On the night of the devastating flood, Keli Rabon found herself in a desperate race against time as water rose dangerously high at the Camp La Junta summer camp, where her two sons were staying. The mother described her harrowing realization that the flooding was far more severe than the initial communication she had received. Her sons, ages 7 and 9, were in a life-threatening situation, and with a sense of urgency, she made the decision to drive to the campsite.
The camp counselors, many of whom were just college students, displayed remarkable bravery as they guided her sons to safety. Rabon recounted how the counselors helped the boys climb onto the rafters to avoid the rising waters. It was a moment of incredible courage in the face of such a dire situation. She described her 7-year-old son, still in a state of shock, recalling how the water had reached the height of the window. The darkness, lack of power, and chaotic environment made the experience even more terrifying for the children.
The tragedy was not limited to Camp La Junta. The Camp Mystic, located just six miles away, is mourning the loss of 27 individuals, including campers and counselors. Authorities have confirmed that at least 100 people have died from the catastrophic flooding. The Guadalupe River experienced a drastic rise of more than 25 feet within an hour, leading to the unprecedented devastation. President Donald Trump has declared the event a ‘100-year catastrophe’ and plans to visit the region to address the disaster and its impact on the local community.
Rabon’s personal account adds a human perspective to the broader disaster, highlighting the bravery of the camp counselors and the emotional toll on the families involved. Despite the trauma, she expressed that her older son is eager to return to the camp, indicating a desire for normalcy and a sense of pride in the experience. The entire incident has brought the community together, as people come to terms with the loss and the need for resilience in the face of such a natural disaster.