During a severe storm on the night of July 3, 2023, at Camp Mystic in Texas, Ainslie Bashara, a 19-year-old camp counsellor, found herself in a harrowing situation as she guided 16 young girls to safety amidst rising floodwaters. The camp, located along the banks of the Guadalupe River, experienced a rapid and devastating flood that ultimately led to the deaths of 27 campers and counsellors.
As the storm intensified, Ainslie was on her night off, having just stepped out of the cabin known as Giggle Box to take a break with friends. She noted the girls, aged between eight and ten, were frightened by the storm’s ominous thunder and lightning. Upon returning just after midnight, she was met with a chaotic scene. The storm had escalated, with rain pouring sideways and water beginning to pool inside the cabin.
Ainslie and her co-counsellors attempted to maintain calm among the girls, reassuring them that their cabin was safe while nearby cabins were being evacuated. In a desperate attempt to protect the girls, Ainslie and the other counsellors quickly organized the campers to put on shoes and rain jackets, preparing for an evacuation. As the water surged, Ainslie grabbed a headlamp her father had given her and made the critical decision to lead the girls outside.
Around 3 a.m., Ainslie jumped into the rushing water that had reached her waist. The current was strong, and she realized the danger that awaited the girls if they went out without guidance. As she helped each girl out of the cabin and through the water, they clung to her in fear. Ainslie managed to transport all 16 girls to a nearby dry pavilion, keeping them calm and together.
The atmosphere was tense as the flood’s roar drowned out voices. Ainslie shouted words of encouragement, reminding the frightened campers that they would be okay. Once they reached safety, the counsellors conducted headcounts, relieved to find all girls accounted for. Amidst the chaos, Ainslie’s thoughts were with her younger sister, Addison Bashara, who was on higher ground at Senior Hill.
As dawn approached on July 4, the devastation became evident. The camp was submerged in mud and debris, and the reality of the situation began to sink in for Ainslie and her fellow counsellors. The girls were filled with questions about their safety, their belongings, and the fate of their friends.
In the aftermath, Ainslie witnessed the heart-wrenching scene of responders searching for victims. She later learned that her friend, Chloe Childress, would not survive the night. The emotional toll of the tragedy weighed heavily on Ainslie, who grappled with feelings of anger and helplessness. Despite her grief, she maintained that she did not blame the camp, understanding that no one could have been fully prepared for such a disaster.
On the days following the storm, Ainslie and her fellow counsellors awaited rescue from military helicopters while comforting the young campers. They were instructed to write their names on their arms, a measure of safety in the face of uncertainty.
As Ainslie reflected on the ordeal, she expressed a deep commitment to the camp that had shaped her childhood. “It’s your happy place,” she said, emphasizing the importance of the memories and experiences gained at Mystic. She believed that if the camp were to reopen, she would send her future daughters as well.
The tragedy at Camp Mystic stands as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the resilience of those who face such calamities. Ainslie Bashara’s bravery during that fateful night will not be forgotten, as she emerged as a beacon of hope amidst overwhelming fear.
