Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ camp located along the Guadalupe River in Texas, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization nearly a year after devastating floods resulted in the tragic loss of 25 campers and two teenage counselors. The flood occurred last July, causing immense suffering for the victims’ families and leading to lawsuits due to the camp’s alleged failure to protect the attendees.
The camp, once a beloved summer destination, had planned to celebrate its 100th anniversary by reopening in the summer. However, amid mounting pressure and outrage from victims’ families and lawmakers, the plans were abandoned in April. Richard Eastland, the camp’s owner, also lost his life in the flood, contributing to the camp’s financial burden, which has exceeded $10 million in debt, as revealed in a filing in federal bankruptcy court in Houston.
Paul Yetter, representing multiple families, stated, “Bankruptcy will not stop all responsible parties from being held accountable. These innocent girls deserve justice.” The camp has faced thorough scrutiny regarding its emergency management processes, particularly after state regulators found numerous deficiencies in its flood evacuation strategy and safety training proposals.
For generations, Camp Mystic was revered for offering a wholesome environment with activities like horseback riding, canoeing, and Bible studies. While other camps in Kerr County have reopened successfully, the tragic flooding affected Camp Mystic more severely, with reports indicating a total of 136 deaths along the Guadalupe River.
Initially, the Eastland family aimed to reopen with improved safety measures, such as flood warning monitors and two-way radios equipped with national weather alerts. Despite these assurances, families of victims and some lawmakers remained unconvinced, resulting in the camp’s withdrawal of reopening plans after extensive testimony in court hearings and legislative investigations.
Before deciding against reopening, Camp Mystic showcased safety improvements to journalists and lawmakers, assuring that zones affected by the flood would no longer be used for activities. The Eastland family maintained that many families were eager for the camp to reopen, despite the overwhelming testimonies detailing missed flood warnings and inadequate emergency responses that led to the tragedy.
Ultimately, the decision not to reopen was made after reviewing the camp’s preparedness and the harrowing experiences relayed during court and legislative hearings, marked by families wearing “Heaven’s 27” pins to honor the victims.