FOLLOW US

A controversial Camp Mystic reopening plan is under intense review as Texas officials warn the summer camp may not be allowed to open this season following a catastrophic flood that claimed dozens of lives last year.

The tragedy, which unfolded like a sudden tidal wave of chaos in July 2025, left a deep scar—and now, regulators say critical safety gaps remain unresolved.

State Officials Cite Safety Failures

According to a letter from the Texas Department of State Health Services, Camp Mystic must address multiple deficiencies before it can regain its operating license.

Among the concerns: an inadequate emergency warning system, the absence of a detailed floodplain map showing cabin locations, and a flawed fire evacuation strategy.

The camp has been given 45 days to correct these issues—a narrow window that will determine whether it can welcome campers this summer.

Camp Plans to Open Despite Uncertainty

Despite the warning, a spokesperson for Camp Mystic said the organization still intends to open on May 30, emphasizing its long-standing mission.

In a statement to NBC News, the camp said its priority remains the safety and wellbeing of campers, while expressing hope to continue its nearly century-old tradition of providing a Christian environment for girls to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually.

The camp has also been working to establish a separate site from the one devastated by the flood.

Remembering the 2025 Disaster

On July 4, 2025, relentless rainfall triggered catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River, overwhelming the Kerr County campgrounds.

The disaster claimed the lives of 25 girls, two counselors, and the camp’s owner, Richard Eastland. Across the wider region, more than 130 people died.

The scale of the destruction stunned communities, turning a place meant for joy into a symbol of loss.

Families Challenge Reopening Efforts

The push to reopen has drawn criticism from families of victims, some of whom question whether enough has been done to prevent another tragedy.

In February, relatives of nine victims filed a lawsuit against the state, alleging it failed to require a proper evacuation plan from the camp.

Testimony Raises New Concerns

Additional scrutiny emerged during recent legal proceedings.

Mary Liz Eastland testified earlier this month that she had not officially reported the deaths to state health authorities, despite regulations requiring such reports within 24 hours.

Her testimony followed that of Edward Eastland, who acknowledged he had not reviewed official weather warnings before the storm and did not hold a staff meeting to prepare for potential flooding.

He also confirmed that the camp lacked a detailed written flood evacuation plan.

While he said earlier action might have saved lives, he maintained that the magnitude of the storm was beyond what staff could have anticipated.