Camp Mystic Flood Highlights Gaps in Emergency Planning

On July 4 2025 a flash flood on the Guadalupe River inundated Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp in Hunt, Texas, killing 25 campers, two teenage counselors and owner Richard Eastland (28 total). Most victims were under ten and many were first-time campers; roughly 100 campers were in a two-story recreation hall when water rose.

Camp Mystic relied on teen counselors with no emergency training, investigator says

Investigators found the camp relied on inexperienced teenage counselors and lacked emergency drills. The only evacuation instruction—a one-paragraph note telling girls to stay in cabins unless told otherwise—had passed a state inspection two days before the flood. Counselors feared acting without explicit orders, delaying evacuation.

Associated Press

Founder and owner Richard Eastland died while trying to drive girls to safety. His son Edward testified that any evacuation plan existed only in his father’s mind. Investigator Casey Garrett led the legislative inquiry. Richard’s wife Tweety described his “General” authority. Senators Pete Flores, Charles Perry and state regulators are involved in the response.

Associated Press

A camper reported floodwater rose until her chin touched the cabin ceiling. A counselor recalled pushing girls underwater to get them through a flooded doorway. A cellphone video captured a girl shouting “Help!” as water surged. One survivor was rescued the next morning from debris.

Associated Press

The flood killed 25 campers, two teenage counselors and owner Richard Eastland (28 total). Most victims were under ten. The camp planned to host 900 girls in summer 2026. Its evacuation plan, approved July 2, 2025, was flagged for 24 safety deficiencies.

Camp Mystic relied on teen counselors with no emergency training, investigator says

Sen. Pete Flores called Texas’ grief “enduring” and urged reforms to “prepare for and respond to emergency,” while Sen. Charles Perry said “common sense… didn’t get done.” State regulators flagged shortcomings and signaled a denial or delay of the license renewal. The Legislature enacted measures requiring emergency planning and warning systems for all camps.

Camp Mystic relied on teen counselors with no emergency training, investigator says

Families of victims protested the reopening and demanded regulators block the license renewal. State officials echoed concerns, saying reopening without reforms would be irresponsible. Camp owners say they will operate only on unflooded sections.

Camp Mystic relied on teen counselors with no emergency training, investigator says

• “There was never any real training, no drills of any kind,” — Casey Garrett, Investigator

Camp Mystic relied on teen counselors with no emergency training, investigator says

• “The fate of those girls was set before any drop of rain fell.” — Sen. Charles Perry

Associated Press

• “We cannot change what happened, but we can change how we prepare for and respond to the next emergency.” — Sen. Pete Flores

Camp Mystic relied on teen counselors with no emergency training, investigator says

• “He ruled,” — Tweety Eastland, wife of Richard Eastland

Camp Mystic relied on teen counselors with no emergency training, investigator says

The camp’s license renewal remains under review, with the next legislative session scheduled for January 2027. State regulators will assess the revised safety plan, and lawmakers are drafting emergency-planning and warning-system requirements for all Texas camps.

Camp Mystic relied on teen counselors with no emergency training, investigator says