Summer Camps Reevaluate Safety Plans After Texas Flooding

In light of a tragic flash flood that claimed the lives of 27 individuals at Camp Mystic in Kerrville, Texas, summer camps across the nation are reassessing their safety protocols. The American Camp Association is urging camps to enhance their safety measures in preparation for severe weather events.

The families of six girls who perished in the Camp Mystic flood have initiated a wrongful death lawsuit, alleging that camp management disregarded multiple warnings, hesitated to evacuate, and kept young campers in low-lying cabins close to the flooded Guadalupe River.

Filed in Travis County District Court, the lawsuit outlines claims of negligence and gross negligence, including failing to follow established flood evacuation protocols, not relocating children to elevated areas amid rising waters, and lacking effective training and communication systems. The camp reportedly housed children in cabins within a flood-prone area despite existing risks.

Warnings from forecasters began on July 3, as the National Weather Service issued flood watches and advisories. However, despite these alerts, the camp failed to take appropriate precautionary measures, as outlined in the complaint.

On the night of July 4, when the flooding occurred, camp leaders chose to meet with staff to secure equipment rather than initiate an immediate evacuation of the children. Reports indicate that the first emergency call about the dangerous conditions came in at 2 a.m. By 2:10 a.m., water had entered the cabin where the girls were residing, but counselors were allegedly instructed to shelter in place and not to use communication devices.

Some counselors, however, commenced evacuation efforts around 3 a.m., and mass evacuations began at 3:11 a.m., according to the legal complaint.

Images timestamped at 3:26 a.m. show campers still able to walk toward higher ground despite the increasing water levels. Yet, by 3:44 a.m., water had flooded the area, forcing the cabin door open and allowing water to surge inside.

The lawsuit indicates that the camp leaders’ devices recorded water submersion as early as 3:51 a.m., and an emergency call from Camp Mystic was made around 3:59 a.m.

Family members contend that the youngest girls were kept at the Bubble Inn and Twins cabins on low ground, even as nearby safer options existed, including a two-story building situated on higher ground.

A one-page emergency procedures document was found post-flood, advising campers to remain indoors during floods, contrary to the actual conditions that proved “false and dangerous,” according to families. This document had been discovered in a counselor’s belongings.

The lawsuit alleges that the camp was located in a designated flood hazard area, recognized by FEMA. It cites past major flooding incidents in the same area and asserts that the camp failed to address known risks prior to the tragic event.

Among those named in the lawsuit are Virginia “Win” Naylor, Jane “Janny” Hunt, Lucy Lee Dillon, Kellyanne Elizabeth Lytal, Hadley Rebecca Hanna, and Virginia Rallins Hollis, all of whom were merely 8 or 9 years old. They were part of the group that tragically lost their lives.

Camp Mystic has been contacted for comments regarding the lawsuit.

Timeline of Events Leading Up to the Flood

July 2nd

5:47 p.m. — Texas emergency officials commenced flood preparations in anticipation of approaching storms.

July 3rd

10:48 a.m. — The National Weather Service issued a flood watch and communicated warnings through various channels.

6:26 p.m. — The National Water Center provided additional warnings concerning rapid flooding and its potential local impact for early July 4th.

11:13 p.m. — A flood advisory for Kerr County was issued, indicating the possibility of significant flooding.

July 4th

1:14 a.m. — An emergency flash flood warning was issued, indicating a life-threatening situation. Camp leaders were likely informed immediately.

1:47 a.m. — Camp leaders met with grounds staff, choosing to secure equipment rather than focus on evacuating campers.

2:10 a.m. — A counselor reported water entering a cabin and was directed to evacuate, yet communication devices were restricted.

3:11 a.m. — Reports indicate that mass evacuation efforts commenced, although camp leaders remained more focused on their equipment than on promptly evacuating children.

The days leading up to this tragedy were marked by increasing alerts, but the response from camp leaders raises serious questions about the prioritization of camper safety versus camp operations.