Full Breakdown
Deficiency Notice Threatens Camp Mystic’s 2026 Reopening
4/25/2026, 8:48:12 AM
Deficiency Notice Threatens Camp Mystic’s 2026 Reopening
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued a deficiency notice to Camp Mystic on April 24, 2026, citing 22 gaps in its emergency-plan. The camp has 45 days to fix the plan before a license can be granted for the Cypress Lake site, slated for a May opening.
2025 Flood Tragedy and New Safety Law
On July 4, 2025, flash floods along the Guadalupe River killed 25 campers, two counselors and director Richard “Dick” Eastland. The tragedy spurred the Texas Youth Camp Safety and Health Act, enacted in 2025, requiring flood-plain maps, staff-role assignments and parent-notification procedures for all licensed camps.
Key Numbers
- July 2025 flood deaths: 25 campers, 2 counselors, 1 director.
- Regional death total: >130 people.
- DSHS identified 22 deficiency categories, including missing floodplain maps and undefined emergency-warning roles.
- All 174 youth camps that submitted plans in 2026 received deficiency notices.
- Camp Mystic expects about 800 campers this summer, with registration near 900.
Agency and Camp Responses
DSHS spokesperson Lara Anton said the notice is “part of the licensing application review process” and that “most youth camps have received a notice of deficiency letter for their emergency plan due to the statutory changes.” She noted emergency plans are confidential. Camp Mystic said it is reviewing the notice, working with DSHS, and emphasized that its priority is the safety and well-being of campers.
Legal Challenges and Critics
Victims’ families have sued to block reopening. Attorney Brad Beckworth warned of an “unmitigated desire to reopen… come hell or high water.” A mother called the plan “extremely irresponsible.” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick urged DSHS to deny the license, calling it a “criminal investigation.”
Discrepancies in Reporting
Sources differ on the death toll (27 versus 25 campers plus staff). The number of camps receiving deficiency notices is reported as 174 in some outlets and 116 in others. The whereabouts of missing camper Cile Steward remain unresolved, and a court order bars alterations to the original site.
Implications for Texas Youth Camps
The DSHS review tests enforcement of the 2025 safety act, setting a precedent for Texas youth camps. A denial would halt Camp Mystic’s centennial season and could trigger broader legislative scrutiny of emergency-plan compliance, influencing national camp-safety standards.
Chronology
- July 4, 2025 – Flood kills 25 campers, 2 counselors, director.
- Late 2025 – Camp Safety and Health Act passed.
- April 24, 2026 – DSHS issues 22-item deficiency notice.
- May 2026 – Camp plans partial reopening pending.
- Early June 2026 – 45-day deadline for corrected plan.
- June 2026 – State hearings on compliance.
Direct Quotes
- “Most youth camps have received a notice of deficiency letter for their emergency plan.” — Lara Anton, DSHS spokesperson
- “Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our campers.” — Camp Mystic representative
- “I think it’s extremely irresponsible to open a camp with little girls when there are numerous investigations going on.” — Mother of a deceased camper
- “Emergency plans are confidential by law and cannot be released to the public.” — DSHS spokesperson
- “Whether it is hubris, greed, grief, or just an overwhelming combination of all of those, they have this unmitigated desire to reopen this camp in a few weeks, and come hell or high water, they’re going to do it.” — Brad Beckworth, attorney for victims
