In brief
Camp Mystic in Texas is set to reopen next summer after a devastating flood claimed the lives of 27 campers and counselors in July. The camp's leadership, in a letter to families, emphasized their commitment to implementing new safety measures mandated by recently passed legislation. These measures will include restrictions on camp structures in flood zones and the establishment of comprehensive emergency protocols. Alongside the reopening, a memorial will be built in honor of those lost.
KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — Camp Mystic plans to reopen next summer near the site where 27 girls and counselors lost their lives in a July flood.
The campers and counselors were swept away by fast-rising floodwaters from the Guadalupe River during a tragic incident in a low-lying area known for flash floods. This flooding event on the Fourth of July resulted in the deaths of at least 136 individuals and caused extensive damage, washing away homes and vehicles.
In an email sent to the families of the victims, the camp announced that upon reopening, it will enhance its safety measures in line with the new camp safety legislation advocated by the families. The camp staff indicated that they will be implementing significant changes to ensure the safety of all campers.
Additionally, the camp revealed plans to build a memorial commemorating the lives lost in the flood. The memorial's design aims to reflect the beauty, kindness, and joy that the girls shared.
Camp Mystic's reopening will take place at its sister site, Camp Mystic Cypress Lake, as the original Camp Mystic Guadalupe was too severely damaged to reopen next summer. The camp's leadership also mentioned they are collaborating with engineers and experts to meet the requirements of the new safety policies.
A family member of a victim expressed their grief over the lack of safety measures at the time of the incident and urged for stronger protections to prevent such tragedies in the future.
