Houston – A Houston area family with deep ties to Camp Mystic is sharing memories of attending the private all-girls Christian camp throughout the years.
“Every woman in my family across four generations has attended Camp Mystic,” said Ashley Emshoff, who said she went to the camp throughout the 90’s. “I’m hoping to send my grandkids there one day.”
Her daughters, Mallory and Brinley, grew up going to Camp Mystic, as well. Both were at the campsite as aides just a week prior to the devastating floods which took the lives of 27 campers and counselors on Fourth of July.
Camp Mystic (kprc)
KPRC 2 sat down with the family on Monday as they walked down memory lane at the camp that’s been nestled in Texas’ Hills Country for almost 100 years.
The family has collected everything from pictures, cassette taps, stuffed animals, and songbooks from over the years at the camp.
This summer camp is a place with over 750 girls each year and activities like canoeing, singing, praying and drawing. Each year, the camp strives to make each camper a better person.
“It’s not just a summer camp,” said Emshoff. “It is so much bigger than that. I am the way I am because of the camp.”
Camp Mystic (kprc)
The family tells KPRC 2 campers build a special kind of sisterhood with other campers and they were heartbroken to hear about the deadly floods. They have been collecting donations to help impacted families.
They have collaborated with their church, Harvest Methodist Church, which is also collecting donations this week.
“I have been overwhelmed with the generosity and the support that we are receiving,” said Emshoff.
Former campers also collect bracelet charms from Texas based jewelry maker James Avery.
Emshoff said her and the entire Camp Mystic community are committed to ensuring the camp revives and comes back for more generations.
“Nobody wants to see Camp Mystic come to an end and we will not let it happen,” said Emshoff. “Our community will do whatever we can to make sure that this camp continues.”
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