Camp mystic, the all-girls camp where 27 campers and counselors were killed during catastrophic floods in the Texas Hill Country in July, will partially reopen next summer, its owners have said.
The area of the camp along the Guadalupe river that was destroyed by the floodwaters will not reopen next year, but another part of the camp that wasn’t damaged will resume welcoming campers, according to a letter to Camp Mystic families.
The letter was sent Monday to victims’ families, some of whom have criticized the nearly century-old camp over its safety measures and preparedness following the tragedy.
The news comes weeks after many of them stood behind Republican Gov. Greg Abbott as he signed tougher camp safety laws that prohibit cabins in hazardous parts of flood zones and require camp operators to develop detailed emergency plans, train workers, and install and maintain emergency warning systems.
“As we work to finalize plans, we will do so in a way that is mindful of those we have lost,” the letter said.
Camp Mystic Flood: Families Advocate for Enhanced Safety Measures, Memorial Planned
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Following a devastating flash flood in june 2023 that claimed the lives of several campers and a camp owner at Camp Mystic in Texas, families are pushing for stricter safety regulations for youth camps across the state. Camp Mystic leadership has also announced plans for a memorial to honor those lost and committed to implementing new safety measures.
The Tragedy at Camp mystic
On June 16, 2023, a sudden and powerful flash flood swept through the Camp Mystic property near Hunt, Texas, resulting in the deaths of six girls and one adult. The victims were swept away while sleeping in a cabin. The incident prompted immediate questions about safety protocols and emergency preparedness at the camp. The deceased campers were identified as: Molly DeWitt, Sophie Johnson, Brooklynn Busby, Madison Ivey, Grace Wagner, and Emma Jane Gaston. Richard “Dick” Eastland, the owner of Camp Mystic, also perished while attempting to rescue campers during the flood.
Calls for Increased Safety Regulations
parents of the victims have been vocal in their criticism of what they describe as a lack of adequate safety measures and a culture of complacency. Erin Bonner, whose daughter was among those who died, stated that the tragedy was “100% preventable” and attributed it to “complacency,” according to a recent interview with the “TODAY” Show.
Bonner and other grieving parents testified before the Senate in August 2023, advocating for the “Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act.” This proposed legislation aims to establish new safety requirements for youth camps throughout Texas, including improved flood monitoring, evacuation plans, and staff training. Ryan DeWitt, father of Molly, emphasized that the bill should be considered “the bare minimum” for camp safety standards.
Legislative Progress and Camp Response
Texas lawmakers passed bills addressing camp safety in the wake of the tragedy. Camp Mystic leadership stated in a recent letter that they are “working with engineers and other experts to determine how we will implement the changes required” under the newly passed legislation.
The Eastland family,owners of Camp Mystic,acknowledged communication shortcomings in a letter to families. They expressed regret for past communication issues and pledged to be more accessible, stating, “The distance that has grown between some of us saddens us all, and we are here to communicate with you as much as you desire while respecting each of yoru individual needs.”
Memorial Plans
The Eastland family also announced plans to create a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives in the flood. According to the letter, the memorial’s design will “strive to capture the beauty, kindness and grace they all shared, while focusing on the joy they carried and will always inspire in us all.”
Ongoing Grief and Limited comment
As of September 24, 2025, Camp Mystic has not provided further details regarding the implementation of new safety measures or the memorial plans. NBC News reports that families of the victims are largely declining to comment further at this time.
Sources:
* NBC News