Camp Mystic has announced it will not open this summer, just a month ahead of its planned 100th anniversary, following a tragic flash flood last July that claimed the lives of 25 girls and two counselors.
This decision comes after Texas health inspectors discovered that the camp was not adhering to new health and safety regulations, as reported by The New York Times.
Despite having 800 girls registered to attend since spring, the camp’s owners decided to “withdraw” from the upcoming summer season instead of making the necessary compliance changes.
In a statement shared with the media on Thursday, they expressed a desire to avoid administrative procedures while the community continues to grieve the losses from last year’s disaster.
The statement reflected a commitment to address concerns raised by affected families, members of the Texas House and Senate Investigations Committee, and residents throughout the state.
Last July, the Guadalupe River overflowed on the evening of July 4, resulting in the tragic loss of mostly young campers, many of whom were under 10 years old.
Camp Mystic has a long history, hosting generations of Texas girls and including attendees from well-known families, such as former first lady Laura Bush.
