Camp Mystic leaders announced plans for a reopening in the summer of 2026 following the deadly flooding that killed 25 young girls and two counselors.
Officials wrote an email to parents, saying that Camp Mystic Cypress Lake will once again be open next year. This is a part of the property that was not associated with any deaths or injuries during the recent incident.
Camp Mystic's Potential Reopening
Camp Mystic Guadalupe, which is the camp's original setting, has operated for almost 100 years before the flooding. It is an area that was associated with the deaths of young girls and counselors. This part will not reopen next year due to the "devastating damage" that it experienced.
In the same message announcing the reopening of the camp, officials said that they were planning how to rebuild the original part as well. They said that their planning and procedures will reflect the "catastrophic 1,000-year weather event that occurred on July 4," according to the Express News.
Read more: Parents of Camp Mystic Flooding Victims Call on Officials To Implement Better Safety Measures
Officials noted that their plans will comply with the new requirements of the new camp safety legislation that was passed by the Texas legislature this summer. The message comes as the camp is supposedly "finalizing plans" for children who previously went to Camp Mystic Guadalupe to attend Camp Mystic Cypress Lake next summer.
The plans for a reopening come as camp officials have received widespread criticism following the tragic flooding due to the location of the cabins, the safety instructions given to guests and counselors, and questions about whether the camp's owners and operators properly monitored weather alerts and warnings before and during the incident.
Met With Widespread Criticism
The email that camp officials sent said, "We are not only rebuilding cabins and trails, but also a place where laughter, friendship, and spiritual growth will continue to flourish." They noted that they will be mindful of what they have lost while they work to finalize their plans, the Texas Tribune reported.
The camp officials' message of plans to reopen was met with criticism from some family members of the victims. It comes as one child, eight-year-old Cile Steward, is still missing since the July 4 flooding.
Blake Bonner, the father of nine-year-old Lila Bonner, who lost her life during the flood, said that the families of the victims were not consulted regarding the plans to reopen the camp. On the other hand, Cile's mother, Cici Steward, said that Camp Mystic failed their daughters, as per the New York Times.
