Parents of girl still missing from Camp Mystic flooding calls reopening of camp ‘unthinkable’

Less than three months after the tragic floods that claimed the lives of 27 people at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas, the camp has announced its plans to reopen in 2026. However, this decision has been met with criticism from several families, especially the parents of 8-year-old Cile Steward, who is still missing after the floods.

In a letter addressed to camp leadership, CiCi and Will Steward expressed their deep disappointment with the decision to reopen the camp so soon after the tragedy. They emphasized that their families are still grieving and that the camp’s communication has minimized the ongoing pain they are experiencing. The Stewards, along with other affected families, believe that reopening the camp while one camper remains missing is insensitive and disrespectful to the memory of those who lost their lives.

Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ summer camp located on the Guadalupe River, was devastated by floods on July 4, resulting in the tragic loss of campers and counselors. Some officials and experts have raised concerns about the camp’s proximity to flood zones and the river, pointing out that certain cabins were at risk due to their location.

The camp recently announced that Camp Mystic Cypress Lake, a sister site unaffected by the floods, will reopen in summer 2026. They also plan to build a memorial dedicated to the lives lost in the tragedy. However, the decision to partially reopen the camp has been met with strong opposition from families who believe that the focus should be on finding missing campers and addressing safety concerns.

The Stewards and other families are calling on Camp Mystic to prioritize the search for missing campers and to halt all plans for reopening and memorials until their loved ones are found. They are demanding full accountability from the camp for the events that led to the tragedy and are advocating for reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In response to the criticism, Camp Mystic stated that they are working on plans for a memorial and have informed bereaved parents about the process. They also emphasized their commitment to their mission of providing a Christian camping experience for girls and ensuring compliance with camp safety regulations.

As families continue to mourn and search for their missing loved ones, the reopening of Camp Mystic remains a contentious issue that highlights the ongoing pain and trauma caused by the tragic floods. The camp’s decision to reopen raises important questions about accountability, safety, and the need for compassion and sensitivity towards those who are still grieving.