Texas Health Officials Demand Safety Reforms for Camp Mystic After Deadly Floods
Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp in Texas, faces potential closure due to unmet health and safety requirements following a catastrophic flood in July 2025 that resulted in the deaths of 27 individuals, including 25 girls and counselors. The Texas Department of State Health Services has issued a letter requiring the camp to improve its emergency notification processes, develop a floodplain map, and revise its fire evacuation plan to obtain its operating license. Despite these challenges, Camp Mystic plans to reopen on May 30, 2026, at a new site, separate from the one affected by the floods. The camp's spokesperson emphasized their commitment to camper safety and the continuation of their mission to provide a Christian camping experience. However, family members of the victims have criticized the decision to reopen, questioning the adequacy of the camp's and state authorities' preventive measures. In February, families of nine victims filed a lawsuit against the state, alleging failure to enforce evacua...