Camp Mystic Reopening Splits Texas Families After Deadly Floods

A century-old Texas summer camp will partially reopen next May. This follows catastrophic July floods that killed 27 people. The decision by Camp Mystic’s owners has sparked outrage among grieving families. Yet other parents plan to send their daughters back. The move highlights a deep community divide over healing and accountability.

Details of the Camp Mystic Tragedy

The tragedy struck during the July Fourth holiday weekend. Fast-rising floodwaters on the Guadalupe River swept through the camp. The disaster killed 25 young campers and two teenage counselors. An 8-year-old camper remains missing. According to Reuters, the flash flood was part of a larger weather event that killed 117 people in Kerr County.Camp Mystic is a Christian sleepaway retreat for girls. It has operated for over 100 years. The camp is located in an area notoriously prone to flooding. The region is known as “Flash Flood Alley.” This year marked at least the fifth deadly flood there in a century.The camp’s owner, Dick Eastland, died in the flood. His family now runs the operation. They announced reopening plans in a letter to families this month. Enrollment for the 2025 season begins in January. The camp will use higher-ground cabins away from the river.

A Community Divided Over Healing and Safety

The planned reopening has created a painful split. Some families of victims call the decision insensitive. They allege the camp failed to protect their children. Lawsuits claim staff told girls in riverside cabins to stay inside as waters rose.Hundreds of 911 calls from that night were released. One caller reported seeing two campers swept downriver. For these parents, reopening feels like an avoidance of responsibility.Other families see it differently. They view returning as a crucial step in healing. Patrick Hotze’s three daughters survived the flood. He attended funerals for victims. He still plans to send his girls back next summer.He told reporters his heart breaks for the grieving parents. He said the decision is personal for each family. Camp officials report “strong interest” in returning.

New Safety Measures and Ongoing Scrutiny

The camp’s management vows to enhance safety. Promised changes include two-way radios in every cabin. New flood warning monitors will be installed along the river. The camp will also use cabins on higher ground.Texas lawmakers plan investigative hearings next year. They have shown little interest in assigning blame so far. Local Kerr County officials defended their disaster response. They are now working to install a new flood warning system.Some parents remain cautiously skeptical. An attorney named John Ball described poor communication from the camp. He didn’t know his daughter was safe for over 12 hours. He said his family will wait a year before considering a return.

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The Camp Mystic reopening represents a raw, unresolved conflict between memorializing loss and reclaiming normalcy. The coming months will test whether safety upgrades can rebuild trust fractured by tragedy.