During a state legislative hearing, Texas lawmakers criticized Camp Mystic operators for their handling of the deadly July 4, 2025 flood that killed 25 campers and two counselors. The directors apologized but faced intense scrutiny over their evacuation plan and lack of emergency training for counselors.
Key Takeaways
Texas lawmakers sharply criticized Camp Mystic operators during a legislative hearing following the deadly July 4, 2025 flood that killed 27 people. The camp's directors apologized but faced intense scrutiny over their evacuation plan and lack of emergency training for counselors.
- Lawmakers expressed anger at Camp Mystic's operators during a state hearing
- Camp directors acknowledged failures in keeping campers safe during the flood
- State Senator Charles Perry stated the camp should not operate next season
- Families of victims pleaded with lawmakers to prevent the camp from reopening
- The camp has 22 deficiencies in its application to reopen, including evacuation plan issues
Republican State Sen. Charles Perry was blunt in his criticism, telling the Eastland family they should not be allowed to operate their camp this summer. "Y'all are not ready to handle kids," he said. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has also expressed opposition to the camp reopening. The directors acknowledged their failures but stated they have no plans to reopen along the Guadalupe River this summer.
The hearing revealed that Camp Mystic's evacuation plan instructed campers to stay in their cabins until notified by the office, despite FEMA updating its floodplain maps to include the camp's cabins. Republican State Rep. Morgan Meyer objected to this plan, stating that proper evacuation would have prevented losses. The state has identified 22 deficiencies in the camp's application to reopen.
Families of the victims pleaded with lawmakers not to allow the operators to reopen this summer. It was also revealed that Camp Mystic's directors had not officially reported the deaths of their campers and counselors to the state. Last year, state lawmakers passed legislation requiring various safety measures at summer camps, and additional legislation is likely to be considered in the next session.
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