A camp has introduced new safety protocols following a devastating flood that resulted in the deaths of 28 individuals.
Camp Mystic, a girls-only camp in Texas, suffered a tragic event in July 2025 when floods claimed the lives of 25 campers, teenage counselors Chloe Childress and Katherine Ferruzzo, and the camp’s executive director, Richard “Dick” Eastland.
The tragedy unfolded when the Guadalupe River overflowed due to severe thunderstorms in Kerr County on July 4, causing the river to breach its banks during the night while campers slept.
In response to the disaster, the camp has announced the implementation of new safety measures, including advanced technology for monitoring river safety levels.
Additionally, new protocols are being established to enhance staff communication about potential hazards like extreme weather events.
The camp has reached out to the parents of those who lost their lives in the tragic event as they prepare to reopen.
They communicated: “We recognize that returning to Camp Mystic carries both hope and heartache.
“For many of your daughters, this return is not simple, but it is a courageous step in their healing journey.”
Part of the new safety framework includes installing over 100 flood monitoring units on both the north and south forks of the Guadalupe River, as well as around Cypress Lake.
The camp explained: “The system will provide early detection of high-water events, as it communicates for miles with other sensors using LoRaWAN (low-range wide-area network) technology, allowing campers, counselors and staff to respond and quickly and safely evacuate to an elevated muster station.”
Handheld two-way radios will be accessible on-site since campers are prohibited from using mobile phones and service can be unreliable at the camp location.
The camp added that there would be generators with higher capacity to account for any potential power outages in ‘critical areas’, such as the dining hall and the office.
They stated: “These enhancements will also help us maintain communication with emergency personnel and parents in the event of an emergency.”
A statement issued to parents on December 2 confirmed that the Cypress Lake location, which is a newer facility, will reopen, while the Guadalupe River camp will remain closed, as reported by Fox 7 Austin.
The camp plans to host all-girl 10-day sessions from May 30 to August 9, 2026, with enrollment details yet to be announced.