Tragedy struck at Camp Mystic this summer when torrential rainfall poured over the riverside campsite. The floods claimed the lives of 27 young girls, traumatizing all who survived. Among those 27 was Cile Steward, whose body has not yet been recovered.
Despite the fact that Cile’s body has not been found, Camp Mystic plans to reopen in the summer of 2026. The parents of the 27 girls who died this past July obviously disapprove of this sudden reopening. CiCi Steward, Cile’s mother, spoke out against the reopening of this camp more than anyone.
While reading an open letter to the Texas Senate, CiCi stated, “In addition to the families that are here today that lost their children, there are hundreds of other campers that were affected by [the flooding] that survived.” Cici’s advocating letter was heartbreaking to say the least. The fact that she was forced to speak on behalf of her deceased 8-year-old daughter is enough to bring tears to anyone.
The letter read by CiCi supported SB1, also known as the Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act. This act ensures that campsites are not built on floodplains and that they hold annual emergency training sessions. A law like this would improve the safety of future campers, allowing parents to feel secure enough to send their kids to camp again. Despite the passing of this bill, Cile’s parents are not content with the camp’s decision to reopen the summer after a massive tragedy swept through the same area. This decision reflects the heartless values of Camp Mystic’s owners and how they may only be reopening their establishment for monetary gain.
To disrespect the parents of the deceased further, the camp plans to create a memorial for the girls who lost their lives, although this memorial was not approved by the families. These families have hardly had time to grieve, and as Cile’s mother said in her open letter, “You are preparing to invite children to swim in the very river that may still hold our daughter’s body when [Camp Mystic plans] to ‘reopen [their] gates.’”
The pain felt by Cici and other parents of the lost campers will endure. They will never get the chance to see their children grow. Camp Mystic’s plan to reopen dishonors the lives lost on July 4, regardless of any plans of redemption the camp owners may have.
