Reopening Announcement Draws Emotional Reactions
Camp Mystic, the nondenominational Christian girls’ camp in central Texas where 27 people died in July’s catastrophic floods, plans a partial reopening next summer. The Eastland family, who own the camp, informed parents that Camp Mystic Cypress Lake—a nearby, elevated site—will operate while the Guadalupe River property remains closed. Many parents, however, say the decision is too soon and deeply insensitive.
Families of Victims Denounce the Decision
Families of the flood victims have publicly condemned the announcement of the reopening. CiCi and Will Steward, whose daughter Cile remains missing, called the plan “unthinkable.” They criticized camp leaders for failing to mention their daughter or involve families in the decision. “Your communications treat our never-ending nightmare as little more than a brief pause before resuming business as usual,” they wrote. Other parents, like Blake Bonner, said families were never consulted about the memorial or reopening.
Camp Leadership Defends Mission and Safety Efforts
Camp officials stated that the reopening reflects their enduring commitment to providing a Christian camp experience while implementing new safety measures. The Guadalupe River property, devastated by the flash flood, will not host campers again until it is rebuilt to higher standards. Leaders pledged compliance with new state laws—the Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act and the Youth Camper Act—mandating stricter flood-zone regulations, warning systems, and emergency planning.
Community Support and Ongoing Grief
Pastor Del Way of Kerrville’s Calvary Temple Church expressed understanding of the camp’s intent but acknowledged the profound pain that remains. “It’s not as usual. It will never be as usual,” he said. Recovery teams continue to search for Cile Steward’s body, while families urge Camp Mystic to focus all resources on the search rather than reopening celebrations.
Memorial Plans and Centennial Celebration
Camp Mystic leaders plan to build a memorial to honor the 27 lives lost and mark the camp’s 100th anniversary next summer. Supporters say reopening honors the camp’s legacy; detractors insist it disregards the grief still gripping their community.
Source:
Camp Mystic to Partially Reopen Summer 2026, Parents Say It’s Too Soon
Photo by Matt Whitacre on Unsplash
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