Texas Camp Mystic to Reopen Amid Controversy and Healing

Tue Dec 23 2025 17:10:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

After a devastating flood claimed the lives of 27 campers and counselors, Camp Mystic in Texas plans to reopen next year, sparking mixed reactions among families and local authorities. The camp has promised enhanced safety measures as it seeks to provide healing opportunities for survivors.

Camp Mystic, a century-old girls' camp in Texas that suffered a tragedy during a flood in July, plans to reopen for enrollment next January. The decision has sparked outrage due to the loss of 27 campers and counselors in the disaster. Some parents support the reopening as part of the healing process, while others feel it is premature and insensitive. Camp owners have pledged to enhance safety measures, including flood monitoring systems, in response to the disaster.

Camp Mystic, a historic all-girls Christian sleepaway retreat, is set to resume operations despite the haunting memories of the catastrophic floods that occurred in July, resulting in the deaths of 27 campers and counselors. For many families, this reopening is seen as a crucial step towards healing, although it has ignited a divisive debate within the community.

Patrick Hotze, who lost close friends in the flood's tragedy, expressed sympathy while still planning to send his daughters to the camp next year. He remarked, “I think it’s different for each kid and each family.” This sentiment is echoed by many families who view the camp as an integral part of their children's upbringing. Many believe returning to Camp Mystic provides their daughters with comfort and a sense of normalcy.

The camp plans to reopen for enrollment next January, with campers expected to return in May. Safety measures are being prioritized, prompting owners to elevate the camping area and increase flood preparedness with better warning systems. Camp Mystic has been part of the community for over a hundred years and has drawn significant criticism for its reopening decision.

Plans for Safety Enhancements

In light of the tragedy, the camp has vowed to implement rigorous safety measures before reopening. This includes placing two-way radios in every cabin and installing flood warning river monitors to prevent a repeat of the disaster that struck during the July Fourth holiday weekend.

Bipartisan efforts are underway among local Texas legislators to investigate the leaders’ decisions during the flood, as many residents are looking for accountability while others are focused on moving forward.

Public Sentiment on Reopening

The decision to welcome campers back has sparked outrage from some families who lost their children, asserting that the camp made poor choices leading to the flood's catastrophic impact. Lawsuits have emerged, alleging negligence on the camp's part, particularly concerning evacuation protocols.

For some parents, though, Camp Mystic has been a vital space for spiritual and personal growth for their children. Liberty Lindley, whose daughter survived the flood, plans to allow her daughter to return, believing in the camp's promise of safety and their homegrown community spirit. She reflected on her daughter's resilience, underscoring how the camp continues to hold a special place in their hearts, despite the recent tragedy.

Conversely, some parents, such as John Ball, remain skeptical about the camp's ability to respond effectively to emergencies. Concerned about the communication failures during the crisis, Ball mentioned, “I think we’re going to take this year off and see how it goes.”

As the reopening date approaches, the community continues to grapple with the fallout from the floods, balancing the need for healing with the necessity of safeguarding future generations of campers.