Two Montgomery County sisters returned to Heart O’ The Hills girls camp to help with recovery efforts after a July 4 flood devastated the property and claimed the life of its longtime director.
In the aftermath of a devastating flood on July 4 that ravaged the Texas Hill Country, obliterating the Heart O’ The Hills girls camp and tragically taking the life of its director, sisters Elizabeth Logue and Lauren Potter from Montgomery County felt a compelling urge to revisit the site that had profoundly influenced their childhood.
In late July, the sisters, who once attended the camp themselves, reunited with their younger sister, Claire Hranicky, dedicating three days to the arduous task of cleanup—stripping buildings, recovering valuable items, and removing debris. In a heartfelt gesture, they sought to serve the community while paying tribute to the legendary legacy of longtime camp director Cynthie “Jane” Ragsdale.
“A popular phrase goes, ‘What would Jane do?’” Potter remarked. “She would have ventured out and embraced the mess.” She could have been out there for countless days.
In 1953, Heart of the Hills emerged along the banks of the Guadalupe River, providing girls with a quintessential summer camp experience that emphasized building confidence and fostering lasting friendships. At the age of 68, Ragsdale, a former camper and counselor, took on the role of director in 1988 and made the property his home.
In 1993, Elizabeth and Lauren made their inaugural visit to the camp. “I embraced adventure with open arms.” During my time at camp, I experienced the thrill of adventure, the joy of excitement, and the warmth of forming new friendships, allowing me to embrace my true self. “It was the place that ignited my spirit,” Elizabeth remarked. Potter reflected on her initial feelings of homesickness, noting how Ragsdale’s kindness and personal letters to her parents played a crucial role in helping her establish a sense of belonging.
On July 5, while in Colorado, Lauren received the news of Ragsdale’s passing. “I couldn’t believe it; it just didn’t seem possible,” she remarked.
The sisters stepped onto the scene, greeted by a landscape of utter destruction—over a dozen stone and concrete structures reduced to rubble, mighty oaks torn from the earth, and their cherished cabin lying in ruins. “I’ve never witnessed such a level of destruction,” Elizabeth remarked.
Collaborating with fellow former campers and counselors created opportunities for healing and growth. In a warm gathering, they lifted their voices in camp songs, exchanged tales, and reminisced about cherished moments together. “It swept away a portion of our sorrow and aided in our recovery,” Potter remarked.
The two women express unwavering confidence in the camp's eventual return. “You can’t change the lives of thousands of young women and expect it just to end,” Elizabeth stated. “Hope was one of the core virtues upon which Jane established the camp.” The impact of her legacy will energize the camp.
The camp is gathering narratives about Ragsdale and intends to offer a commemorative charm and keychain in her tribute.
