Camp Mystic’s plan to reopen after a deadly flood that killed 27 children has provoked fury from grieving families who say their concerns have been ignored.
A Texas Christian summer camp where 27 children died in a July 4 flash flood has announced plans to reopen, prompting anger from victims’ families.
Camp Mystic, located near the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, confirmed on Monday that it will rebuild cabins and trails swept away during the disaster, which killed at least 135 people, including 36 children. “We are not only rebuilding cabins and trails, but also a place where laughter, friendship and spiritual growth will continue to flourish,” the camp wrote in an email to former campers.
Families of the victims condemned the move, with Cici Steward — whose daughter Cile, 8, is still missing — accusing the camp of “a brief pause before business as usual.” Blake Bonner, who lost his daughter Lila, 9, said bereaved families were not consulted about a planned memorial.
Authorities previously faulted the camp’s flood warning and safety systems. The rebuilt cabins will not occupy the same locations.