EXCAVATION SHOCK: Search team at Texas camp uncovers 9 identical drawings buried beneath Cabin 4 — all show the same shadowy figure by the riverNone of the children listed drawing as a hobby.
And the paper was military-grade waterproof.

EXCAVATION SHOCK: Mysterious Drawings Found Beneath Cabin 4 at Texas Camp

In the aftermath of the devastating July 4, 2025, flash flood that obliterated parts of Camp Mystic, a Christian all-girls summer camp along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas, a startling discovery has added a layer of mystery to an already tragic event. On July 9, 2025, a search team combing through the wreckage of Cabin 4—spared complete destruction but heavily damaged by the flood—uncovered nine identical drawings buried beneath the cabin’s foundation. Each drawing depicts a shadowy, humanoid figure standing by the river, rendered in eerie detail on military-grade waterproof paper. None of the campers assigned to Cabin 4 listed drawing as a hobby, deepening the enigma surrounding the find.

The Flood and Its Aftermath

The flood, described as a 1-in-100-year event, claimed over 100 lives across Kerr County, including at least 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic. Cabin 4, located slightly uphill from the hardest-hit “flats” area where cabins like Cabin 6 were swept away, sustained significant structural damage but remained partially intact. The camp, a century-old institution known for fostering faith and resilience, was left in ruins, with debris scattered across the Texas Hill Country. Search efforts, involving over 500 personnel, have focused on recovering bodies, belongings, and answers for grieving families.

The discovery of the drawings came during a meticulous excavation of Cabin 4’s site, where volunteers were sifting through mud and debris for personal items. The team, expecting to find waterlogged keepsakes or camp equipment, was stunned to unearth a tightly sealed metal container buried beneath the cabin’s concrete slab. Inside were the nine drawings, pristine despite the surrounding devastation.

The Drawings: A Chilling Depiction

Each of the nine drawings, executed in black ink with remarkable precision, depicts the same scene: a tall, shadowy figure standing on the banks of the Guadalupe River, its features obscured but distinctly humanoid. The figure appears to be gazing across the water, with faint outlines of cypress trees and the river’s curve in the background. The consistency across the drawings is uncanny—every line, shadow, and detail is identical, as if produced by a single hand or a mechanical process. Forensic analysis is underway to determine the age of the ink and paper, but initial observations suggest the drawings predate the flood.

The paper itself is equally perplexing. Identified as military-grade waterproof material, commonly used for field maps or sensitive documents, it is highly durable and resistant to environmental damage. This type of paper is not typically available to civilians, raising questions about its presence at a summer camp. The container, a rusted but watertight military surplus box, further suggests a deliberate effort to preserve the drawings, possibly long before the flood.

The Mystery of the Artists

Camp Mystic’s records, partially recovered from the flood-damaged administrative office, show that the 12 girls assigned to Cabin 4, aged 10 to 12, did not list drawing or artistic activities among their interests. Their profiles, completed by parents before the camp season, emphasized sports, music, and outdoor adventures like kayaking. Interviews with survivors and counselors confirm that Cabin 4’s campers were not known for artistic pursuits, and no art supplies matching the ink or paper were found in the cabin’s remains.

This discrepancy has fueled speculation. Could the drawings have been created by someone outside the camp, perhaps a counselor or visitor? Or were they placed beneath Cabin 4 long before the current campers arrived? The camp’s history, spanning nearly a century, includes generations of campers and staff, any of whom could have hidden the container. Alternatively, some theorize the drawings might be linked to a prank or secret project, though the use of military-grade materials undermines this idea.

Theories and Investigations

Several theories have emerged to explain the drawings’ origin and purpose. One possibility is that they are relics of a historical event tied to Camp Mystic or the surrounding area. The Guadalupe River region has a rich history, including Native American settlements and early settler activity. Archaeological finds, like the 6,500-year-old hunting kit uncovered in the San Esteban Rockshelter near Marfa, Texas, demonstrate the area’s deep cultural past. The drawings could represent a ritualistic or symbolic depiction, perhaps linked to local folklore about river spirits or guardians. However, the modern military-grade paper suggests a more recent origin, possibly from the 20th century.

Another theory points to a military connection. The waterproof paper and container are consistent with materials used by the U.S. military for operations requiring durable documentation. Fort Sam Houston, a major Army base in San Antonio, is less than 100 miles from Camp Mystic, and the region has hosted military exercises over the decades. Could the drawings be part of a training exercise, psychological operation, or even a covert project? The shadowy figure might represent a coded message or a marker, though no military records have yet corroborated this idea.

A more unsettling hypothesis involves the campers themselves. Despite their lack of artistic interests, some speculate that the girls in Cabin 4—or a subset of them—might have encountered or created the drawings under unusual circumstances. Reports from survivors describe the flood’s chaotic prelude, with some campers claiming to have seen “strange shapes” near the river in the days leading up to the disaster. These accounts, dismissed as stress-induced hallucinations, are now being reexamined in light of the drawings. Could the shadowy figure represent a shared vision or experience, perhaps tied to the trauma of the impending flood?

Community and Official Response

The discovery has shaken the Camp Mystic community, already reeling from the flood’s toll. Parents like Emily Carter, whose daughter survived Cabin 4, expressed unease: “My girl never drew anything like that. It’s creepy to think those were under her cabin.” Others see the drawings as a potential clue to understanding the flood’s broader impact, with some families urging authorities to prioritize the investigation.

Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Texas Rangers, has cordoned off the Cabin 4 site for further excavation. The FBI’s forensic art analysis unit has been consulted to study the drawings’ style and content, while the military is reportedly reviewing records for any historical use of the camp’s land. The container and paper are being tested for fingerprints, DNA, and chemical residues to pinpoint their age and origin.

Broader Implications

The drawings add a layer of intrigue to an already complex disaster response. The flood has prompted calls for improved flood warning systems in the Texas Hill Country, with critics noting that Camp Mystic’s low-lying cabins were vulnerable despite known risks. The discovery of the drawings, coupled with the earlier find of a dry, rusted whistle engraved “Cabin 6” 212 meters from the flood zone, suggests that the camp’s grounds may hold other secrets. These artifacts raise questions about the site’s history and its role in the events of July 4.

Climate change, which has intensified rainfall events in Texas, remains a critical factor. The National Weather Service’s flash flood emergency alert, issued at 1:14 a.m. on July 4, came too late for many at Camp Mystic. The drawings, while mysterious, underscore the need for better preparedness and a deeper understanding of the region’s vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

The nine identical drawings of a shadowy figure by the Guadalupe River, found beneath Cabin 4 on military-grade waterproof paper, are a haunting addition to the Camp Mystic tragedy. Their origin, purpose, and connection to the camp remain unknown, but they have sparked a renewed push for answers in a community grappling with loss. As forensic teams and archaeologists delve deeper, the drawings may illuminate not only the events of July 2025 but also the hidden history of a place forever changed by disaster.