. We've learned who we are, really. And we are a community that doesn't give up on each other." Rodriguez, along with other volunteers, has been instrumental in securing donations, coordinating volunteers, and providing emotional support to those still grappling with the trauma of the flood.

Beyond the immediate needs of food and shelter, the recovery process has revealed deep-seated issues related to disaster preparedness, insurance coverage, and long-term housing. Many residents discovered their flood insurance policies were inadequate, or that they lacked coverage altogether. Others have faced bureaucratic hurdles in accessing federal and state aid. The Guadalupe County Commissioners Court has been working with state and federal agencies to secure funding for infrastructure repairs and housing assistance, but progress has been slow.

David Garcia, another long-time resident, echoes Rodriguez's sentiment about staying put. He and his wife lost everything, but they chose to rebuild, not just their home but their lives, in Camp Mystic. "This land... this community... it's in our blood," Garcia explains, while supervising the carving of a large turkey. "We've seen so many people leave, understandably. But those of us who stayed, we feel a responsibility to rebuild, to create something better." Garcia has become a vocal advocate for improved flood mitigation measures, including upgrades to the Guadalupe River's levee system and stricter building codes.

The story of Camp Mystic is a microcosm of the growing challenges faced by communities across the country as climate change intensifies and extreme weather events become more frequent. The May 2024 floods weren't an anomaly; they were a warning. Experts predict that the Guadalupe River basin is likely to experience more frequent and intense flooding in the coming years, making long-term resilience a critical priority.

This Thanksgiving, however, the focus is on the present moment, on sharing a meal, and on celebrating the small victories that have been achieved. Volunteers have transformed the community center into a warm and inviting space, adorned with handmade decorations and filled with the sounds of laughter and conversation. It's a place where stories are shared, memories are cherished, and hope is rekindled. While the scars of the flood remain visible, they are overshadowed by the unwavering spirit of a community determined to thrive, even in the face of adversity. Camp Mystic's Thanksgiving is more than just a meal; it's a powerful declaration of unity, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit.