Clara and Nolan Shelton, 14-year-old twins from Waco, Texas, shared their harrowing experience of being caught in the tragic flash flooding at their summer camps on July 4th. The flooding, which saw river levels rise by nearly 30 feet in an hour, has claimed the lives of over 100 individuals, including 27 campers and staff from Camp Mystic, where Clara was staying. Nearly 175 individuals remain unaccounted for.
Clara, who has been attending Camp Mystic since 2021, described the camp as her “home away from home,” following in the footsteps of her mother, who also camped there. Nolan attended Camp La Junta, located just downstream from Mystic, for eight summers. Both were amidst a month-long session when the disaster struck.
Initially, both twins were unaware of the severity of the situation. Clara was sleeping in the nurse’s station on higher ground while Nolan was in his cabin. The flash flood’s rapid onset left them both isolated and anxious about each other’s safety. “I thought she died,” Nolan said, recalling his fear during the chaos, while Clara expressed that her brother was her primary concern during the ordeal.
As Clara and the other campers faced rising waters and evacuation efforts, she described the chaos she witnessed, including young girls being comforted and cared for amidst the turmoil. Meanwhile, Nolan learned of the devastation at Camp Mystic and was worried about Clara’s safety. Their parents received updates that brought them a mix of relief and anxiety, hoping for the safety of both children.
After hours of uncertainty, both twins were finally reunited at a reunification center. Clara’s first instinct was to embrace her brother, revealing the deep bond they share. Despite being grateful for their own lives, both Clara and Nolan feel a weight of survivor’s guilt as they mourn the loss of their friends and fellow campers.
Clara plans to return to Camp Mystic soon to gather her belongings and remember the good times spent there, noting she may never feel the same about the camp again. For both twins, the shared experience has deepened their connection and highlighted the importance of supporting the grieving families affected by this tragedy.
This heartfelt story of survival amidst disaster not only emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit but also a community’s sorrow together in the face of unimaginable loss. Clara’s reflections on her camp memories and her desire to honor those who didn’t survive showcase a profound sense of empathy in this difficult time.