Camp Mystic's Flood: What Went Wrong?

A Devastating Event

Camp Mystic, a well-known youth camp in Texas, experienced a catastrophic flood in July 2025. The disaster claimed at least 27 lives, just days after state inspectors approved the camp's emergency plans.

Approval and Inspection

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) had given Camp Mystic a clean bill of health on July 2. The inspection confirmed that the camp had plans for disasters like floods and tornadoes. It also verified that staff and volunteers were trained on these plans.

The Flood's Impact

Despite the approved plans, the flood caused severe damage. The Recreation Hall, the camp's central gathering space, was badly damaged. Trees were knocked down, and cabins were destroyed. Campers and staff had to sort through their belongings in the aftermath.

Regulatory Compliance

The DSHS requires camps to have their own emergency plans that follow state rules. Inspectors check if the plans are in place and if staff know what to do. However, the details of Camp Mystic's plans were not released. The inspection report stated that the camp met all regulations and did not mention any problems.

Camp Details and Aftermath

At the time of the inspection, Camp Mystic had 557 campers and 108 staff members. They were split between two locations: Guadalupe and Cypress Lake. The flood raised questions about how well these plans work in real-life situations and sparked discussions on improving safety at camps.