Camp Mystic has decided to halt its plans to reopen this summer along the Texas river where a tragic flood claimed the lives of 25 girls and two teenage counsellors. The decision comes after facing backlash from grieving families and investigations revealing safety and operational deficiencies at the all-girls Christian camp.
The camp’s change of heart, overturning their initial determination to resume operations, follows a series of court hearings and legislative probes. These proceedings exposed the camp’s lack of comprehensive flood emergency planning, reliance on inadequately trained staff, and critical delays in initiating evacuations during the devastating flood on July 4 along the Guadalupe River, which also claimed the life of the camp owner, Dick Eastland.
Initially indicating readiness to welcome nearly 900 campers by May 30, the Eastland family, owners of Camp Mystic, abruptly reversed course by withdrawing their license renewal application for 2026. In a statement, Camp Mystic expressed that no administrative processes or summer activities should proceed while families continue to mourn, investigations persist, and the pain from last year’s tragedy lingers.
Following the camp’s decision, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick commended the move, emphasizing the importance of protecting Texas campers and allowing thorough investigations to conclude before considering any reopening. Governor Greg Abbott remarked that findings from ongoing investigations by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Texas Rangers will be disclosed promptly.
Multiple civil lawsuits have been filed against the camp and the Eastlands, with families of the victims actively participating in court and legislative hearings, seeking justice for their loved ones. Edward Eastland, one of the camp directors, publicly apologized to the victims’ families, acknowledging the camp’s shortcomings in responding to the emergency.
Despite Camp Mystic’s eagerness to resume operations and assurances of safety improvements, state regulators identified numerous deficiencies in its emergency operations plan, prompting concerns about the camp’s preparedness and compliance with safety standards. Allegations of neglect and ongoing investigations by health regulators and the Texas Rangers continue to shed light on the tragic events that unfolded along the river last year.
As the community grapples with the loss of lives and seeks accountability, families of the victims, including Matthew Childress, father of counselor Chloe Childress, who perished in the flood, emphasize that no decision can alter the heartbreaking reality of their daughters’ absence.