Before 27 Girls and Counselors Died in July 4 Flood, Their Sleepaway Camp Failed to Prepare for Disaster: Report

A comprehensive report released by a Texas legislative committee has uncovered significant shortcomings in the emergency preparedness at Camp Mystic, which played a tragic role during the catastrophic flooding on July 4, 2025. This disaster claimed the lives of over 130 individuals, including 28 campers at the facility, revealing negligence and procedural failures that contributed to the loss of life.

The joint investigation, published shortly before the one-year anniversary of the flooding, spans 115 pages and offers a detailed timeline of events. Among its key findings is that Camp Mystic lacked a written emergency plan that adhered to state regulations, especially concerning evacuation procedures for its buildings in the event of flooding. Investigators noted that the camp had advised campers to shelter in place rather than to evacuate, a directive that proved disastrous when the flood waters rose.

Furthermore, the report highlights a lack of preparation for the storm, despite forewarnings from the National Weather Service. On the afternoon of July 3, a flood watch had been issued, alerting residents to the potential risks of “locally heavy rainfall” and flash flooding. Nevertheless, most senior staff at the camp were asleep during this critical period, leaving only a few, including camp co-owner Dick Eastland, awake to monitor the worsening weather conditions.

The situation escalated dramatically in the early hours of July 4, when a flash flood warning was issued at approximately 1:14 am. By this time, some camp staff were aware of the impending danger and moved to seek higher ground. However, the report notes that they were not tasked with coordinating the evacuation of the cabins, leading to confusion and chaos.

Shortly after 3 am, Eastland summoned his son and a security guard to begin the rescue process. However, the report indicates that had all campers been instructed to evacuate their cabins earlier, there would have been ample time for a safe retreat to higher ground. In addition to this communication failure, there was no public address system in use, and many campers found themselves separated from their assigned counselors during the flood, significantly complicating rescue efforts.

The investigators described the aftermath as chaotic, with “re-unification efforts and incident management” poorly executed. Parents of the campers faced undue trauma, waiting anxiously for updates on their children’s safety amidst a stream of conflicting information. The report also revealed that there were at least 39 adults present at Camp Mystic, excluding teenage counsellors, who could have facilitated an orderly evacuation had they been properly instructed and prepared.

Michael Massengale, one of the state investigators, articulated the severity of the situation by stating that a plan that existed solely in the mind of the camp owner was insufficient to satisfy regulations. As a result, when disaster struck, the camp was ill-equipped to respond effectively. Furthermore, Casey Garret, another investigator, pointed out that the lack of clear instructions during an emergency left many staff and campers unprepared.

With the recent report generating heightened scrutiny, Camp Mystic has found itself embroiled in controversy and ongoing litigation. Among those impacted is Matthew Childress, whose daughter, Chloe, a camp counsellor, tragically lost her life in the flood. He expressed that while the findings cannot change the past, they provide a necessary measure of truth and accountability regarding the devastating events.

In response to the report’s findings, a Camp Mystic spokesperson declined to comment extensively but extended continued prayers to the families of the victims and acknowledged the “unforeseeable surge” of floodwaters, which they argued far exceeded previous flood events. They also pointed to shortcomings in the state’s flood warning systems, suggesting that these factors were beyond the camp’s control and emphasising their commitment to improving flood safety for both the local community and youth camps statewide.

As the anniversary of the flood approaches, the insights gleaned from this report may be pivotal in reviewing and enhancing safety protocols not just at Camp Mystic but across all camps in Texas. The local community continues to grieve the loss of its members while contemplating the systemic changes necessary to prevent a future tragedy.