Army Black Hawks Rescue 202 Campers from Missouri Floods

When floodwaters surrounded Camp Taum Sauk in Missouri's Ozarks on Friday, Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopters descended to rescue 202 stranded campers and counselors in a dramatic airlift that ended with every child safe.

The young campers, ages 8 to 16, ran toward waiting helicopters as rising waters from the Black River closed in on their Reynolds County campsite. Video from the Missouri State Highway Patrol captured the tense moments as pilots worked quickly to evacuate everyone to safety.

All campers and staff were flown to St. Louis and reunited with their waiting families. No injuries were reported.

The historic coed camp, operating since 1946 in Lesterville about 125 miles south of St. Louis, expressed deep gratitude on Instagram. "We are beyond thankful for your help keeping our camp community safe," officials wrote, thanking the National Guard, Reynolds County emergency responders, and the local Arcadia community.

The dramatic rescue was part of a massive emergency response across Missouri after storms dumped 6 to 12 inches of rain on central and southern parts of the state. First responders performed at least 351 swift water rescues across the flooded regions.

Governor Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency and praised the coordinated effort. "Missouri's first responders once again answered the call with extraordinary bravery, professionalism, and compassion," he wrote on Facebook.

The Bright Side

This rescue mission showcased exactly what emergency preparedness is meant to accomplish. Camp officials, local responders, and military pilots worked together seamlessly to protect every single child.

The contrast with last year's tragic Guadalupe River flooding in Texas, which claimed 135 lives including 28 at an all-girls camp, highlights how critical rapid response and coordination can be. This time, everyone made it home.

Nearby Bearcat Getaway campground also closed for the weekend and confirmed all their campers and staff were safe and accounted for, showing the community-wide commitment to protecting visitors.

With 2 to 4 more inches of rain forecast through the weekend on already saturated soil, Missouri officials are urging continued vigilance while celebrating this incredible rescue success.