Camp Mystic is preparing to reopen one of its locations following the devastating Texas floods this summer, though some families remain uneasy as not all victims’ bodies have been recovered.
Letters sent directly to families, obtained by CBS News and KHOU 11 News on Tuesday, Sept. 22, confirmed that Camp Mystic Cypress Lake will reopen.
The site is located near Camp Mystic Guadalupe, where “catastrophic” flooding and heavy overnight rains on July 4 led to the deaths of 27 campers and counselors at the Christian girls-only summer camp.
Ten days later, on July 14, the Hill County death toll had reached 132, with more than 100 still unaccounted for months later.
KHOU 11 News reported that Camp Mystic Guadalupe suffered extensive damage and will remain closed for the 2026 summer season.
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“We are writing today to share some updates related to Camp and the next summer season. Thank you so much for your love, support and patience with us during this unprecedented time. We have prayed about next summer daily,” the letter sent to families read, according to the news station.
The letters also indicated that a memorial would be “dedicated to the lives of the campers and counselors lost on July 4th.”
“We hope this space will serve as a place of reflection and remembrance of these beautiful girls. We continue to pray for the grieving families and all those who lost loved ones,” it continued.
Camp Mystic sent the letters on Monday, Sept. 22, in two separate emails: one to the families of the girls who died and another to a broader group of past campers and their families, the New York Times reported.
Past campers were reportedly told, “We are not only rebuilding cabins and trails, but also a place where laughter, friendship and spiritual growth will continue to flourish. We look forward to welcoming you back inside the green gates.”
However, some families say they were left out of the loop and were not consulted about the memorial plans.
Blake Bonner, father of 9-year-old Lila Bonner, said relatives “were not consulted about and did not approve this memorial,” according to the Times.
Cici Steward, whose 8-year-old daughter Cile remains missing, added, “The truth is, Camp Mystic failed our daughters.”
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“Recovery teams are still out there, scouring the river, risking and sacrificing so much to find her so we can finally lay her to rest. For their efforts, we are eternally grateful,” Cici said. “Camp Mystic, however, has only added to our grief.”
“For my family, these months have felt like an eternity. For the camp, it seems like nothing more than a brief pause before business as usual,” she added. “Camp Mystic is pressing ahead with reopening, even if it means inviting girls to swim in the same river that may potentially still hold my daughter’s body.”
According to KHOU 11 News, Camp Mystic officials stated that additional safety measures will be implemented following the deadly floods.
“Our planning and procedures will reflect the catastrophic 1,000-year weather event that occurred on July 4, including never having campers return to cabins that had floodwaters inside them,” a portion of their statement read. “And, as at Camp Mystic Cypress Lake, our plans will comply with the requirements of the new camp safety legislation.”
