Camp Mystic says it will withdraw its application for a summer camp license in Cypress Lake amid ongoing flood investigations.
A Texas all-girls sleepaway camp at the center of last summer’s deadly flooding says it will not reopen for the coming season while investigations continue.
Camp Mystic announced that it has informed the Texas Department of State Health Services that it is withdrawing its application for a summer 2026 camp license for its Cypress Lake location.. In a statement carried by Misryoum. the camp said it was stepping back so “no administrative process or summer season” moves forward while families grieve and while inquiries into what happened last July remain ongoing.
The decision follows the flash flood that struck the camp on the Fourth of July last year, when rapidly rising water inundated cabins along the Guadalupe River. Twenty-five girls and two teen counselors died, and the camp’s director also died.
This matters because it touches both public safety and trust: for families deciding whether camps are prepared for extreme weather, licensing and emergency planning are the foundation of confidence.
Camp Mystic said it chose to withdraw its license application “rather than risk” defending its position under Texas law in a way that could unintentionally cause further harm.. The camp also said it previously planned to welcome more than 800 girls at the Cypress Lake location this summer before withdrawing.
In addition, Misryoum reports that Texas officials had raised concerns about the camp’s emergency planning paperwork.. The Texas Department of State Health Services notified Camp Mystic last week of nearly two dozen deficiencies in its emergency plan submitted with the license application. according to the camp’s announcement.. The department said similar deficiency letters were sent to other camps due to statutory changes and increased emergency plan requirements enacted after last year’s tragedy.
Earlier this week, the flood’s aftermath was the subject of an emotional two-day hearing before Texas lawmakers.. An attorney hired for the investigation presented an overview based on interviews with about 150 people. including campers. counselors. the camp’s owners and victims’ families.. The attorney said there was inadequate training or drills for campers and counselors regarding a flood threat, Misryoum noted.
At the end. the camp said it will continue cooperating with investigations. follow lawful requirements. and support recovery and healing efforts.. Its withdrawal is likely to keep the spotlight on how camps plan for emergencies. especially as Texas communities continue to process the impact of last year’s disaster.