Camp Mystic Withdraws 2026 License Application Following Tragic Flooding Incident
Camp Mystic's Decision to Withdraw Application
On Thursday, officials from Camp Mystic revealed that they have retracted their request for a summer operating license for 2026 from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. Chris Van Deusen, a spokesperson for the department, confirmed to NBC News that they received the withdrawal notification. The camp's announcement expressed sorrow over the loss of "precious lives" and emphasized that this decision reflects their commitment to listening to the community. The statement noted, "Respect for those voices requires that we step back now. Rather than risk defending our rights under Texas law in a manner that may unintentionally effect further harm, we choose rather to withdraw our application for the 2026 camp season."
Tragic Events of July 2025
During the July 4 weekend in 2025, a devastating flood claimed the lives of twenty-five campers and two counselors at the camp located near Kerrville, Texas. The Guadalupe River rose dramatically, exceeding 37 feet in less than an hour, catching everyone off guard. Tragically, other campers along the river and in adjacent areas also lost their lives. One camper, Cecilia "Cile" Stewart, remains missing, and Richard Eastland, the father of a camp director, died while trying to rescue campers.
In the wake of this disaster, the camp's management faced significant scrutiny regarding their emergency response and evacuation protocols.
Legislative Hearing Prior to Withdrawal
The day before the withdrawal announcement, a special hearing was convened by the Texas legislature to examine the camp's actions during the flooding and its application to reopen. The session was emotionally charged, with Edward Eastland, a camp director and family member, visibly distressed as he offered an apology to the families affected by the tragedy. At that time, the camp was still pursuing its reopening application, despite strong opposition from parents of the victims who urged lawmakers to reject or postpone the license.
Camp Mystic's Message to the Community
In their statement, Camp Mystic aimed to acknowledge the profound grief experienced by families who lost children while also addressing the community of over 800 girls eager to return. The camp stated, "Twenty-eight precious lives were lost. We recognize that no statement and no decision can undo that loss or ease the burden carried each day by parents, siblings, loved ones, survivors, first responders, and our beautiful Kerr County community." They emphasized their ongoing connection with Camp Mystic families, saying, "We love each of you." The camp concluded that proceeding with a summer season while investigations are ongoing would be inappropriate, stating, "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." Following this announcement, representatives and attorneys for the camp indicated they would not provide further comments.