AUSTIN, Texas — Young and inexperienced counselors at Camp Mystic were not trained to handle floods or other emergencies, an investigator told Texas lawmakers Monday. The 2025 flood killed 27 counselors and campers, and a legislative committee’s report highlighted systemic failures in emergency preparedness, communication, and evacuation procedures.
Core Findings:
- No emergency training: Counselors and campers received no flood drills or safety instructions before the disaster.
- Delayed evacuation: The camp’s “obedience” culture and poor communication worsened response times.
Key Details:
- Victims: Most were under age 10, including first-time campers. Camp owner Richard Eastland died while trying to evacuate girls.
- Camp reopening: Owners plan to reopen part of the camp in late May, despite opposition from victim families and state officials.
Ongoing Controversy:
- Families demand accountability: Dozens of relatives attended the hearing, reacting emotionally to victim photos and names.
- Regulatory review: State officials are reviewing the camp’s license renewal amid calls for delays or denial.
Background:
- The all-girls Christian camp was located on the Guadalupe River and ignored flood warnings.
- The report synthesized 150 interviews, including survivors, counselors, and families.