Introduction to the Tragedy
The parents of the only girl still missing from the catastrophic July 4 flood that tore through Camp Mystic in Texas are demanding that the camp halt its plans to reopen. Officials announced this week that they plan to reopen part of the camp next year and build a memorial to the 25 campers and two teenage counselors who died. The body of 8-year-old camper Cile Steward wasn’t recovered.
The Reopening Plan and Its Critics
The reopening plan has drawn fierce complaints from some of the victims’ families, who said they weren’t consulted. “To promote reopening less than three months after the tragedy — while one camper remains missing — is unthinkable,” CiCi and Will Steward wrote to Camp Mystic officials in a letter released Thursday.
“We call on Camp Mystic to halt all discussions of reopening and memorials,” they wrote. “Instead, Cile must be recovered, and you must fully confront and account for your role in the events and failures that caused the deaths of our daughters.”
The Camp’s Response and Plans
Camp Mystic’s owners include the wife and other family members of Dick Eastland, who also died in the flooding. Camp officials indicated that they would move ahead with their plan to reopen part of the camp.
“Our decision to partially reopen areas of the camp is informed by our faith and our commitment to continue the nearly century-long mission and ministry of Camp Mystic to provide a Christian camping experience for girls that allows them to grow physically, mentally and spiritually,” the camp said Thursday in a statement.
The Memorial and the Families’ Involvement
Camp officials added that they welcome participation from the families as they plan the memorial. The children and counselors who died have become known as “Heaven’s 27.” The letter was signed by CiCi and Will Steward “on behalf of ourselves and other families of the Heaven’s 27.”
It wasn’t immediately clear if other victims’ families participated in the letter. A spokesperson for the group said the letter speaks for itself.
New Safety Laws and the Camp’s Compliance
The camp’s planned reopening would not include the area along the Guadalupe River from where the victims were swept away. That area, which was destroyed, would remain closed. An undamaged area called Camp Mystic Cypress Lake on higher ground would reopen. Camp officials said they are working to comply with new camp safety laws that were recently passed. The families of the campers and counselors killed at Camp Mystic came together to urge the Legislature to pass a series of bills aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
The Families’ Efforts to Prevent Similar Tragedies
They delivered powerful testimony before legislative committees, often accusing Camp Mystic operators of not being adequately prepared. The measures prohibit cabins in dangerous parts of flood zones and require camp operators to develop detailed emergency plans, to train workers, and to install and maintain emergency warning systems. One bill would allocate $240 million from the state’s rainy day fund for disaster relief, along with money for warning sirens and improved weather forecasting.
Conclusion
The tragedy at Camp Mystic has left a deep scar on the families of the victims and the community at large. While the camp’s decision to reopen may be seen as a step towards healing, it is crucial that the safety of the campers and staff is prioritized. The new safety laws and the camp’s compliance with them are a positive step towards preventing similar tragedies in the future. However, the families’ concerns and demands for accountability must not be ignored.
FAQs
Q: What happened at Camp Mystic on July 4?
A: A catastrophic flood tore through the camp, resulting in the deaths of 25 campers and two teenage counselors. The body of 8-year-old camper Cile Steward was not recovered.
Q: What are the plans for the camp’s reopening?
A: The camp plans to reopen part of the camp next year, excluding the area along the Guadalupe River where the victims were swept away. A memorial will also be built to honor the victims.
Q: How have the families of the victims responded to the reopening plan?
A: Some families have expressed fierce opposition to the plan, citing the lack of consultation and the fact that one camper remains missing. They have demanded that the camp halt its plans to reopen and instead focus on recovering the missing camper and accounting for their role in the tragedy.
Q: What new safety laws have been passed in response to the tragedy?
A: The Legislature has passed a series of bills aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future. These measures include prohibiting cabins in dangerous parts of flood zones, requiring camp operators to develop detailed emergency plans, and allocating $240 million from the state’s rainy day fund for disaster relief.
Q: How can the camp ensure the safety of its campers and staff in the future?
A: The camp must comply with the new safety laws, develop and implement effective emergency plans, and prioritize the safety of its campers and staff above all else.
