Her voice cracked on-air as she recalled the trail by the riverbank — now submerged.
But what she revealed next left the newsroom speechless…
BREAKING: Dana Perino Admits She Attended Camp Mystic as a Teen — “I Slept Under That Tree…”
In a stunning moment on Fox News’ America’s Newsroom on July 7, 2025, co-anchor Dana Perino left viewers and her co-host Bill Hemmer speechless when she revealed a deeply personal connection to the ongoing Texas flood crisis. As the program covered the devastating flash floods that have claimed lives and left 27 people missing, Perino’s voice cracked as she shared a memory from her teenage years at Camp Mystic, a historic summer camp in Hunt, Texas, located along the now-submerged Guadalupe River. “I slept under that tree,” she said, her voice trembling, pointing to a news graphic showing a flooded riverbank. What she revealed next—a poignant reflection on loss, resilience, and her personal ties to the affected region—stilled the newsroom and sparked a wave of reactions across the nation.
The Texas Floods: A Growing Crisis
The flash floods that struck Texas in early July 2025 have been described as some of the most severe in recent memory. Triggered by torrential rains over the Llano and Guadalupe Rivers, areas like Kingsland, Kerrville, and Hunt have been inundated, with homes destroyed, roads washed out, and entire communities displaced. The floods, occurring around Independence Day, caught many residents unprepared, leading to a reported 27 individuals missing as of the latest updates. Rescue operations involving the Texas National Guard, local authorities, and FEMA are underway, but the rapid onset of the flooding—described as a “10-minute inundation” by NPR—has complicated efforts.
Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ summer camp founded in 1926, lies in the heart of the affected region along the Guadalupe River. Known for its scenic trails, riverbank activities, and tight-knit community, the camp has been a cherished institution for generations of Texans, including, as Perino revealed, herself. The camp’s grounds, now partially submerged, have become a symbol of the broader devastation, with images of flooded trails and iconic landmarks like the camp’s towering trees dominating news coverage.
Dana Perino’s Emotional Revelation
During the America’s Newsroom broadcast, Perino and Hemmer were discussing the latest developments in the Texas floods when a graphic displayed the Guadalupe River’s swollen banks near Hunt. Perino’s demeanor shifted as she pointed to a specific tree in the image, her voice breaking: “I slept under that tree… at Camp Mystic, when I was a teenager.” The admission caught Hemmer off guard, and the newsroom fell silent as Perino continued, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Perino shared that she attended Camp Mystic in the late 1980s, during her formative years growing up in Colorado and spending summers in Texas. “That trail by the riverbank, where we’d hike and tell stories at night—it’s gone now, underwater,” she said. “I can still feel the grass under my feet, hear the girls laughing. It was where I learned to be brave, to trust myself.” Her voice cracked again as she added, “Seeing it like this… it’s like losing a piece of who I am.”
But it was what Perino revealed next that left the newsroom and viewers stunned. She disclosed that one of the 27 missing individuals was a current counselor at Camp Mystic, a young woman she had mentored through her Minute Mentoring program, which connects young women with career guidance. “Her name is Emily,” Perino said, pausing to steady her voice. “She’s 22, full of light, just like I was at that camp. She was leading a group of girls when the floods hit. They’re still looking for her.” The revelation brought a palpable shift in the studio, with Hemmer visibly moved and producers scrambling to process the personal connection.
Camp Mystic: A Place of Growth and Community
Camp Mystic holds a special place in Texas culture, known for fostering leadership, faith, and lifelong friendships among its campers. Perino’s time there, she explained, was transformative. “It was where I found my voice,” she said, recalling how camp activities like public speaking, team challenges, and quiet moments by the river shaped her confidence and resilience. These qualities later propelled her to become the first Republican woman to serve as White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush and a prominent Fox News personality.
Perino’s emotional recounting resonated with viewers, many of whom took to X to share their own memories of Camp Mystic or similar summer camps. “Dana Perino’s story about Camp Mystic hit me hard,” one user posted. “I went there too, and those summers shaped me. Praying for Emily and everyone affected.” Others expressed shock at the personal toll of the floods, with one writing, “Dana’s voice breaking like that… you could feel her heart breaking for that counselor.”
The Broader Impact of the Floods
The Texas floods have not only disrupted lives but also highlighted systemic challenges in disaster preparedness. The rapid flooding of the Guadalupe River, exacerbated by climate-driven weather patterns, has renewed calls for improved infrastructure, such as stronger levees and better drainage systems. Critics have pointed to Texas’s history of flooding—Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and the 2018 Llano River floods—as evidence of the need for long-term solutions.
The human toll remains the most pressing concern. The 27 missing individuals, including Emily, the Camp Mystic counselor, have galvanized communities to support search and rescue efforts. Volunteers, local organizations, and even national figures have rallied to provide aid, with donation drives and relief centers popping up across the state. Perino herself announced on air that she would be donating to a fund for Camp Mystic’s recovery and urged viewers to contribute to verified relief efforts.
Public and Media Response
Perino’s revelation sparked a wave of media coverage, with outlets like The Daily Mail and USA Today highlighting her emotional moment. Social media platforms, particularly X, buzzed with reactions, though some posts questioned the focus on Perino’s personal story amid the broader tragedy. “Dana’s connection to Camp Mystic is touching, but let’s keep the focus on the missing,” one user cautioned. Others praised her vulnerability, noting that it humanized the crisis for viewers who might otherwise feel disconnected.
The moment also underscored Perino’s reputation as a mentor and advocate for young women. Her book, I Wish Someone Had Told Me: The Best Advice for Building a Great Career and a Meaningful Life (2025), emphasizes mentorship, drawing on her experiences at Camp Mystic and beyond. In the wake of her on-air revelation, sales of the book surged, with readers citing her authenticity as a draw.
A Call for Resilience and Hope
Perino’s emotional disclosure on America’s Newsroom was more than a personal anecdote—it was a call to action. She urged viewers to support flood victims, emphasizing the resilience she learned at Camp Mystic. “Those girls at camp, they taught me to keep going, no matter how hard it gets,” she said. “That’s what Texas needs now—people who won’t give up.”
As rescue efforts continue, the fate of Emily and the other 26 missing individuals remains uncertain. The floods have left an indelible mark on Texas, but stories like Perino’s remind us of the human connections that endure. Her voice, cracking as she recalled sleeping under a now-submerged tree, captured a universal truth: places like Camp Mystic are more than physical spaces—they’re where memories, courage, and hope are born.
In the days ahead, Texas will need that hope to rebuild. Perino’s revelation, raw and unexpected, has brought the crisis home to millions, urging us to hold fast to the values of community and perseverance that define the Lone Star State.