July 9, 2025
Flood Monitoring and Safety Plan
The tragedy in the Kerrville area is devastating and very scary. We know that kids need camp experiences. Below you will find resources and FAQs regarding the steps we take to keep your campers safe.
In this drone shot you can see the Blanco River, pavilion, and our dining hall. The cabins are not visible. They are located up the hill, nestled in the trees.
Accreditation
John Knox Ranch is accredited by The American Camp Association (ACA), the only national accrediting body for the summer camp industry. ACA accreditation is voluntary for camps and requires camps to meet over 250 health and safety standards and pass a peer review inspection. Like all camps in Texas, we are also licensed by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Location of JKR Cabins
We are fortunate to have two bodies of water on our site. To the north is the Blanco River and Carpers Creek that starts in our beloved Blue Hole runs through the camp property. Our camper lodging is located on a hill in between the two bodies of water. None of our cabins are located in the floodplain. On the river side of camp, the cabins are far from the Blanco River and up on a bluff. On the creek side of camp, the cabins are far from and up a hill from the creek. The 2015 flood of the Blanco River is considered the worst on record in this area with the Blanco rising 40-45 feet. Even in that flood, none of the camper lodging we currently use was close to flooding.
John Knox Ranch is accredited by The American Camp Association (ACA), the only national accrediting body for the summer camp industry. ACA accreditation is voluntary for camps and requires camps to meet over 250 health and safety standards and pass a peer review inspection. Like all camps in Texas, we are also licensed by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Location of JKR Cabins
We are fortunate to have two bodies of water on our site. To the north is the Blanco River and Carpers Creek that starts in our beloved Blue Hole runs through the camp property. Our camper lodging is located on a hill in between the two bodies of water. None of our cabins are located in the floodplain. On the river side of camp, the cabins are far from the Blanco River and up on a bluff. On the creek side of camp, the cabins are far from and up a hill from the creek. The 2015 flood of the Blanco River is considered the worst on record in this area with the Blanco rising 40-45 feet. Even in that flood, none of the camper lodging we currently use was close to flooding.
This is a SCREEN SHOT of the monitoring locations. Click the USGS link below to see real time data.
How we Monitor and Respond
We monitor weather and storms closely and make changes to planned programs for camper safety as needed. Our emergency evacuation plan for flooding includes many options depending on the specific circumstances. Our cabins are up on a hill, which is safe even if there is flooding around us. In the event of a short-term flooding situation, we would shelter in place safely and communicate throughout. If we needed to evacuate due to flooding, we can move to higher ground on our nature preserve which has some of the highest elevation in the area. We also have a bridge over the creek on our property that we can cross to avoid the public low-water crossing if it is flooded.
We use several weather apps and websites to look at future weather forecasting. We also check the river and creek daily to ensure safety. To monitor any flooding in the Blanco River watershed, we utilize the following sources. I recommend them to you.
We monitor weather and storms closely and make changes to planned programs for camper safety as needed. Our emergency evacuation plan for flooding includes many options depending on the specific circumstances. Our cabins are up on a hill, which is safe even if there is flooding around us. In the event of a short-term flooding situation, we would shelter in place safely and communicate throughout. If we needed to evacuate due to flooding, we can move to higher ground on our nature preserve which has some of the highest elevation in the area. We also have a bridge over the creek on our property that we can cross to avoid the public low-water crossing if it is flooded.
We use several weather apps and websites to look at future weather forecasting. We also check the river and creek daily to ensure safety. To monitor any flooding in the Blanco River watershed, we utilize the following sources. I recommend them to you.
- USGS Blanco River Monitoring. There are several monitoring stations upriver from camp that we use to monitor potential flooding that could be heading our way. The closest is the monitor at the Fischer Store bridge. The continuous data is updated on the website at least hourly. The sensor reads every 15 minutes. Some monitoring sites, like Fischer Store Bridge, include a real-time visual of the river.
- TexMesoNet.org. This website includes many different rain and flooding data sets/maps. It is a good way to see the amount of rainfall in a particular area over a span of time.
Flood Watch vs Flood Warnings?
We are often under a flood watch here at JKR. What does that mean? These warnings are issued by the National Weather Service. Below is an excerpt from the weather.gov website about the difference between flood watch, advisory, and warnings. These warnings/alerts are sent directly to camp director phones and we take action or make program adjustments as necessary.
Staff Training and Communication
Our staff attend a week-long training at the beginning of the summer. A section of that training is always dedicated to our Emergency Action Plan, which includes flood emergencies. Each cabin group carries a radio that we use as our primary tool for communication throughout camp. In addition, staff carry their cell phones for emergency use. In any event where we can't reach a group by one of these methods, a director will go to the group and speak with them directly.
We are often under a flood watch here at JKR. What does that mean? These warnings are issued by the National Weather Service. Below is an excerpt from the weather.gov website about the difference between flood watch, advisory, and warnings. These warnings/alerts are sent directly to camp director phones and we take action or make program adjustments as necessary.
- Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
- Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening.
- Flood Advisory: Be Aware: A Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
- Flood Watch: Be Prepared: A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Staff Training and Communication
Our staff attend a week-long training at the beginning of the summer. A section of that training is always dedicated to our Emergency Action Plan, which includes flood emergencies. Each cabin group carries a radio that we use as our primary tool for communication throughout camp. In addition, staff carry their cell phones for emergency use. In any event where we can't reach a group by one of these methods, a director will go to the group and speak with them directly.
Our hearts are with all of the camp community impacted by the tragedy in the Kerrville area. We know that kids need camp experiences.
Please let us know if you have any further questions​.
Henry Owen, Executive Director. jkrdirector@missionpby.org
830 935 4568
Please let us know if you have any further questions​.
Henry Owen, Executive Director. jkrdirector@missionpby.org
830 935 4568
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