Full Breakdown
Camp Mystic Withdraws License Application, Cancels Summer 2026 Operations
5/2/2026, 8:12:41 AM
Background and Flood Tragedy
On July 4 2025 a flash flood along the Guadalupe River swept through Camp Mystic’s Hunt, Texas site, killing 25 campers, two teenage counselors, and the camp’s executive director, Dick Eastland. Families refer to the loss as “Heaven’s 27.” The disaster triggered criminal investigations by the Texas Rangers, multiple civil lawsuits, and a series of legislative hearings on camp safety.
Timeline of Key Events
- July 4 2025 – Flood kills 27–28 people at Camp Mystic.
- April 30 2026 – Texas Senate/House Joint Investigating Committee holds a two-day hearing; victims’ families testify, investigators detail evacuation failures.
- May 2026 – Camp Mystic notifies the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) that it is withdrawing its 2026 operating-license application.
- May 2026 onward – DSHS and the Texas Rangers continue investigations; new camp-safety statutes remain in effect.
Data and Statistics
- Fatalities: Sources list 25 campers + 2 counselors + director (28) and also cite 27 total deaths.
- Planned enrollment: Camp expected “more than 800,” “850,” or “900” girls for the 2026 season.
- Emergency-plan deficiencies: DSHS identified “nearly two dozen,” “22,” or “nearly 2 dozen” shortcomings in the camp’s 2026 application.
- Legal actions: Families have filed multiple wrongful-death suits; the Stewards filed a lawsuit to keep the flood-site portion closed for evidence preservation.
Key Figures and Groups
Camp owners Edward, Mary Liz, and Britt Eastland led the response. Victims’ families include Cici and Will Steward (daughter Cile remains missing) and Matthew Childress (father of counselor Chloe Childress). State officials cited are Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Gov. Greg Abbott, DSHS spokesperson Chris Van Deusen, and Texas Rangers investigators. Legal counsel includes attorney Casey Garrett and Sam Taylor, representing families.
Official Statements and Responses
Camp Mystic’s statement said the withdrawal “removes any doubt that we have heard the concerns expressed by grieving families, members of the Texas House and Senate investigating committees and citizens across our state.” Lt. Gov. Patrick praised the move as “the correct step to protect Texas campers.” Gov. Abbott affirmed that DSHS and the Texas Rangers will make investigation findings public. DSHS reported the emergency-plan deficiencies and noted that all camps have 45 days to correct them under the new safety statutes.
Criticism and Opposition
Families argued the withdrawal was a “calculated exit” to avoid a denied license. Cici and Will Steward said, “It was not out of respect for our grieving families… It was a calculated exit from a license they were about to lose.” Several legislators, including Sen. Charles Perry, warned that allowing the camp to operate would send a dangerous message about accountability.
On-the-Ground Testimony
During hearings, Julie Sprunt described her nine-year-old daughter being swept downstream, while Charlee Johnson recounted her 11-year-old navigating darkness after counselors failed to activate the public-address system. Cici Steward testified that her missing daughter Cile faced an “impossible choice” between staying in a cabin or confronting violent floodwaters.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Sources differ on the exact death toll (27 vs. 28) and on the number of identified emergency-plan deficiencies (22 vs. “nearly two dozen”). The final outcomes of criminal investigations, civil suits, and any future licensing remain unresolved.
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
- “We’re so sorry. Every day. Every minute of every day, we’re so sorry,” — Mary Liz Eastland, camp director
- “I think about the night of the flood every moment of every day. We tried our hardest that night, and it wasn't enough to save your daughters.” — Edward Eastland
- “We are grateful that no child will be placed in the Eastlands’ care this summer,” — Cici and Will Steward
- “We never imagined a world without our daughters, and no decision made now can change that,” — Matthew Childress
- “Given the tragic circumstances, this is the correct decision to protect Texas campers and to allow time for all investigations to be completed.” — Dan Patrick
What’s Next
DSHS and the Texas Rangers will continue their investigations, with findings slated for public release. Families pursue ongoing lawsuits, and state legislators are reviewing the new emergency-plan requirements that now apply to all Texas youth camps. Camp Mystic’s future licensing remains uncertain pending compliance and potential legal outcomes.
