Camps may not open due to costs from new legislation

Today is the 101th day since the Flood disaster of July 4^th. 25 young campers and 2 counselors from Camp Mystic along with camp owner Dick Eastland died that day. The Eastland family want to reopen Camp Mystic Cypress Lake for next summer. Other camp owners are concerned that new legislative could make it cost prohibitive for them to reopen according to the Texas Tribune. For example, at a state hearing on Friday, a proposal of raising overnight camp licensing fees from 750 dollars to 11 thousand dollars. A day camping license would go from 250 dollars to 32 hundred dollars. Also, double internet with 2 providers would be required.  State health officials plan to formalize the new state youth camp regulations and have them in place by Jan. 1. Camps would then have 45 days to correct any licensing deficiencies, but those that wish to operate in 2026 will have to comply with the new regulations. Camp Mystic parents say that if a camp can’t operate safely, then it should not operate at all. (photo: Ashley Sutton of KABB TV)