Camp Mystic files for bankruptcy nearly one year after deadly flood

Camp Mystic, the historic all-girls Christian summer camp in Texas, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection nearly one year after catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River claimed the lives of 25 campers and two teenage counselors.

Court documents filed Wednesday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Houston show that the camp reported debts exceeding $10 million. The filing listed the camp’s assets as being valued between $100,001 and $500,000.

The bankruptcy case comes as Camp Mystic continues to face legal and public scrutiny over the July 4 flood disaster, one of the deadliest weather-related tragedies in recent Texas history. Families of the victims filed a lawsuit in November seeking damages exceeding $1 million, alleging that camp operators failed to take adequate measures to protect campers as dangerous floodwaters approached.

The flooding also claimed the life of camp owner Richard Eastland. In total, at least 136 people died along a several-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River, prompting widespread questions about emergency preparedness, flood warnings, and response efforts.

The bankruptcy filing follows the camp’s decision earlier this year to abandon plans to reopen for the summer season. The move came after criticism from victims’ families and lawmakers who argued that reopening would be inappropriate while lawsuits and investigations remained unresolved.

Prior to reversing course, Camp Mystic had indicated it was preparing to welcome nearly 900 campers for the upcoming season. However, testimony presented during court proceedings and legislative hearings highlighted concerns about the camp’s emergency planning, staff training, and flood response procedures.

The hearings drew significant attention from families affected by the tragedy, many of whom attended proceedings to hear details about the events leading up to the disaster. Testimony examined warning signs that may have been missed, decisions regarding camper safety, and the actions taken as floodwaters rapidly rose.

Before suspending reopening efforts, camp officials showcased a series of safety improvements and outlined plans to keep activities away from the low-lying areas most heavily damaged by the flood. The Eastland family also emphasized the camp’s longstanding role in the lives of generations of Texas families and noted continued interest from many former campers and parents.

As bankruptcy proceedings move forward, Camp Mystic faces ongoing legal challenges while families continue to seek accountability for one of the most devastating disasters to strike the Texas Hill Country in recent memory.