Texas’ Camp Mystic won’t reopen this summer

Key Points:

• Camp Mystic has withdrawn its application for an operating license and will not reopen to campers this summer following a deadly flood last July that killed 25 campers, two counselors, and the camp’s executive director.
• The decision came after a hearing where Texas lawmakers and grieving families questioned the camp’s readiness to reopen and highlighted failures in emergency planning and evacuation during the flood.
• Families of victims criticized the camp’s withdrawal as a strategic move rather than an act of accountability, while new state laws have been enacted to improve camp safety and emergency preparedness.
• Investigations by the Texas Department of State Health Services and Texas Rangers into the camp’s care of children are ongoing, and the camp faces multiple lawsuits related to the tragedy.
• State leaders, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott, expressed support for the decision to pause operations, while families pledged to continue advocating for remembrance and safety reforms.