Christian Camp Mystic Files for Bankruptcy Amid Multiple Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp, has filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. The filing reveals the camp has less than $10 million in estimated assets and between $10 million and $50 million in estimated liabilities. This development follows ongoing legal challenges, including five wrongful death lawsuits from families of campers and counselors who died in a flash flood on July 4, 2025.

The lawsuits allege that camp leadership failed to evacuate individuals in a timely manner during the disaster, which resulted in the deaths of 25 campers and two counselors. Families have criticized the camp’s response, noting that they were left with incomplete and conflicting information during the crisis. An investigative legislative report released this month confirmed that Camp Mystic lacked adequate emergency planning and storm preparedness, and did not manage the incident effectively.

Lawyers for Will and CiCi Steward, whose 8-year-old daughter, Cile, was among those lost, have accused Camp Mystic of engaging in “bad-faith litigation conduct.” They argued that the camp withdrew a motion to compel arbitration just days before a hearing and then refiled it after reviewing the plaintiffs’ responses. The Stewards have sought sanctions against the camp for this behavior.

The camp’s bankruptcy filing was signed by the Eastland family, who manage the 100-year-old operation. The family has faced significant opposition from families and community members, leading to the withdrawal of its application for an operating license. The camp stated that no administrative process or summer season should proceed while families grieve and investigations continue.

The tragedy has raised concerns about accountability and safety in Christian camps and youth ministries. The incident underscores the importance of preparedness and transparency in emergency situations. As the legal and administrative processes unfold, the community continues to seek justice and clarity. Micah 6:8 reminds us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, principles that should guide all efforts to address such tragedies.

Source: Read the original report