Camp Mystic, a beloved summer camp in Texas Hill Country, has been left reeling after devastating floods swept through its grounds on the Fourth of July. The tragedy has claimed the lives of 28 people, including children and adults, with five campers and one counselor still unaccounted for.
The camp’s owner and executive director, Dick Eastland, died while trying to save some of the youngest girls from the floodwaters, which rose over 26 feet in just 45 minutes. Another veteran of the camp, Cynthie “Jane” Ragsdale, also lost her life in the disaster.
“It was a faith-based community, and it was like one big sisterhood,” said Claudia Sullivan, who attended Camp Mystic as a camper and later became a program director. The camp’s emphasis on spirituality and camaraderie helped shape Sullivan’s values and worldview.
However, even with its experience of natural disasters, no one could have predicted the scale of devastation this time around. “This is flood country,” Sullivan said, “and we always knew that we were safe. But this was different – it came to places that it’s never come before.”
The camp’s resilience and sense of community are being tested as the survivors navigate their grief and rebuild. A viral video of Camp Mystic evacuees singing hymns has captured the hearts of many, showcasing the camp’s unique culture and values.
For Claudia Sullivan, the lessons she learned at Camp Mystic have been invaluable in her personal and professional life. “You learn who you are and who you can be,” she said. As she reflects on the tragedy, Sullivan finds solace in the faith that sustained her during her time at the camp – a faith that continues to carry her through this difficult time.
Source: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/07/08