The owners of Camp Mystic announced plans to partially reopen the all-girls camp next summer, despite the devastating floods that resulted in the tragic deaths of 27 campers and counselors in July. This disaster occurred along the Guadalupe River, which saw floodwaters surge dramatically, causing loss of life and raising serious concerns regarding the camp's safety measures and emergency preparedness.
In a letter addressed to Camp Mystic families, the owners clarified that the section of the camp most affected by the floods would remain closed. However, other areas of the camp that sustained no damage are set to welcome campers once again. This decision comes in the wake of increased scrutiny and criticism towards the camp from families impacted by the tragedy.
The letter, which was disseminated on Monday, highlighted the ongoing commitment to enhancing safety protocols. In recent weeks, many Camp Mystic families have supported Governor Greg Abbott as he introduced new laws aimed at improving camp safety. These regulations now bar the construction of cabins in flood-prone areas and mandate rigorous emergency planning for camp operators, including staff training and the installation of reliable emergency warning systems.
As the camp takes steps towards reopening, the letter emphasized remembrance for those lost in the tragedy. The campers and counselors lost their lives when the river’s level rose from 14 feet (4.2 meters) to 29.5 feet (9 meters) in just one hour, during the early morning hours of the Fourth of July. Overall, the catastrophic flooding claimed at least 136 lives across the area, prompting widespread questions about the government’s response and the camp’s failure to evacuate in time.
Reports indicate that county officials were either away or not fully alert during the crisis, while the camp's administration was reportedly monitoring weather developments. However, it remains unclear whether they received urgent warnings related to the rising waters from the National Weather Service just prior to the flooding, as indicated by a spokesperson shortly after the event.
In response to the outcry for safety improvements, one of the new state laws has allocated $240 million from the state’s rainy-day fund for disaster relief, which includes funding for better warning systems and enhanced weather forecasting resources. Parents like Michael McCown, who lost his 8-year-old daughter Linnie in the floods, have been advocates for legislative action. He expressed profound frustration, stating, “It will hurt my family forever that, for reasons I still do not know, these protections were not in place… for my daughter and the rest of the girls here.”
Another parent, Cici Steward, whose daughter Cile remains missing, conveyed her deep sense of loss and criticized the camp for its actions following the tragedy, stating, “For my family, these months have felt like an eternity. For the camp, it seems like nothing more than a brief pause before business as usual.” She articulated her concerns about allowing campers to return to the same river where her daughter’s body might still be located.
Despite the tragedy, Camp Mystic has committed to creating a memorial for the victims, intending to reflect on their beauty, kindness, and the joy they inspired in others. The letter affirmed that camp officials are collaborating with engineers and specialists to ensure compliance with the newly enacted safety requirements.
The flood's victims included Richard “Dick” Eastland, the owner of Camp Mystic, who tragically lost his life while trying to rescue campers. The Eastland family’s letter apologized for any communication shortcomings and expressed a desire to reconnect with the bereaved families during this difficult time.
The community and families affected by the flood remain in a complex situation as they navigate their grief while the camp prepares for its upcoming season.
