Camp Mystic not accredited nationally, eight others in Kerr County are

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The words "American Camp Association Accredited" are what several parents tell KXAN investigators they look for before deciding on a summer camp. 

"I have personally considered ACA accreditation a must for considering a camp for my own kids to attend," one parent wrote to KXAN, adding that he likes the numerous checks around safety measures.

The American Camp Association, or ACA, is a nationwide voluntary accreditation program for day and overnight camps across the country. The association said 76 camps operating across Texas are accredited, including eight in Kerr County, but not Camp Mystic. The all-girls Christian summer camp lost more than two dozen campers and counselors after the deadly Independence day flooding on the Guadalupe River. 

"Our mission is to support those that operate camps, to advance practices around health, safety, risk management and program quality and so, you know, our hallmark program around that is our accreditation program, which is the only set of national standards around health and safety for camps," explained Henry DeHart, interim president and CEO of ACA out of Indiana. 

'What is your communication plan'

DeHart added that the association encourages camps to work with local emergency responders and allow them to review safety measures. He said to become accredited, which includes annual fees, a team is sent to work with each camp and review safety practices in detail. According to ACA, there are an estimated 20,000 camps nationwide. DeHart explained more than 2,300 have the ACA accreditation. 

"We have standards specifically around, 'Do you have an emergency plan, and have you thought through all of your location-specific potential risks around that emergency plan? Have you trained your staff around it, and do you rehearse it before campers get there? And so, what is your communication plan in a crisis? Oftentimes cell services are down, so do you have a backup plan?'" DeHart explained.

Camp Mystic, which is licensed by the state, is a member of the Camping Association for Mutual Progress, or C.A.M.P. The state association said online that its goal is to "raise health and safety standards for all camps." KXAN investigators reached out to C.A.M.P leaders, but they have not yet been able to provide details about safety standards.

“Our hearts are with everyone affected by the devastating floods in Kerr County. We are deeply saddened by the loss of so many in our state, and our camping community," said a recent post on the C.A.M.P. website. 

The post further explained that the association does not govern or accredit camps and members are regulated by the state. Additionally, it said C.A.M.P. serves as a resource for education and support to strengthen the camp community through the spirit of cooperation, collaboration and the collection of ideas.

"The safety and well-being of every camper is, and always will be, the top priority of camps," said the post. "Right now, our focus is on supporting the camps, campers, and families impacted by this heartbreaking event. We also remain ready to work closely with state and local leaders to ensure every child who visits our camps is safe, supported, and cared for.”

State inspection reports for Camp Mystic obtained by KXAN investigators show the camp had just finished its annual inspection two days before the deadly flash flood. The Department of State Health Services found the camp had the required emergency plans, including written ones in case of a disaster. The state agency said youth camps are required to have those plans posted clearly in every building. DSHS reviews emergency plans onsite during an annual inspection. Camp Mystic has yet to respond to emails asking for comment.

ACA said this is a good time for camps to review emergency procedures and see if there are any details which need to be tweaked. DeHart added if parents are feeling anxious, they should ask about what happens if the camp has to be evacuated and how the camp will stay in touch with local emergency service teams, especially if cell service is down. 

Easing fear among parents 

"Parents have reasonable questions right now," DeHart said. "All across the country, camps are proactively trying to reach out and connect with parents, help them understand the planning that they have done, the procedures they have in place."

He urges parents to reach out to their camps directly and learn more about emergency plans in place including communication with families during a disaster.

"I worked at camps in North Carolina, so we had to worry about hurricanes. We actually had to evacuate for a hurricane once, but we had all of those things in place. We had busses, we had location, we had supervision, we had a way to feed the campers. So, parents can ask questions like that, and camps will be eager to share those details with the parents," he said. 

DeHart said a team has already met with Texas Sen. John Cornyn about ways to support Texas camps during this time. 

He added that it's been encouraging how other camps have stepped up and are willing to help. He's heard stories of camps offering to take in campers from impacted areas saying, "We have some open spaces. Let us work with your parents to get your campers to our camp ... so your camper still get a camp experience."