Camp Mystic Reopens for Summer with Updated Safety Plan Following Tragic Flood Incident Resulting in Loss of 27 Campers and Counselors

Camp Mystic, the Texas summer camp devastated by deadly floods on July 4 that claimed the lives of 25 campers, two teenage counselors, and the camps executive director, has revealed plans to reopen in 2026. In a statement released on Tuesday, December 2, the camp shared details on session dates and updated safety measures.

The all-girls camp confirmed that its newer Cypress Lake site will welcome campers, while the original Guadalupe River location will remain closed. The summer sessions are scheduled to run from May 30 to August 9, 2026. Enrollment has not yet begun, but tours of the Cypress Lake property will be available in April.

The Cypress Lake campus is described as fully independent from the Guadalupe River site, featuring its own entrance, waterfront, dining hall, offices, pavilion, infirmary, playing fields, archery range, stables, chapel, and cabins. The camp emphasized the emotional significance of returning, stating that the reopening represents both hope and a step in the healing process for many families.

Enhanced safety measures include the installation of 100 flood monitoring units across both Cypress Lake and Guadalupe River sites. The camp also added handheld two-way NOAA radios to each cabin to provide real-time weather updates and higher-capacity generators to ensure power for critical areas. These upgrades are designed to facilitate rapid evacuation and maintain communication with parents and emergency services during emergencies.

The July 4 tragedy occurred when the Guadalupe River flooded the campsite amid thunderstorms in Kerr County, resulting in the deaths of 25 campers, counselors Chloe Childress and Katherine Ferruzzo, and executive director Richard "Dick" Eastland. In late September, the camp notified families about the reopening of Cypress Lake, including a special message to the families of those who perished, and announced plans for a memorial honoring the victims.

In early November, the families of five campers and two counselors filed a lawsuit, alleging that the camp prioritized financial concerns over safety. The legal complaint contends that during the flood, camp staff focused on securing equipment instead of evacuating campers and failed to move residents from vulnerable cabins. Additional lawsuits have been filed by other families, citing inadequate safety planning and the camps choice to operate in flood-prone areas.

Author: Sophia Brooks