Flooding at Camp Mystic Kills 24, Two Dozen Missing

Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls located in the Texas Hill Country, was severely impacted by massive flooding on Friday. The camp, which has been in operation since 1926, has been managed by the same family for generations. The floodwaters, which rose by 26 feet in just 45 minutes, have resulted in the deaths of at least 24 people and left two dozen campers missing. Rescue crews are actively searching for the missing children, but the camp has not yet responded to requests for comment.

The camp was originally established by “Doc” Stewart, a University of Texas coach, and was later purchased by Agnes Stacy and her husband “Pop” Stacy in 1939. The Stacy family has since kept the camp in continuous operation, with the exception of a period during World War II when it served as a rehabilitation and recovery camp for veterans. The current owners and executive directors, Dick and Tweety Eastland, are the third generation to manage Camp Mystic. Dick Eastland, Agnes Stacy’s grandson, and his wife Tweety also reside at the camp.

Camp Mystic has a rich history of serving the daughters of prominent Texas families. Over its century-long existence, the camp has welcomed the daughters of Texas Governors Price Daniel, Dan Moody, and John Connally, as well as the daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters of President Lyndon Johnson. Additionally, the daughters and granddaughters of James Baker, who held top roles in multiple presidential administrations, have also attended the camp.

Agnes Stacy, who co-owned the camp with her husband, was a strong advocate for women's participation in sports. Before purchasing Camp Mystic, she developed a physical education program to help children traumatized by World War I. Stacy sought to foster emotional and physical self-reliance among its campers, aiming to develop loyalty, open-mindedness, and tolerance of individual differences through close contact with peers.

The devastating flood has not only caused significant damage to the camp but has also raised questions about the preparedness and response to such natural disasters. The county judge recently held a press conference, highlighting the lack of an alert system that could have potentially saved lives. The tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for effective emergency response systems.

The search for the missing campers continues, and the community remains hopeful for their safe return. The impact of the flood on Camp Mystic and its legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength of the families who have been part of its history for generations. The camp's long-standing tradition of fostering self-reliance and community among its campers is a testament to the enduring values it has instilled over the years. The current owners, Dick and Tweety Eastland, continue to uphold these values, ensuring that Camp Mystic remains a cherished institution for future generations.