Camp Mystic Faces Bankruptcy After Devastating Flood

Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls along the Guadalupe River in Texas, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. This came nearly a year after a catastrophic flood killed 25 campers and two teenage counselors. The flood happened on July 4, putting the camp under extreme pressure. Although the camp initially planned to celebrate its 100th anniversary this summer, it changed plans in April due to outrage from victims’ families and lawmakers.

Lawsuits filed by the families accuse the camp of failing to protect the girls during the flood. Tragically, the camp’s owner, Richard Eastland, also died in the disaster. The camp’s bankruptcy filing in Houston federal court lists debts exceeding $10 million. Attempts to reach Camp Mystic’s attorney for comment have been unsuccessful.

“Bankruptcy will not stop all responsible parties from being held accountable,”

said Paul Yetter, representing families of the deceased. “These innocent girls deserve justice.”

Camp Mystic was a beloved summer destination for families who sent their daughters there for activities like horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, and Bible studies. Other camps in Kerr County escaped such damage and have sometimes reopened. Overall, the flooding claimed at least 136 lives along a stretch of the river, prompting questions about the tragedy’s cause.

Determined to reopen, the Eastland family spent months improving safety. They installed flood warning river monitors and provided two-way radios with weather alerts in every cabin. By spring, Camp Mystic’s attorney claimed it was ready to welcome nearly 900 campers. However, safety assurances did not satisfy victims’ families or some lawmakers. State regulators found significant deficiencies in the emergency plans, such as flood evacuation procedures and staff training.

The decision not to reopen emerged after court hearings and investigations highlighted inadequate flood emergency planning and poorly trained staff. Families attended the hearings, honoring their lost daughters with “Heaven’s 27” pins. They listened to accounts of ignored flood warnings and decisions to leave girls in their cabins until it was too late. Testimony included haunting video evidence of the flood’s impact.

Before canceling reopening plans, Camp Mystic invited journalists and lawmakers to evaluate safety improvements. They assured that no activities would occur in the low-lying areas affected by the flood. The Eastland family emphasized that many families hoped to return.