MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. — A Mount Pleasant family is grieving for their home state of Texas after devastating flooding impacted their beloved community. The Oates family, who have long been connected to Camp Mystic and other camps along the Guadalupe River, are heartbroken as they learn of the tragedy that struck the area.
A Magical Place for the Oates Family
For years, the Oates family has sent their children to Camp Mystic and neighboring camps in the Texas Hill Country, where they’ve created lasting memories. According to Christie Oates, a Texas native, “Camp is a very magical place for these kids.” She says the camps offer a safe haven where children can escape the pressures of everyday life and experience the joy of nature and camaraderie.
Just three weeks before the devastating flooding hit, Oates picked up her daughter from Camp Mystic, and her son returned from Camp La Junta, a boys’ camp along the river. Little did they know, tragedy was about to strike.
Grieving and Searching for Ways to Help
As a mother of two, Oates feels immense gratitude that her children returned safely from camp but is devastated for the families who lost their children or homes in the flooding. The Oates family, now living in Mount Pleasant, is marked by a green ribbon and a Texas flag in their home to show solidarity with those affected in Kerr County, Texas.
“It’s just heartbreaking,” Oates said, reflecting on the events that have unfolded. “They get to go to camp, and as soon as they arrive in those gates, they’re free. And they’re safe, is our thinking.”
Her family’s grief was brought into sharp focus when Oates came across a small item from camp—matching pajamas that her daughter and her cabinmates wore. “I dumped her laundry basket out, and those jammies came on the floor, and I just lost it because some other mom is not going to get to wash those jammies again,” she said through tears.
Navigating Loss and Helping Others
Oates is trying to find a way to help the many families who lost so much, including Dick Eastland, the co-owner of Camp Mystic and Oates’ daughter’s favorite fishing guide. “He’s not going to be there next summer for fishing, so we’ll have to navigate that,” Oates shared quietly.
Although separated by distance, Oates is determined to turn her grief into action. She has been comforted by the support from her Mount Pleasant neighbors, who have shown strong encouragement for her efforts. “To post something so near and dear, I was just very relieved that there was so much embracing the idea,” she said.
Organizing a Benefit for Texas Relief
In an effort to give back to the community that has given her children so much, Oates is now exploring ways to raise funds for Texas flood victims. She’s looking into organizing a local benefit concert in the Lowcountry, where proceeds would go to help those affected by the disaster. Additionally, she recommends two donation options for those who want to help:
Texas Search and Rescue
Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
Looking Toward the Future
Despite the uncertainty and the looming questions about what next summer will look like, Oates is determined that her children will return to camp in the Texas Hill Country. “None of us know what next year’s going to look like,” she said. “It’s a scary thought to think about next year. But there’s no hesitation that my children will return to camp next summer. I can’t turn my back on it.”
Her efforts to channel grief into positive action have already gained a strong response in her new community, demonstrating the power of support and compassion, even from miles away.
