Camp Mystic Withdraws License Application for Summer 2026 Season
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
TEXAS – Camp Mystic, the Christian girls-only camp located along the Guadalupe River in Texas Hill Country, where 25 campers and two counselors tragically lost their lives in a flood in 2025, announced on Thursday to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) that it is withdrawing its license application for the 2026 summer camp season. Camp Mystic issued the following statement: 'No administrative process or summer season should move forward while families continue to grieve, investigations remain ongoing, and so many Texans still bear the pain of the tragedy that occurred last July. We commend the DSHS for their testimony this week, in which they acknowledged their legal obligations. However, rather than risk defending our rights under Texas law in a way that could unintentionally cause further harm, we have chosen to withdraw our application for the 2026 camp season.' 'Twenty-eight precious lives were lost. We understand that no statement or decision can repair that loss or ease the burden carried daily by parents, siblings, loved ones, survivors, emergency response teams, and our beautiful Kerr County community. We also recognize that over 800 girls wish to return to Camp Mystic Cypress Lake this summer. Our special bond with Camp Mystic families does not change or end with this announcement. We love each and every one of you.' 'This decision aims to dispel any doubt that Camp Mystic has heard the concerns expressed by grieving families, members of the Texas House and Senate investigative committees, and citizens across our state. Respect for those voices requires us to step aside for now.' 'Camp Mystic will continue to fully cooperate with all ongoing investigations, comply with all legal requirements, and support recovery and healing efforts.' 'Today is not about camp operations; it is about respect for families, accountability to the public, and reverence for the memory of the lives lost.'