Kerr County — The operators of Camp Mystic are under fire from parents who are upset about what they describe as a “lack of communication” regarding the reopening of a sister camp next summer. The controversy follows the tragic loss of two counselors and 25 young girls, including 8-year-old Mary Grace Baker of Beaumont, in a devastating flood at Camp Mystic Guadalupe River on July 4. The floodwaters, which swept through an area known as “Flash Flood Alley,” claimed the lives of at least 136 children and adults in the Hill Country.
While Camp Mystic Cypress Lake is set to open next summer, the Guadalupe River location, where the tragedy occurred, will remain closed due to damage. The camp announced plans to build a memorial for the victims, but some families, including Mary Grace Baker’s father, Clarke Baker, say they were not consulted. “I have not received said email from Camp Mystic,” Baker told KFDM, expressing surprise at the announcement.
Camp Mystic responded, stating, “We have attempted to be respectful of the privacy and sensitivities of the grieving families in our communications.” The camp noted that some families requested no contact, while others have retained legal counsel, preventing direct communication.
The last missing camper, 8-year-old Cile Steward, has yet to be recovered. Clarke Baker and the Steward family have called for camp safety reforms, which were enacted into law on Aug. 21. Baker emphasized the need to prioritize finding Cile before moving forward with other plans. “We’re still in active search and rescue mode here,” he said. “Just the thought of her not being found and we’re on to memorializing her is just really bonkers to me.”
The Steward family are also are incensed that the owners have announced their intention to open an adjacent camp next summer, while the search for Cile’s remains continues.
CiCi and Will Steward shared a letter they wrote to the operators of Camp Mystic. Source: KFDM
