HUNT, Texas (AP) – Texas inspectors approved Camp Mystic's emergency planning just two days prior to catastrophic flooding that claimed the lives of over two dozen individuals at the all-girls Christian summer camp, most of whom were children. The Department of State Health Services released documentation indicating that the camp met several state regulations for disaster preparedness, including providing instructions for evacuating campers and assigning specific responsibilities to staff and counselors.
However, five years' worth of inspection reports released to the AP lacked detailed information about the camp's emergency plans, raising concerns about its readiness for the heavy rainfall that occurred on July 4 in flood-prone Texas Hill Country. The National Weather Service had issued a flood watch for the region on July 3 at 1:18 p.m., prompting at least one of the approximately 18 camps along the Guadalupe River to evacuate campers to higher ground.
The uncertainty surrounding the events at Camp Mystic, established in 1926, heightened as local officials avoided questions regarding who monitored the weather and what preparatory measures were taken leading up to the floods. The camp did not evacuate despite the Guadalupe River rising from 14 feet (4.2 meters) to 29.5 feet (9 meters) within 60 minutes during the early hours of July 4. Flooding on this stretch of river occurs at around 10 feet (3 meters).
A wave of water overwhelmed campers and staff in cabins, tents, and trailers near the river. Survivors reported clinging to trees amid the chaos. At least 27 campers and counselors lost their lives in the flooding, with local authorities stating that five campers and one counselor had yet to be found. Among the deceased was Richard "Dick" Eastland, the beloved camp director regarded as a father figure to many campers.
Charlotte Lauten, a 19-year-old who attended Camp Mystic for nine summers, reported never receiving instructions about what to do during a weather emergency. She noted, "Counselors go through orientation training for a week before camp starts, but I don't recall any specific instructions being given to campers." Lauten mentioned that the darkness of the night would have impeded the girls' escape since campers do not have access to their phones while at camp and would not have cell service due to the remote location.
The state inspected Camp Mystic on July 2, the same day the Texas Division of Emergency Management deployed emergency response resources in anticipation of flooding. The inspection revealed no deficiencies or violations in the camp's extensive health and safety criteria. At that time, the camp was hosting 557 campers and more than 100 staff members at its Guadalupe and Cypress Lake sites. Although disaster plans are mandated to be posted in all camp buildings, they are not filed with the state. Lara Anton, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services, indicated that the agency does not possess those plans, requiring them to be obtained directly from the camp.
Camp Mystic did not respond to inquiries regarding its emergency protocol. In a statement on its website, the camp noted it is in contact with local and state authorities engaged in resource deployment for searching for the missing girls. The camp bears the responsibility for creating its own emergency plans, which are then evaluated to ensure compliance with state requirements, including evacuation procedures.
The inspection verified that the plans were posted in each building and that staff and volunteers were trained on the procedures. Camp Mystic holds a license from the state and is a member of the Camping Association for Mutual Progress, aimed at enhancing health and safety standards for summer camps. However, the American Camp Association confirmed that Camp Mystic is not accredited by their organization, which focuses on safety and risk management.
The rain gauges recorded significant rainfall, with one gauge around a mile (1.6 kilometers) from Camp Mystic noting 9.5 inches (24 centimeters) on July 4. Another gauge reported 12.2 inches (31 centimeters) further south and west. While at least four United States Geological Survey gauges along the Guadalupe River malfunctioned on July 4, adequate readings were taken at other gauges during the flood event.
One gauge northeast of Camp Mystic measured a river height of 29.5 feet (9 meters) at 4:35 a.m. on July 4—its last recorded reading until a USGS hydrologist installed a temporary gauge. The hydrologist later measured the high water mark at 37.52 feet (11.44 meters). Notably, a river level of 32 feet (9.75 meters) in this region can result in "disastrous life-threatening flooding," according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. As the investigation continues, the safety protocols and preparedness at Camp Mystic are under scrutiny following this tragic incident.
