Full Breakdown
Camp Mystic Withdraws License Application, Remains Closed for 2026 Summer
5/1/2026, 8:46:09 PM
Camp Mystic Withdraws License Application
On April 30, 2026, Camp Mystic told the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) it was withdrawing its application for a 2026 summer camp license, ending plans to reopen for the season. The decision followed weeks of Capitol hearings and public pressure.
Flood Tragedy and New Safety Rules
On July 4, 2025, the Guadalupe River burst its banks, flooding Camp Mystic in Kerr County and killing dozens of campers and counselors. In response, Texas lawmakers enacted stricter health-and-safety standards for camps, which DSHS later said Camp Mystic failed to meet.
Numbers at a Glance
- Fatalities: 25 girls + 2 counselors (27), 27 total victims, or 28 deaths including camp director.
- Planned enrollment: owners claimed nearly 800–900 girls for 2026.
- Safety deficiencies: DSHS cited 20 categories, missing flood-evacuation plans, inadequate warning systems, and insufficient staff training.
Official Responses
Camp Mystic said withdrawal “removes any doubt that Camp Mystic heard concerns expressed by families, members of Texas House and Senate committees.” DSHS confirmed it. Gov. Greg Abbott expressed sympathy and said DSHS and Texas Rangers will release findings. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called decision “the correct step” to protect campers.
Families and Lawmakers React
Families and attorneys welcomed the withdrawal. State Sen. Charles Perry warned Eastland family would not operate without corrective action. Victims’ representatives said camp withdrew because state was poised to deny license, not out of grace. Attorney Sam Taylor said families remain “grateful” but will keep pursuing accountability.
On-Site Testimony
During hearings, families wore “Heaven’s 27” pins and showed video of a girl screaming while floodwaters rose. Edward Eastland offered an apology. Testimony highlighted missed flood warnings and decision to shelter campers in cabins.
Conflicting Fatality Figures
Reports differ on the death toll: some cite 25 girls + 2 counselors (27 total), others list 27 victims, while a health notice mentions 28 deaths including camp director. No source verified the claimed 800–900 enrollment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No administrative process or summer season should move forward while families continue to grieve, while investigations continue and while so many Texans still carry the pain of last July’s tragedy.” — Camp Mystic statement
- “Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones and those recovering from last year’s devastating Fourth of July floods,” — Gov. Greg Abbott
- “Given the tragic circumstances, this is the correct decision to protect Texas campers and to allow time for all investigations to be completed.” — Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick
- “We never imagined a world without our daughters, and no decision made now can change that,” — Matthew Childress, father of counselor Chloe Childress
Next Steps
DSHS and Texas Rangers will continue criminal and civil investigations, with public findings pending. Several wrongful-death lawsuits remain. Future licensing hinges on compliance with the new safety standards and investigation outcomes.
