Camp Mystic, a sleepaway camp nestled in Hunt, Texas, has filed for bankruptcy following the devastating floods that claimed the lives of 28 individuals last July. The camp, which has been in operation for over a century, made its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on 24 June, 2025, in the Southern District of Texas, as reported by multiple news outlets, including The New York Times and CNN.
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According to the camp’s official statement, its liabilities have surpassed £10 million, whereas its assets are estimated to be between £1 million and £10 million. This financial turmoil comes as the anniversary of the catastrophic flooding approaches, with many affected families still grappling with the loss of loved ones.
The tragic events of 4 July, 2025, saw historic rainfall transform the Guadalupe River into a lethal torrent, leading to the deaths of more than 130 people across central Texas. Camp Mystic became emblematic of this tragedy after the loss of 25 campers, two counsellors, and the camp’s director, Dick Eastland. Among these fatalities is 8-year-old Cecilia “Cile” Steward, who is still unaccounted for.
In the wake of this disaster, several families of the deceased campers have taken legal action against the camp. A significant lawsuit was initiated in November 2025 by families of five campers and two counsellors. They accused the camp’s management of prioritising profit over the safety of its attendees. The lawsuit poignantly noted that young campers who should now be entering the third grade and their counsellors set to embark on their university journeys are no longer alive.
The plaintiffs have pointed out that Camp Mystic’s location in areas susceptible to flooding, combined with a lack of adequate safety measures, contributed to the tragedy. Recent findings from a state investigation have corroborated these claims, revealing a 115-page report that details Camp Mystic’s failure to prepare for extreme weather conditions. Among the report’s findings was the absence of a compliant written emergency plan and insufficient preparations for the severe weather that occurred last summer.
Initially, Camp Mystic had intended to reopen its doors for the summer season of 2025. However, in April, the organisation announced its decision to remain closed, subsequently withdrawing its application for a summer licence. The camp expressed its reasoning, stating that it would be inappropriate to proceed with administrative processes while families are still in mourning and investigations are ongoing.
In the wake of this unfolding disaster, a makeshift memorial now stands by the banks of the Guadalupe River. A large wooden cross, erected for remembrance, serves as a haunting reminder of the lives lost during the 2025 floods.
As of now, Camp Mystic has not made an official statement regarding the bankruptcy filing or the ongoing investigations, prompting many to question its future. The tragic events of last July continue to weigh heavily on the hearts of families and the wider community, who are still grappling with the aftermath of one of the deadliest natural disasters in Texas’s recent history.
The tragedy at Camp Mystic has sparked conversations about safety regulations at recreational facilities, particularly those situated in flood-prone regions. It underscores the importance of stringent safety measures to protect young campers from unforeseen disasters.
Many in the community are now keenly awaiting the outcomes of the ongoing investigations and legal proceedings as they seek to find closure and ensure such a tragedy does not reoccur.