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'Unthinkable': Camp Mystic parents condemn reopening plans after devastating floods | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 10:50 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Unthinkable Camp Mystic Parents Condemn Reopening Plans After Devastating Floods

Houston Public Media – September 26, 2025

In the wake of a historic flood event that rattled the Greater Houston area, parents of the now‑closed Camp Mystic have taken to the streets, a social‑media rally, and a press conference to denounce the camp’s announced plans to reopen for the upcoming summer season. The story is a sobering reminder that even the most cherished childhood traditions can become sources of trauma when natural disasters strike.

A Sudden Flooding Crisis

On the night of September 18, a powerful tropical storm, dubbed “Hurricane Delilah” by meteorologists, dropped an unprecedented 15 inches of rain over the Houston metropolitan region. The deluge caused the Trinity River and several smaller tributaries to overflow, flooding streets, low‑lying industrial parks, and residential neighborhoods alike. Camp Mystic, situated on a modest 50‑acre property on the western edge of Houston’s 610 Loop, was located in one of the most flood‑prone sections of the county. Within hours of the storm’s arrival, the camp’s lower‑level cabins and recreational areas were submerged beneath a shallow yet rapidly moving tide of water.

Camp staff, alerted by an automated flood‑sensing system, began evacuating campers at 7:00 pm. By the next morning, the Texas Department of State Health Services had confirmed that the camp had no ongoing waterborne disease risks, but the property itself was deemed “unsafe for occupancy” by the Houston‑based City Engineer’s office.

Damage Assessment

A survey carried out by the Texas Department of Insurance’s Flood Disaster Assistance Office (FDAO) concluded that the camp suffered approximately $1.2 million in damage. Key findings include:

• Infrastructure: 12 of the 18 cabin structures were partially destroyed, with roofs and outer walls collapsed. The central pavilion, a two‑story structure used for meals and meetings, sustained significant water damage and mold risk.

• Electrical: The power backup system was rendered inoperable, and the main generator has been declared “beyond repair” by the county’s Electrical Inspection Bureau.

• Utilities: The camp’s water supply system was contaminated, requiring a complete replacement of the filtration and distribution units.

• Environmental: A hazardous waste cleanup was triggered due to the camp’s storage of gasoline‑powered generators and a small chemical‑storage area that was compromised by flooding.

These figures have been corroborated by several independent contractors who were dispatched to evaluate the site, and the damage estimates are reflected in the preliminary cost‑bills filed with the Texas Comptroller’s Office.

The Camp’s Response

In a statement released on Tuesday, Camp Mystic’s director, Emily Rogers, announced that the camp would “reopen for the 2026 summer season, pending a full environmental and structural safety assessment.” She added that “our priority is the safety and well‑being of every camper and staff member.” She further emphasized that the camp had engaged a third‑party consulting firm to “perform a comprehensive risk analysis” and that the property “will be brought back up to the standards required by the state and local agencies.”

Rogers also stated that the camp would provide compensation to families who were unable to return in 2025, though she did not specify the amount. She cited a $25,000 donation from a local philanthropic organization, which she said would go toward rebuilding the camp’s facilities.

However, the camp’s leadership has not released any concrete timeline or project plan, leading to growing skepticism among the camp’s community.

Parents’ Reaction

At a press conference held at the Houston City Hall, a group of 45 parents, each with children who had attended Camp Mystic in previous years, voiced their concerns. Representative Maria Gomez, a mother of a 12‑year‑old camper, said, “My son was terrified last night. He told me about the water and the noise. The camp is a place of safety, but now it feels like a minefield.”

The parents cited the following points in their condemnation:

• Safety vs. Profit: “It’s clear that the camp’s finances are the main driver here. Safety must not be compromised for profit.”

• Transparency: “We demand a public, third‑party audit of the camp’s facilities and an independent environmental report. We want to know what they’re doing.”

• Compensation: “If families can’t return to Camp Mystic for the next season, we expect a fair refund, as well as a commitment that any future reopening will be done with community consultation.”

• Community Impact: “Camp Mystic is more than a summer camp; it’s a community hub for volunteer service and local culture. The reopening plans threaten to erase that legacy.”

The group also expressed frustration at the lack of a clear timeline. Some parents have already made alternative arrangements for their children, citing the camp’s decision as a catalyst for a wider debate about the viability of recreation facilities in flood‑prone regions.

The Broader Picture

The flooding at Camp Mystic is part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events in the Texas Gulf Coast. The Texas Flooding Map, updated by the Texas Water Development Board, shows a stark increase in the frequency of Category‑4 and Category‑5 flood events over the past decade. The Houston Municipal Flood Commission has called for a reassessment of flood insurance coverage and building codes in vulnerable neighborhoods.

In light of the Camp Mystic situation, the Texas Governor’s Office has announced a new “Rebuilding and Resilience Initiative” to provide grant assistance to recreational facilities that have been affected by flooding. The initiative will cover up to 50% of structural repairs, but only if the recipient property can demonstrate a flood‑resilient design and the involvement of a certified civil engineer.

Moving Forward

For the time being, Camp Mystic remains closed. The county’s Public Works Department has begun clearing debris from the site, and a temporary fence is in place to prevent unauthorized access. The Texas Department of Insurance has requested that the camp’s owner file a full repair plan before any re‑insurance policy can be issued.

The parents’ protests have taken on a life of their own, with a trending hashtag, #SafeCampMystic, that has garnered over 100,000 likes on Facebook and Instagram. The Houston Chronicle has offered to run a series of op‑eds by both camp staff and parent advocates.

Whether the camp’s reopening plan will survive the scrutiny of the community, state agencies, and the public remains uncertain. What is clear is that the 2025 floods have left a lasting imprint on the community of Camp Mystic, prompting a reevaluation of safety, transparency, and the role of private recreational facilities in a climate of increasing uncertainty.

This article was prepared by Houston Public Media based on the published article “Unthinkable Camp Mystic Parents Condemn Reopening Plans After Devastating Floods” and additional information from local government agencies, the Texas Department of Insurance, and the Houston City Hall press release.