The Weldin family survived the floods and are now in the middle of rebuilding their home. Scott Weldin longs for the day when Camp Mystic can reopen.
HUNT, Texas — As the Texas Hill Country continues healing after the 2025 flooding, survivors are now sharing their perspectives on Camp Mystic’s decision to not operate the camp this year.
Camp Mystic’s decision to withdraw its summer license application comes during a time of mounting scrutiny and investigations surrounding the camp’s emergency preparedness efforts.
The July 4 flood claimed the lives of 25 girls who attended the camp and two teen counselors.
Camp Mystic released a statement and said in part:
“No administrative process or summer season should move forward while families continue to grieve, while investigations continue and while so many Texans still carry the pain of last July’s tragedy…Camp Mystic will continue to fully cooperate with all ongoing investigations, comply with every lawful requirement and continue supporting recovery and healing efforts.”
Investigators revealed that Camp Mystic did not have a state-required evacuation plan in place for flooding emergencies at the time of the disaster. The findings remain under review, and it is unclear whether the camp will seek a license to operate next year.
Leading up to the announcement, camp leaders expressed a desire to reopen this year. Camp Mystic officials said they planned to resume operations at parts of the camp not affected by flooding and prepared to welcome almost 900 campers.
Greg Adkins in Kerrville, is in the process of renovating his home near the Guadalupe River, which was flooded on July 4 alongside numerous other homes along Water Front Drive.
“Life has its challenges. Some cruel but fair,” Adkins said. “I’m very grateful.”
Adkins also voiced support for the camp’s decision to pause operations.
“I think that it’s probably fair that they pump the brakes a little bit,” Adkins said.
State leaders have echoed that sentiment. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who had previously criticized aspects of the camp’s response and urged the camp to not operate this year, said on social media that the closure is appropriate given the circumstances.
“Given the tragic circumstances, this is the correct decision to protect Texas campers and to allow time for all investigations to be completed,” Patrick said on X.
Earlier this week in Austin during legislative hearings, one the Camp Mystic directors Edward Eastland, issued a public apology to the families affected by the tragedy, acknowledging both the loss and frustration felt by many.
“I think about the night of the flood every moment of every day,” Eastland said. “We tried our hardest and it wasn’t enough to save your daughters. We were devastated alongside you.”
He also addressed criticism over communication failures following the disaster.
“I regret not communicating more with each of you earlier. The anger at us for not being able to keep them safe seems completely reasonable,” he added.
For survivors like Scott Weldin, recovery has been both physical and emotional. Weldin and his wife narrowly escaped the floodwaters.
“We got stuck in a hedgerow. Otherwise we’d be down the river and drowned,” Weldin said.
While he hopes to see the camp reopen someday, he acknowledges that now may not be the time.
“Camp Mystic has a history of really helping out lots of little girls, but at this point, the wounds are probably too fresh to continue.”