Texas Lawmakers Probe Camp Mystic Over Deadly Flood as License Faces Revocation

Texas Lawmakers Grill Camp Mystic Owners Over Deadly Flood as License Faces Revocation

Texas state lawmakers on Tuesday sharply questioned the owners and leadership of Camp Mystic over their handling of a catastrophic flood last year that killed multiple campers and counselors, as state regulators consider revoking the camp’s operating license.

The hearing, held before the Texas House Committee on State Affairs, focused on allegations that Camp Mystic failed to adequately train its staff—including teenage counselors—on emergency procedures before the flood, which struck the Hill Country facility in June 2025. At least eight people died when rising waters trapped campers and staff in low-lying cabins and activity buildings.

Teen Counselors Lacked Emergency Training, Investigators Say

An investigator for the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) testified that Camp Mystic relied on teenage counselors with no formal emergency training to supervise campers during the flood. The investigator, whose name was not disclosed in the hearing, said the camp’s staffing model violated state safety guidelines, which require at least one adult with emergency preparedness certification on duty at all times.

“The camp’s emergency plan was effectively nonexistent. Teen counselors were left to make life-or-death decisions without any training or guidance.”

DSHS investigator, testimony before Texas House Committee on State Affairs

The investigator’s testimony was corroborated by a separate expert report from the Austin American-Statesman, which found that Camp Mystic had not conducted a single flood preparedness drill in the two years leading up to the disaster. The report also noted that the camp’s emergency alert system failed to activate during the flood, leaving staff and campers unaware of the rising water until it was too late.

Camp Director Apologizes, But License in Jeopardy

Camp Mystic’s director, Mark Reynolds, issued a public apology to the families of the victims during the hearing, acknowledging that the camp’s leadership had “failed in its most basic responsibility to keep children safe.” Reynolds, who has led the camp since 2020, said the organization was “deeply sorry” for the loss of life and pledged to cooperate fully with state investigators.

“We made mistakes, and we will do everything in our power to ensure this never happens again. Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones.”

Mark Reynolds, Camp Mystic director, in a statement to lawmakers

Despite Reynolds’ apology, state regulators are moving forward with plans to revoke Camp Mystic’s operating license. A spokesperson for DSHS confirmed that the agency has issued a preliminary order to suspend the camp’s license, citing “gross negligence” in its failure to implement basic safety protocols. The camp has 30 days to appeal the decision, but even if the appeal is successful, it may face additional legal challenges from the families of the victims.

Lawmakers Demand Accountability, Possible Legislative Action

Several lawmakers at the hearing called for stricter oversight of youth camps in Texas, with some suggesting new legislation to mandate emergency training for all camp staff and regular safety inspections. State Representative Sarah Davis (R-Houston) said the Camp Mystic tragedy exposed “gaping holes” in the state’s regulatory framework for youth camps.

“This was not an act of God—it was a failure of leadership and a failure of regulation. We owe it to these families to make sure no other child dies because a camp cut corners on safety.”

State Representative Sarah Davis (R-Houston)

The Texas Senate is expected to hold its own hearing on the Camp Mystic disaster next month, with testimony from survivors and families of the victims. Meanwhile, the camp remains closed pending the outcome of the license revocation process, though The Washington Post reported that some former staff members have discussed reopening under new ownership—a prospect that has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and advocacy groups.

Families Seek Justice, Closure

The families of the victims have filed multiple wrongful death lawsuits against Camp Mystic and its parent company, Mystic Outdoor Adventures LLC. The lawsuits allege that the camp’s negligence directly contributed to the deaths, including its failure to evacuate campers despite clear warnings of impending severe weather.

In a statement released after the hearing, the families called for criminal charges against the camp’s leadership, though no charges have been filed to date. The Texas Attorney General’s Office said We see reviewing the case for potential violations of state law.

For now, the future of Camp Mystic remains uncertain. Even if the camp avoids license revocation, its reputation has been irreparably damaged, and legal battles could drag on for years. What is clear, however, is that the tragedy has already prompted a reckoning over youth camp safety in Texas—and lawmakers appear determined to prevent a repeat of the disaster.