Camp Mystic, the Texas Christian girls' camp where 27 campers and counselors lost their lives in a devastating flood last July, has withdrawn its application to reopen for the summer of 2026. The camp had been preparing to welcome back hundreds of campers next month, but the decision comes on the heels of an emotional hearing this week where grieving family members pleaded with lawmakers to block the camp's return.
During the hearing, parents of the victims shared heart-wrenching testimony about the tragedy and urged officials not to allow the camp to operate again. The camp's withdrawal marks a significant victory for those families, who have argued that Camp Mystic should never reopen.
The camp's owners had sought a new license to operate this summer, but after facing intense public scrutiny and legal pressure, they opted to pull their application. Legal proceedings related to the flood continue, with multiple lawsuits filed against the camp's operators.