At Camp Mystic, 27 people died, including campers and young counselors who were in cabins in a low-lying area near the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. At Camp La Junta, just down the road, campers survived the raging flood waters by climbing into ceiling rafters as they watched the water level rise above the water level.
Months after the water receded in the Hill Country, more questions are rising. What really happened on the morning of July 4? Were years of lax laws and a lack of transparency to blame for a system that ultimately failed children at youth camps that day?
Host Sarah Forgany spoke to a La Junta camp mom whose son survived a traumatizing ordeal, as well as a victim’s advocate who had been fighting for stronger laws governing summer camps long before the waters rose.
She traveled to Houston to meet with them and talk about their experiences. In this full-length episode, Forgany also explores statements from Camp La Junta and Texas Department of State Health Services as well as recent legislation that closes the gaps, but may not go far enough to protect children.
The full episode is now available on KENS 5+, a streaming app available to download for free from KENS 5. Catch this episode as well as previous episodes now available to stream.