Deadly July 4 Flood at Camp Mystic Highlights Safety Gaps in Texas Youth Camps

On July 4, 2025, the Guadalupe River flooded Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp in Hunt, Texas, killing 27 people: 25 campers, two teenage counselors, and camp director Richard Eastland, who died while trying to drive girls to safety. Survivors said water rose to chest level in cabins, and some counselors pushed children through windows to escape.

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

Investigators found teenage counselors had no emergency training or drills. The written evacuation note, a single paragraph telling campers to stay in cabins unless instructed otherwise, had passed a state inspection two days before the flood. Staff described a strict obedience culture centered on Richard Eastland, nicknamed “The General” and “The Eagle,” which discouraged counselors from acting without explicit orders.

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

State legislators called for stronger safety standards. Senator Pete Flores described the tragedy as “enduring grief” for Texas and urged better emergency preparation. Senator José Menéndez said testimony would help “fill in some of the gaps.” Rep. Morgan Meyer noted the emotional weight of the hearings. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows support denying the camp’s license renewal until compliance is verified. The Texas Department of State Health Services is reviewing the license, and the Texas Rangers have opened a separate investigation.

Texas Tribune

Lawmakers identified nearly two dozen deficiencies in Camp Mystic’s safety plan, especially in flood-warning monitoring and evacuation procedures. Critics say reliance on an undocumented “plan in the head” of the owner violated state emergency-protocol rules. The camp’s lawyer argues the state lacks legal authority to deny the application, but the investigation has sparked broader debate on tightening licensing requirements for youth camps.

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

The approved evacuation directive offered no actionable steps during the flood, creating a gap between documented compliance and on-ground effectiveness. An 8-year-old camper’s body remains missing, and multiple lawsuits highlight unresolved accountability and survivor-support concerns.

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

• “It wasn’t a plan. It wasn’t a safe plan, It was an option taken, thank God,” — Casey Garrett

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

• “On Monday and Tuesday, when the whole state gets a very detailed description of what happened that night, I think people will be able to fill in some of the gaps that they had,“ Menéndez said.” — Sen. José Menéndez

Texas Tribune

Camp Mystic’s license renewal is pending with the Texas Department of State Health Services, and the Texas Rangers continue their inquiry. Lawmakers are drafting regulations that would require comprehensive emergency training, designated evacuation roles, and mandatory flood-warning systems for all youth camps. The camp plans to reopen the unaffected portion of its property for the summer, contingent on meeting the revised safety standards.

Texas Tribune