Texas youth camps are stepping up safety measures this summer after tragic floods in July took the lives of 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic. Officials have mandated weather alert systems, emergency plans, and communication tools to keep kids safe. But many say more focus is needed on mental health support for campers and staff returning to these camps.
The floods in the Texas Hill Country on July 4 were devastating. At least 137 people died, including children and young adults who had been enjoying summer camp. For those who survived, the trauma lingers. Many children are now fearful of water, have nightmares, and experience anxiety during storms.
Julie Kaplow, a clinical psychologist with The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute in Dallas, said parents and schools are noticing children become very upset even during minor rainstorms. Mental health experts warn that flood survivors, especially children, are at risk for long-term emotional struggles like post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression.
A big challenge is that camp families live all over Texas, not just near the flood zone. While help has poured into the Hill Country, many affected kids, like those in Houston, struggle to find mental health services far from the disaster area.
Parents like Keli Rabon, whose sons survived flooding at Camp Junta near Houston, have voiced frustration. Rabon shared how one son constantly checks rooms for higher ground and suffers from nightmares. She said she had trouble finding help and criticized state and federal agencies for not providing guidance on mental health resources after the floods.
State lawmakers passed bills this summer requiring camps to have physical safety plans but did not include support for mental health. Some camp leaders, such as Brandon Briery of Camp Camp near Centerpoint, say mental wellness deserves equal attention. Briery and others had hoped to introduce mental health training for camp staff, but those plans stalled after the floods.
On the ground, camps are feeling the emotional weight. At Laity Lodge Youth Camp near Leakey, just 36 miles from Camp Mystic, the river that once brought joy now serves as a painful reminder of loss. Camp supervisor Blayze Sykes described the summer as split into two parts — before and after the flood — with a heavy feeling hanging over everything.
Natural disasters have become a regular part of life in Texas, bringing lasting effects on children. Studies show about half of kids exposed to disasters show signs of post-traumatic stress. These symptoms can be hidden or confused with other issues, like ADHD.
In response, some camps have turned to programs like CampWell, a six-hour training designed to help staff and campers build emotional skills and resilience. Supported by groups like the American Camp Association and the H.E. Butt Foundation, CampWell teaches simple techniques like breathing exercises and how to handle fear and anxiety.
Fifteen camps in Texas started using CampWell earlier this year, just in time for the floods. Staff at Laity Lodge say the training helped them support each other and the campers through the difficult months afterward.
Still, camp leaders believe more can be done. They want mental health training to be a required part of camp licensing, just like lifeguard or food safety training. Cary Hendricks of Laity Lodge called on lawmakers to prioritize mental wellness alongside physical safety.
The state did launch a free counseling hotline for flood survivors, but experts say expanding access to therapists, counselors, and grief support is crucial. While camps aren’t a replacement for professional care, a well-run camp program can help kids cope with depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
For many kids, camp is a place to disconnect and find peace in nature. But after the flood, nature itself has become a source of fear. Camp leaders are working hard to balance keeping a fun camp experience while addressing the new emotional needs of their campers.
As Texas prepares for another busy summer, the hope is that mental health will finally get the attention it needs, helping young campers not just stay safe, but also heal. If you or someone you know needs help, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a free helpline at 800-662-4357, and the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988.