Camp Mystic Tragedy Sparks Nationwide Safety Reforms for Summer Camps
The deadly flash floods at Camp Mystic in Kerrville, Texas, on July 4 have led to a nationwide reassessment of safety protocols for summer camps. At least 134 people are confirmed dead across Texas as search and rescue efforts continue. The tragedy has prompted camp directors across the U.S. to revisit their emergency preparedness plans, especially for extreme weather threats.
Located near the Guadalupe River, the camp’s situation highlighted the need for better weather monitoring and communication tools. Roger Dunn, director of the Coldstream Christian Camp in Adams, Tennessee, said the incident showed how quickly conditions can change, prompting his team to train counselors in accurate weather monitoring and use newly added walkie talkies to stay connected during emergencies.
Officials are investigating whether Camp Mystic received and responded to flood warnings before the disaster, raising questions about how camps assess and act on fast-moving weather threats. The American Camp Association, which has accredited over 2,300 camps, now expects more camps to pursue accreditation in the fall following the Texas floods.
Dunn emphasized the importance of annual safety reviews, a recommendation from the ACA. He also advised parents to ask camp directors about safety protocols and emergency procedures. “Ask questions about safety, what you have in place. Ask questions about any type of emergency procedures. I want their minds and their hearts to be at ease,” he said.
The ACA encourages camps to use the offseason to make adjustments to their safety plans, ensuring they are prepared for the next summer season.