AUSTIN (KXAN) — The mother of the only camper still missing from Camp Mystic delivered a poignant tribute to her daughter and urged for legislative changes during her appearance at the Texas Capitol Wednesday.
CiCi Williams Steward, with her husband Will by her side, passionately advocated for Senate Bill 1, focusing on campground and youth camp safety, before the Texas Senate committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding.
Cecilia “Cile” Steward was 8 years old, and she was excited to go to Camp Mystic for the first time, her mother said.
Camp Mystic, located in Kerrville, witnessed a devastating flood in Kerr County, resulting in at least 117 deaths, including 37 children. Nine victims were swept into Kendall County, and as of Wednesday, two individuals remained unaccounted for.
Overall, at least 135 people died in the flooding across Central Texas.
“It’s imperative that Texas summer camps are adequately equipped, trained, and accountable, allowing kids to enjoy the joys of camp without facing undue risks,” said Steward.
“My family has cherished Camp Mystic for three generations. This was Cile’s first year,” Steward reflected. “For Cile, camp meant excitement, memories, friendships, and lifelong lessons. For me, it was about seeing my daughter mature and learn, always believing in her safety. Safety is the foundation of joy and growth.”
Steward went on to say that the assurance she received that Cile, along with the other young girls at the camp, was betrayed that day of the floods.
“Cile’s opportunity to attend camp was premised on the assurance of her safety and that of all young campers being a priority. I ask you, what could be deemed more crucial?” Steward questioned. “Essential, obvious safety measures were missing. Procedures should have been in place but were not followed. Consequently, my daughter was taken from us. Cile lost her life not because of an unavoidable natural disaster, but due to preventable lapses, all within just five days of camp.”
Steward said the passing of SB 1 could “be the start of a promise” that the lives and deaths of the campers will bring change.
“This legislation cannot bring back our daughters, but it is the beginning of change that must occur so that this tragedy never happens again,” Steward said. “In addition to the families that are here today and that lost their children, there are hundreds of other campers that were affected by this that survived. The survival guilt and trauma that they went through for many is unknowable. They will be dealing with this for the rest of their lives. It is unfathomable.”
Steward said her family continues to live “in a torture chamber of uncertainty” until Cile’s body is found.
“My baby girl is still missing,” she said. “The agony is relenting. We cannot begin to grieve or to honor the fullness of her short, beautiful life until she is recovered and laid safely to rest.”
