Texas Identifies Deficiencies at Camp Mystic That Could Delay Summer Opening
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services has sent a letter to Camp Mystic outlining several areas that require attention before the camp can open for the summer season in 2026. According to the document, while the camp meets some criteria, multiple areas fall short of full compliance. One major concern is the absence of official FEMA flood zone maps, which are necessary to determine whether the camp’s facilities and cabins are located within a floodplain. The maps must also clearly define the camp’s property boundaries and the cabins’ proximity to risk-prone areas. Other deficiencies include inadequate communication with parents regarding flood zones, the lack of an evacuation plan for flash flood alerts, and the absence of protocols for handling severe injuries or fatalities. Authorities clarified that the review was based solely on submitted documentation and does not assess the camp’s actual implementation or operational capacity. Camp Mystic has 45 days to address the issues and resubmit its plans to the state health department. The camp’s reopening plans have sparked outrage among families of the victims of the historic July 4th floods, which claimed the lives of 25 campers, two teenage counselors, and co-owner Dick Eastland. In response, Camp Mystic stated it is carefully reviewing the notification from the Texas Department of Health Services and is working collaboratively with the department. “Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our campers, and we look forward to continuing Camp Mystic’s nearly century-long mission and ministry of providing girls with a Christian camp experience that fosters physical, mental, and spiritual growth,” the camp said.