Edward Eastland, director of Camp Mystic, apologized during an April 28 legislative hearing after a July 4 flash flood at the Texas Hill Country camp killed 27 campers and counselors. Investigators found counselors lacked adequate emergency training and regulators flagged 22 deficiencies in the camp’s emergency plan. Camp leaders say they will implement training and drills and plan to reopen this summer with about 850 campers enrolled.
‘We Tried Our Hardest’: Camp Mystic Director Apologizes After Deadly July 4 Flood — Camp Plans To Reopen
Edward Eastland (L) and Camp Mystic after the floods (R)Credit: Jay Janner/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty; RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty
Edward Eastland, director of Camp Mystic, issued an emotional apology on April 28 during a special legislative hearing nearly a year after a catastrophic July 4 flash flood at the all-girls Christian camp in Texas’ Hill Country. The flood claimed the lives of 27 campers and counselors and has prompted state and legislative scrutiny of the camp’s emergency preparedness.
Director’s Apology
“We tried our hardest that night and it wasn’t enough to save your daughters. We were devastated alongside you,” Eastland told lawmakers, adding, “I regret not communicating more with each of you earlier. And I’m so sorry.”
Investigators’ Findings
At the hearing and in related proceedings, investigators reported that Camp Mystic did not provide counselors with adequate emergency training for floods and other crises. State regulators also identified 22 deficiencies in the camp’s emergency plan. Those findings were presented at hearings on April 27 and have been widely reported by news outlets that covered the legislative sessions and investigative briefings.
A Camp Mystic cabin after the 2025 floodsCredit: RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty
Camp Response And Reopening Plans
Britt Eastland, another camp director, said the camp will begin formal emergency training for counselors and conduct regular drills for campers to better prepare for a range of emergencies. “All of these things should have been being done in the first place,” Sen. Charles Perry said during the hearings.
Despite the criticism and outstanding regulatory concerns, Camp Mystic plans to reopen this summer. Edward Eastland testified at a court hearing on April 13 that about 850 campers are enrolled for the upcoming season. Camp leaders maintain they are working to address the cited deficiencies and believe the community will welcome the return of camp.
A damaged building at Camp Mystic after the floodCredit: RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty
Broader Implications
The hearings and investigative reports have intensified scrutiny on emergency preparedness at youth camps and the accountability of camp operators. Lawmakers and regulators are watching whether Camp Mystic’s promised changes — training, drills and revisions to emergency plans — will meet safety standards before children return to the property.
What to Watch Next: Follow-up inspections by state regulators, implementation of new staff training programs, and any changes to the camp’s emergency plan required before reopening.
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