AUSTIN, Texas – The security guard at Camp Mystic stated during a legal hearing that an earlier general evacuation order could have prevented loss of life in last year’s devastating flood. Glenn Juenke, who attempted to evacuate campers as waters rose, pointed to the absence of sufficient emergency preparation.
Juenke, a key witness for camp operators who hope to reopen the all-girls Christian camp this summer, recounted his harrowing night on July 4th when rushing floodwaters swept through the Guadalupe River area. During the storm, he directed some campers to transition to higher ground while he became trapped in a cabin.
The hearing, part of a legal battle between camp owners and families of the victims, has shed light on critical failures in the camp's disaster response. Juenke's lack of training on evacuation protocols raised concerns among the families of the girls who perished in the flood. Currently, the camp's license is under review by state health regulators, following a judge's directive to preserve evidence of the tragedy.
Initially, Juenke helped transport girls away from cabins but soon had to abandon his vehicle. He then directed a group of girls to flee on foot as waters surged. Despite becoming trapped, Juenke managed to keep a group afloat on air mattresses for hours, preventing fatalities among them.
The testimony revealed how essential decisions to evacuate were delayed, leading to chaos and confusion. Attorneys representing families emphasized the camp's failure to establish a precise evacuation strategy, leaving campers unaware of proper actions during an emergency.
As details emerged during three days of hearings, Juenke defended the camp's response amid criticism, stating they acted to the best of their ability under dire circumstances. However, the lingering trauma from the disaster and the displeasure from affected families raise vital questions about safety standards in summer camps.
