Thank You, Texas! History, Friendship, and Everything in Between

Jennifer Katske

Oct 20

5 min read

The Do Something Tour continues its journey across America, discovering that every place has a story, every person has a voice, and every moment has something to teach us.

As Steve and KP wrapped up their journey through the great state of Texas, their final stops reminded them exactly why the Do Something Tour began in the first place: to listen, to learn, to remember, and to celebrate the connections that make us human.

Texas gave us unforgettable conversations, incredible history, meaningful friendships, and moments that will stay with us long after the cameras stop rolling.

Camp Mystic: Remembering the Lives Lost

Some stops on this journey are filled with laughter and excitement. Others call for silence, reflection, and remembrance.

Visiting Camp Mystic in the Texas Hill Country was one of those moments.

On July 4, 2025, devastating flash floods swept through the region as the Guadalupe River rose with terrifying speed. At Camp Mystic, a beloved summer camp for girls near Hunt, Texas, 25 young campers and two teenage counselors lost their lives. Camp director Richard "Dick" Eastland also perished in the disaster.

What should have been a summer filled with friendship, laughter, adventure, and childhood memories became an unimaginable tragedy.

For the families who lost their daughters and loved ones, life would never be the same.

As Steve and KP visited the area, the magnitude of that loss was impossible to ignore. Behind every headline and every statistic was a human being. A child with dreams. A family with hopes for the future. A life that mattered.

Twenty-seven campers and counselors. Twenty-seven stories that deserved so many more chapters.

The Do Something Tour is about hearing voices, including those whose stories must never be forgotten.

To the families of Camp Mystic, the survivors, the first responders, and the communities forever changed by the floods: We remember. We honor your loved ones. And we carry your stories with us.

May their memories never fade.

Austin: A Visit to the Heart of Texas Government

From the emotional experience of Camp Mystic, Steve and KP continued to Austin, the capital of Texas!

No visit to Austin would be complete without stopping at the magnificent Texas State Capitol.

The historic building stands as an impressive symbol of Texas history, government, and the decisions that shape the lives of millions of people. For a documentary focused on the voices of everyday Americans, visiting a place where those decisions are made carried special meaning.

After all, democracy isn't just about the people who occupy government buildings. It's about the people those buildings are supposed to serve. And that's one of the messages behind the Do Something Tour: Every American has a voice, every voice has value, and every one of us has the power to make a difference.

Dallas–Fort Worth: Good Friends, Great Sushi, and Even Better Conversations!

Of course, not every meaningful moment on this journey happens in front of a historic landmark or at the site of a major event. Sometimes, the best moments happen around a dinner table.

In the Dallas–Fort Worth area, Steve and KP met up with their friend Hector for some delicious sushi, good company, and great conversation. And if there's one thing we've learned throughout this journey, it's that some of life's most meaningful connections happen when people simply take the time to sit down and talk. No elaborate production. No political debate required. Just friendship, laughter, stories, and the opportunity to enjoy being together.

These moments matter, too.

Because the Do Something Tour isn't only about documenting the challenges facing America. It's also about celebrating the people, friendships, and everyday experiences that make this country worth fighting for.

And sometimes, changing the world can start with something as simple as sharing a meal.

The Grassy Knoll: Standing Where History Changed

Before saying goodbye to Dallas, Steve and KP visited one of the most recognizable historical locations in America: the grassy knoll at Dealey Plaza.

On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated as his motorcade traveled through Dealey Plaza. It was a moment that shocked the nation and forever changed American history.

Standing in a place that generations of Americans have seen in photographs, documentaries, and history books offers a unique perspective on just how deeply certain events shape our collective memory.

More than six decades later, Dealey Plaza remains a place of historical significance, reflection, and enduring public interest. For Steve and KP, it was another opportunity to connect the past with the present and reflect on the stories that have shaped our country.

Texas, You Were Incredible!

From the heartbreak of Camp Mystic to the historic halls of the State Capitol, from sushi and friendship with Hector to standing on the grassy knoll, Texas delivered experiences we will never forget.

Throughout our time in the Lone Star State, we've encountered incredible people, heard fascinating stories, explored history, and experienced moments of kindness and connection.

Some stories made us laugh. Others made us think. And some broke our hearts.

But every single one reminded us why we're doing this.

America is so much more than the division we see on our television screens and social media feeds.

It's the people we meet along the way. The conversations we have with strangers. The friendships we treasure. The tragedies we remember. And the kindness we choose to extend to one another.

We came to Texas with cameras, curiosity, and a mission to hear America's stories.

We're leaving with memories, friendships, and an even stronger belief that there's still so much good in this country.

Thank you, Texas, for your hospitality, your history, your stories, and your heart.

We love you, Texas!

And to everyone following along: The journey isn't over. There are more miles to travel, more voices to hear, and more stories waiting to be told.

One story can change everything. Be the light. Do Something. ❤️

🎬 Help Us Keep the Cameras Rolling!

The Do Something Tour is a completely crowdfunded documentary project. We don't have a major Hollywood studio, wealthy corporate sponsors, or deep-pocketed financial backers funding this journey.

We have YOU.

Every mile traveled, every conversation filmed, and every story preserved is possible because ordinary people believe that listening to one another can make an extraordinary difference.

Your donations help cover travel expenses, fuel, filming equipment, production costs, and the work required to turn thousands of miles of footage into a documentary that tells America's stories.

No contribution is too small. Every dollar brings us closer to sharing these voices with the world.

Ways to support the documentary:

Venmo: @FactsStillMatter
PayPal: @FactsStillMatter
Cash App: @FactsStillMatter

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