Ensuring Summer Camp Safety: Essential Guidelines After Texas Flooding

In the wake of the catastrophic flooding that devastated Central Texas and claimed at least 121 lives, including 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic, safety concerns regarding summer camps have intensified. The flooding, which occurred on July 4, 2025, highlighted the pressing need for parents to scrutinize the safety measures in place at camps where their children spend significant time. Kerr County, the hardest-hit area, became the focal point of national attention as families grappled with the aftermath of this tragedy.

As families across the United States prepare to send their children to various camps, pediatricians and camp safety experts emphasize the importance of understanding safety protocols. "I'm definitely more nervous than I was before," stated Dana Riley, a mother from Des Moines, Iowa, whose daughter is currently at a sleepaway camp in Minnesota. "You just assume these camps are prepared for everything. But now I realize I never really asked what they would do in an emergency."

Dr. Lyndsey Garbi, M.D., co-founder and chief medical officer at Blueberry Pediatrics, stresses that parents should approach camp selection with the same scrutiny they would apply to any environment responsible for their child’s well-being. She advises parents to inquire about counselor training, emergency protocols, medical access, and how staff respond to both physical and emotional challenges. Specific questions include:

1. **Counselor Qualifications and Supervision:** What is the camper-to-counselor ratio? What training do counselors receive, and who oversees them? 2. **Water Safety Protocols:** Are certified lifeguards on duty? Are flotation devices required for boating or open water activities? 3. **Medical Response:** Is a licensed healthcare provider on-site? What is the process for handling illness or injury, and how quickly are parents notified? 4. **Emotional and Social Safety:** How does the camp prevent bullying and support inclusion among campers?

"Trust in camp leadership is earned through transparency, structure, and a proven track record of prioritizing child well-being," Dr. Garbi remarked. Additionally, Henry DeHart, interim president and CEO of the American Camp Association (ACA), emphasized the importance of accreditation. He noted that ACA accreditation involves a thorough review of policies and an on-site visit by trained volunteers to ensure compliance with national standards for health, safety, and risk management, including emergency preparedness.

Parents are encouraged to ask whether a camp is ACA-accredited, as this status signifies adherence to 266 standards related to health and safety. Furthermore, camps must file annual statements confirming continued compliance between accreditation visits, which occur at least every five years.

The ACA has also created resources to assist the Texas Hill Country following the floods, offering guidance on best practices in health and safety for camps across the country. DeHart explained that accredited camps are required to have processes for assessing and supporting campers with mental, emotional, or social health needs.

Parents should also inquire about severe weather protocols, the camp's relationship with local emergency services, and daily safety routines. Dr. Garbi cautions that while many camps have protocols in place, they are not always standardized or well-communicated. "Camps should have systems for both the predictable, like injuries or homesickness, and the unexpected, like natural disasters," she stated, urging camps to clearly explain their systems to families.

In light of the recent flooding, parents are re-evaluating the safety measures of the camps their children attend. Experts recommend that parents seek clarity from camp directors about safety protocols and emergency plans. Dr. Garbi notes that while such tragedies are rare, they serve as a reminder for parents to proactively engage in discussions about safety with their children’s camps. She advises parents to initiate conversations about what children have heard regarding the flooding and provide reassurance about their safety at camp.

As recovery efforts continue in Texas, the tragic events have prompted a national dialogue about the importance of camp safety. The aim is not to incite panic, but to ensure that children are placed in environments that are prepared, responsive, and communicative. "Camp can be a place for growth and independence," Dr. Garbi concluded. "But that only happens when the right support structures are in place."