NEWYou can now hear Fox News articles. Camp Mystic announced on Thursday that it will not reopen for the summer season 2026. This is a major change in recovery plans after a devastating flood last year, which killed 27 people. Officials confirmed that 25 campers, two counselors and the director of the all-girls Christian Camp in Hill Country Texas were killed. According to the family-owned facility, director Richard Eastland died in separate rescue efforts. The decision by the camp to abandon its bid to reopen operations in May came just days after director Richard Eastland broke down and apologized in tears at a hearing in the state. This prompted an outcry among lawmakers and grieving family members over the attempt to resume operations. CAMP MYSTIC DIRECTOR DIED WHILE TRYING to SAVE KIDS DURING TEXAS FLOODS”No administrative process, or summer season, should move forward as long as families continue to grieve,” said the camp. This decision is meant to remove any doubts that Camp Mystic heard the concerns of grieving families, members from the Texas House and Senate Investigating Committees, and citizens throughout our state. We must respect those voices and step back. “REPUBLICAN CONGRESSMAN REUNITES with Daughters After Texas Camp Flooding, Thanks ‘Countless Heroes’ They also expressed their sympathy for all those affected by last year’s catastrophe, adding that they understood there was nothing they could do to reverse damage or ease pain. “Twenty eight precious lives were lost. We acknowledge that no statement or decision can undo this loss or ease the daily burden carried by parents, siblings and loved ones. First responders, survivors and our beautiful Kerr County Community. We also acknowledge that over 800 girls wish to return to Camp Mystic Cypress Lake for the summer. The statement said that the special bond between Camp Mystic and its families would not change with the announcement. The AP reported that the owners of the camp had previously stated they hoped to reopen the camp in late May with 900 attendees and planned to use only the parts of the facility which did not flood. The plans sparked outrage among victims’ families and prominent officials who urged regulators deny the license of the camp, which was being reviewed by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The AP reported that lawmakers questioned the camp’s role in the disaster, citing inadequate operations, delayed responses to flash flood warnings, and inadequate emergency training for counselors.
