July 9, 2025 – Austin, TX — Newly released records reveal that state inspectors approved Camp Mystic's emergency preparedness plans less than a week before the historic floods that devastated the popular summer camp, raising fresh questions about safety oversight and risk assessment protocols in Texas youth camps.
The catastrophic flooding, which struck the Texas Hill Country on July 4, resulted in the evacuation of more than 300 campers and staff from Camp Mystic, a century-old girls’ camp on the banks of the Guadalupe River. The event has reignited public scrutiny after documents obtained through a Texas Public Information Act request showed that inspectors from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) conducted a routine audit and signed off on the camp's emergency procedures on June 28, 2025.
Flooding Caught Campers Off Guard
According to the National Weather Service, the July 4 storm dumped more than 12 inches of rain in less than 24 hours, causing flash floods that quickly overwhelmed the Guadalupe and surrounding tributaries. Despite the camp’s approved emergency plan, local authorities reported delays in evacuation and confusion among staff, as rising waters cut off access to main roads and emergency vehicles.
Parents and community members have raised concerns about whether the emergency review process adequately accounted for the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the region. Climate experts note that Texas has experienced a 30% rise in flash flooding incidents over the past decade, with 2025 already shaping up as one of the wettest years on record.
Inspection Process Under Review
The DSHS inspection checklist, obtained by Texas Tribune, confirmed that Camp Mystic had documented evacuation routes, communication protocols, and designated shelter areas. However, some safety advocates argue that current state guidelines may not reflect recent climate realities or the evolving risks faced by camps located near rivers and floodplains.
"While Camp Mystic met all regulatory requirements, the magnitude of this year's flooding surpassed what most camps in Central Texas have ever experienced," said Dr. Lauren Castillo, a risk management consultant specializing in outdoor education.
Renewed Calls for Reform
In the aftermath, lawmakers and camp industry leaders are calling for a comprehensive review of camp safety standards across Texas. A bipartisan group of state legislators has proposed emergency hearings to examine whether inspection criteria need updating to require more robust flood contingency planning.
- Mandatory annual flood risk assessments for camps in high-risk zones
- Enhanced coordination with local emergency management agencies
- Updated evacuation protocols to reflect changing weather patterns
As cleanup continues at Camp Mystic, which sustained significant damage to cabins and recreational facilities, the incident underscores the challenges of balancing tradition, safety, and climate adaptation for Texas summer camps. No fatalities were reported, but several staff members were treated for minor injuries. The camp's directors have announced a temporary closure as repairs and investigations proceed.
What Comes Next
The Texas Department of State Health Services has launched an internal review of its inspection and approval processes. Meanwhile, the incident has sparked a wider conversation among parents and camp operators about emergency readiness and the need for proactive adaptation in the face of increasingly unpredictable extreme weather events.
