Introduction to a Legendary Camp Director
Cynthie "Jane" Ragsdale, the beloved camp director of Heart O’ the Hills, grew up with a passion for summer camps near the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. Her love for these camps was ignited when her parents bought Camp Stewart, a summer camp for boys, in the 1960s. Ragsdale spent her summers at Camp Mystic and Heart O’ the Hills, an all-girls summer camp where she would eventually become co-owner and camp director.
A Life Dedicated to Summer Camps
Ragsdale’s journey at Heart O’ the Hills began when she was a child. She attended the camp and later became a camp counselor, assistant program director, and program director. Her experience at the camp allowed her to focus on her studies in Spanish and journalism at Texas Woman’s University. Ragsdale served as program director from 1978 to 1987 and camp director from 1988 until her passing. She was 68 years old when she died in the catastrophic flooding that hit the Texas Hill Country.
Tributes to a Remarkable Woman
Former campers and parents remembered Ragsdale for her incredible impact on the lives of thousands of girls. Ava Steindl, a former camper and counselor, recalled that Ragsdale taught her and many other girls essential life skills, including how to change a tire. Thomas Mayo, whose daughter attended the camp, said that Ragsdale’s love for the camp and the children was immeasurable. The news of her passing drew over 500 comments on Facebook, with many sharing condolences and memories of the remarkable woman.
A Detour from Journalism
Ragsdale’s initial career goal was to become a foreign correspondent. She worked as a summer intern at the Denton Record-Chronicle and spent a couple of years working at a newspaper in Guatemala and Argentina. However, she realized that she preferred a quieter life and returned to Texas to work at Heart O’ the Hills. Ragsdale met her husband, Richard "Dick" Howell Jr., in 1984, and they had one son together.
A Trustee of a Treasure
Heart O’ the Hills offered a wide range of activities, including horseback riding, swimming lessons, and arts and crafts. Ragsdale was passionate about preserving the camp’s traditions and ensuring that future generations could experience the same joys that she had. She considered herself a trustee of the camp and worked tirelessly to maintain its spirit and provide opportunities for young girls to grow and learn.
Conclusion
Jane Ragsdale’s legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched at Heart O’ the Hills. Her dedication to the camp and its mission inspired generations of young girls, and her memory will continue to be celebrated by the many people whose lives she impacted. As a testament to her enduring spirit, the camp will remain a symbol of the transformative power of summer camps and the incredible woman who led it with love, passion, and devotion.
