The owners of Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp in Texas, announced Thursday they are withdrawing their application to renew the camp's license and will not reopen this summer. The decision comes after a week of intense scrutiny from lawmakers and grieving families, following a deadly flood last July that killed 27 people.
In a statement, camp operators said, “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 had been slated to welcome over 800 campers this summer, with counselors reporting as early as May 30.
The Eastland family, which has owned the camp since 1939, faced a legislative committee earlier this week. Edward Eastland, co-director of the camp, testified to the committee, telling families of the victims, “I think about the night of the flood every moment of every day. We tried our hardest that night and it wasn’t enough to save your daughters.” Edward was one of three adults who tried to evacuate campers as floodwaters rose during the July 4 Independence Day floods.
Investigators hired by the committee revealed Monday that camp directors could have acted sooner to evacuate campers and had a chance to save everyone. They also found that the camp did not train counselors on emergency procedures. The Texas Department of State Health Services had identified 22 deficiencies in the camp's proposed emergency plan for this summer.
Lawmakers were sharply critical. State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, told the family, “Y’all will not be an operator next session, next season, if I can have anything to say with that.” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick also called on the state to shut the camp down. Following the announcement, Patrick posted on X, “Given the tragic circumstances, this is the correct decision to protect Texas campers and to allow time for all investigations to be completed.”
The camp's statement emphasized that the decision is meant to show they have heard the concerns of grieving families and lawmakers. “Respect for those voices requires that we step back now,” the statement reads. The Eastlands said they will continue to cooperate with all ongoing investigations.
State Rep. Wes Virdell, R-Brady, who represents the district where the camp is located, has been a supporter. In a statement, Virdell said, “I hope no one ever has to endure a tragedy like the July 4 floods. My prayer is that this time can be used for all involved to grieve and heal in the coming year. As Texans and Americans, we should be more careful before casting stones at individuals who are already carrying the weight of the world while under a microscope.”
The camp's withdrawal follows a broader pattern of regulatory and political scrutiny. Earlier, Texas rejected Camp Mystic's safety plan after the fatal flood that killed 27, as reported in a related article. The camp's decision also echoes other recent regulatory battles, such as the FCC's accelerated review of ABC affiliate licenses amid political tensions, and the ongoing debate over FISA renewal, which has seen internal rebellion over warrant requirements.
The Eastlands said the decision does not end their bond with the Mystic families, but the camp will remain closed this summer as investigations continue.
