Vol. 128, No. 8
INSIDE Dance Class Registration ➤ Pg. 9
New Annuity Product ➤ Pgs. 4, 20
Camp Photos ➤ Pgs. 10-11
hermannsonslife.org
August 2025
Hermann Sons Life mourns lives lost in flood
SAN ANTONIO – While HSL Camp, located in Comfort, was spared from the deadly July 4th flooding, Hermann Sons Life and the HSL Youth Foundation, Inc., mourns for all the lives lost, especially for the young campers, counselors and directors. “Youth camps are a tight-knit community,” Vice President of Member Benefits Cecily Kelly said. “We were just shattered as the news of so many lost came to light.” According to news reports, unprecedented torrential rain that fell overnight on July 4 swept away homes, vehicles, roads and trees. At least 135 died, including 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic in Hunt. Two camp directors also lost their lives. “It’s devastating, I just feel for them and their families,” Executive Camp Director Ian Brassett said. “The entire camp community is feeling heartache.” Due to a 10-day summer session that ended on Wednesday, July 2, instead of the usual Saturday, no campers were on site during the July 4 flooding on Friday. There were some staff and directors at the Hilltop site, but it was not in danger of flooding. While the Riverside site, (former girls’ camp) located on lower ground, has had some flooding in the past, water did not reach the now vacant camp. This year, all camp sessions moved to the newer Hilltop site for coed sessions. HIlltop is not in a flood zone. The next summer session at Hilltop was scheduled to begin Sunday, July 6. Out of extreme caution, the session was canceled.
Cecily explained that some roads in the area were damaged, and others were very busy with first responders. Parents, children and staff were still trying to fathom the tragedy that occurred only a few miles away. “We know it was disappointing to some, and we didn’t take the decision lightly, but we felt canceling the session was the best option for everyone,” Cecily said. Campers enrolled in the canceled session were given other options to attend this summer, and refunds were also available. HSL Camp reopened on Sunday, July 13. “For me, it’s really hard to run camp knowing that happened,” Ian said. “It’s got to be tough for parents to send their kids to camp. We understand that.” The most recent camp session was well attended. “We mourn the loss of so many, but we need to move on with bringing smiles and laughter for our campers,” Cecily said. Ian said emergency procedures are always a priority and will be reviewed consistently.
During the July 4 torrential rainfall, water filled the fields surrounding HSL Camp, but water never reached the buildings.
Flood Relief Fund established SAN ANTONIO – Hermann Sons Life is accepting donations for the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund coordinated by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. The fund will support the communities of Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point and Comfort.
Donations can be made online on the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country website, communityfoundation.net or mailed to the HSL Home Office to P.O. Box 1941, San Antonio, TX 78297-1941, Attention: Hill Country Flood Relief.
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country – a 501(c)(3) public charity based in Kerrville – will directly distribute funds to vetted local organizations providing rescue, relief, recovery services and flood assistance. All donations are taxdeductible.
New Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA) – See Pg. 4