Camp Mystic introduces improved safety measures following tragic loss of 25 girls and 2 counselors

The management of an all-girls summer camp in the Texas Hill Country, where a tragic flood on July 4 claimed the lives of 25 campers and two teenage counselors, revealed plans on Tuesday for upgraded safety measures, which will be implemented when part of the camp reopens next summer.

In a letter to parents, the Eastland family, who own Camp Mystic, stated their commitment to surpass the new camp safety standards enacted by the Texas Legislature and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott following the catastrophic floods that killed at least 136 people and destroyed homes and vehicles.

As we prepare for next summer at Camp Mystic Cypress Lake, safety remains our highest priority, just as it is for you, the family wrote. We are grateful to the Heavens 27 families and state officials for enacting laws to enhance camp safety. Our goal is not only compliance but exceeding these new requirements.

The victims of the flooding have been collectively remembered as Heavens 27. Among the camp owners are the wife and other relatives of Dick Eastland, who also perished in the flood.

The planned safety upgrades include four river monitors for early flood detection, two-way radios in every cabin with national weather alerts, and high-capacity generators to ensure power in essential areas such as the office and dining hall.

We understand that returning to Camp Mystic brings both hope and sorrow, the Eastlands wrote. For many campers, coming back is a challenging step, but also a brave part of their healing process.

In September, the Eastland family announced plans to build a memorial for the girls who died and to reopen Camp Mystic Cypress Lake, a separate site away from the Guadalupe River that was not affected by the July 4 floods. This decision faced criticism from some families of victims, who claimed they were not consulted.

Reopening less than three months after the disaster with one camper still missing is unimaginable, wrote CiCi and Will Steward, whose daughter Cile, 8, died in the flood and remains missing.

Several families of the deceased campers have filed lawsuits against Camp Mystic and the Eastlands, claiming negligence in failing to safeguard campers from the approaching floodwaters.

Camp Mystic plans to host six separate 10-day sessions in 2026, running from May 30 to August 9, and will offer guided tours of the camp in April for enrolled campers, counselors, and their parents.

Author: Sophia Brooks