Kerr County Girls’ Camp Reopens Under New Management After Floods

URGENT UPDATE: Heart O’ The Hills Camp For Girls in Kerr County is set to reopen under new management and at a new location following the devastating July 5 floods that claimed over 100 lives across Central Texas. The camp announced this significant transition just last week, marking a new chapter after the tragic death of longtime director Jane Ragsdale during the floods.

In a heartfelt letter to parents on Wednesday, the Ragsdale family, who have owned the camp since 1976, confirmed they are passing the torch to Elisabeth and John Hay. Their daughter has been a camper at Heart for the past three summers, which deepened the connection. Kathy Ragsdale stated, “The Ragsdale family had been in internal discussion about the need to ‘pass the torch’ at Heart for a few years, but the events of July 4 moved the needle forward.”

The camp’s new location will be along the north fork of the Guadalupe River, currently under construction and “well above any floodplain.” This strategic move comes after John Hay approached the Ragsdales with an offer to buy his land for relocation. Instead, they agreed to sell the camp to him, leading to the acquisition of an adjacent property to expand the camp’s grounds.

Located at 685 FM 1340 in Hunt, the new camp site is designed to ensure the safety of campers and staff. Elisabeth Hay will assume the role of camp director, while John Hay will oversee operations. They are targeting a reopening date in the summer of 2026, with registration already open for sessions beginning as early as May 31 and extending until August 1.

Parents who registered their children for the upcoming summer under the previous ownership can expect refund checks to be issued starting next week. Thankfully, Heart O’ The Hills was not in session when the floodwaters rose, sparing the camp from widespread casualties like those at Camp Mystic. However, Jane Ragsdale and other staff members were tragically present when the flood struck, marking Jane’s death as the only reported fatality at Heart O’ The Hills.

This reopening represents not just a return to normalcy for the camp community but also serves as a poignant reminder of resilience in the face of tragedy. As preparations move forward, the new management aims to honor Jane Ragsdale’s legacy while providing a safe and enriching environment for future generations of campers.

Stay tuned for more updates as Heart O’ The Hills Camp For Girls embarks on this new journey, and for parents looking to register their children, now is the time to secure a spot in this cherished summer tradition.