Camp Mystic families fight reopening after deadly Texas flood killed children
Parents whose children died in a deadly flood at Camp Mystic last July are fighting to keep the Texas summer camp closed permanently. The camp's operators want to renew their license and reopen this summer while state investigations into alleged negligence are still ongoing.
Families who lost children in last summer's deadly flood at Camp Mystic are urging Texas officials to block the camp from reopening. The camp's operators have applied to renew their license for summer 2026 even as state investigations into alleged negligence continue.
The flood hit Camp Mystic's Hill Country location in July, killing multiple children. The camp's owner and director Richard "Dick" Eastland also died in the flood, reportedly while trying to save campers.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has asked the Department of State Health Services to deny Camp Mystic's license renewal. Parents like CiCi and Will Steward, who lost their daughter Cile, said they were "devastated" when camp owners announced in September that parts of the facility would reopen for summer 2026.
The camp director broke down in court testimony, saying he wished he had more information about the flooding risks. Although this year's events wouldn't happen at the original flooded site, families want the entire operation shut down permanently.
Texas requires summer camps to get annual licenses. The state's application deadline for youth camp licenses was March 31.
This case shows how summer camp safety rules work and whether camps can reopen after deadly accidents. Parents are questioning if state oversight is strong enough to protect kids at overnight camps across Texas and the country.
State health officials will decide whether to approve or deny Camp Mystic's license renewal application for summer 2026.
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