Camp Mystic officials announced Thursday they are withdrawing their application for a summer operating license, stating the decision was made to allow more time for families to grieve following a devastating flood last July. The move comes after days of pointed questioning from Texas lawmakers, who are investigating the camp's handling of the July 4 tragedy that claimed the lives of 25 campers, two teenage counselors, and the camp's owner.
Camp Officials Cite Need for Grieving
Camp Mystic explained that "No administrative process or summer season should move forward while families continue to grieve, while investigations continue and while so many Texans still carry the pain of last July’s tragedy." The camp's statement emphasized that the priority remains on supporting the affected families and cooperating with ongoing investigations.
Regulatory Deficiencies Identified
Last week, Texas state regulators identified nearly two dozen deficiencies in the camp's emergency operations. In an 11-page letter, they detailed issues in flood warning evacuation plans, emergency warning systems, safety alert monitoring, and camper safety training. The camp's emergency plan was submitted as part of strict new guidelines imposed by state lawmakers following the deadly flood.
The decision to withdraw the license application effectively ends any possibility of the camp reopening for the 2026 summer season. Camp Mystic had been under intense scrutiny from lawmakers and the public since the tragedy, with many calling for accountability and improved safety measures at youth camps across the state.
