Key Takeaways

• New state rules on camp safety would raise licensing fees dramatically.
• Camp owners warn high costs could force many youth camps to close.
• Parents of flood victims insist safety must come before cost.
• Officials will finalize rules by January, with camps needing to comply for 2026 operations.

Why camp safety rules are so costly

Texas youth camp owners learned this week that new state rules will reshape how they operate. Lawmakers passed two landmark bills after a deadly flood at a summer camp. Now camp owners face much higher fees and strict safety requirements. They say the cost of better camp safety may close many camps by next year.

Raising fees to cover new rules

State health officials revealed a plan that ties license fees to camper numbers. Previously, a large overnight camp paid just 750 dollars to get licensed. Under the new plan, that fee jumps to 11,000 dollars. Day camps would see fees rise from 250 dollars to as much as 3,200 dollars. The health agency says this will recover the two million dollars the legislature set aside for enforcement. However, camp owners say these numbers could bankrupt small nonprofits.

For example, one camp in rural Texas needs new radio systems and evacuation plans. They must train staff for floods and storms. They also need dual internet lines, one from fiber optics and another provider. In many areas, fiber lines don’t exist. Camps say installing them could cost over 100,000 dollars. In that case, even medium camps cannot afford the upgrade.

Camp owners urge more time and flexibility

Many youth camp operators spoke up at a public meeting. They asked the state to ease the timeline and adjust the fee scale. “We support better camp safety,” said Riley Watkins, owner of Camp Oak Haven. “But we need a plan that works for us.” Ryan Neuhaus of Camp Lone Star suggested charging large camps more and letting small camps pay less. He explained that camps with over 500 campers should pay a higher share.

Others pointed out site differences. For instance, Glen Lake Camps sits in a floodplain by a river that has never flooded in 86 years. Their director, Daran Miller, said each camp needs its own review. He fears a blanket rule will punish camps that pose little real risk.

Parents refuse to put profit over kids

Families whose children died at Camp Mystic last July also spoke at the hearing. They formed a group called Heaven’s 27. Michael McCown lost his daughter in the flood. He urged camp owners to prioritize safety, even if costs rise. “These laws were written in the blood of my daughter and 26 others,” he said. “If a camp cannot operate safely, then it should not operate at all.”

Such testimony highlighted why lawmakers passed the Youth CAMPER Act and Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act. These laws require detailed evacuation plans, weather-alert radios, and a clear path to higher ground. They also demand staff drills and strict checks of floodplain risks.

Concerns over broadband and ladders

Camp owners had specific worries about the new camp safety rules. One key issue is the dual broadband requirement. Rural camps far from fiber networks say they cannot meet this. “We are nonprofits scraping by,” said Gary Sirkel of Lake Lavon Camp. “Now we must pay for an expensive system we never asked for.”

Another debated rule calls for ladders to reach cabin roofs. Many camp directors find this odd. Rhonda Roberts of Heart of Texas Camp argues campers should stay off roofs. She fears the ladders themselves pose a safety risk.

Call for a camp voice on safety committees

Under the new laws, a camp safety committee will form next year. It will include fire marshals, wildlife officers, police, and emergency managers. Camp owners want a seat at the table too. They feel they lack representation in crafting rules that deeply affect them. Some even suggested adding a parent member to balance views.

Next steps and deadlines

State health officials will revise their proposal after feedback. They aim to adopt the final rules by January 1. Camps have a 45-day window to address any licensing issues. Those wishing to operate in 2026 must meet every requirement.

Therefore, camps must act fast. They will need to secure funding, upgrade systems, and rewrite emergency plans. Many camp directors say they will need state loans or grants to survive. Others fear closure is inevitable.

What this means for campers and families

These changes come from a desire to prevent another tragedy like Camp Mystic. Parents want full transparency and strong guardrails. Yet, some families worry fewer camps mean fewer safe options for their children. Without enough camps, kids may lose valuable outdoor experiences. Moreover, rural areas could see the biggest drop in local summer programs.

Balancing safety and access

Camp safety is vital, but so is access to enriching outdoor programs. Stakeholders must find a balance. Lawmakers might consider scaled fees or longer timelines for rural camps. They could also fund broadband grants for isolated areas. These steps would protect campers while keeping camps alive.

In the coming months, both sides will push hard for changes. Camp owners will press for more flexible rules. Families and safety advocates will push for strict, no-exceptions standards. Ultimately, the state will decide how Texas youth camps can meet new safety goals without shutting down.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main changes in camp safety rules?

The new rules raise license fees, require dual internet connections, move cabins out of floodplains, install alert systems, and demand detailed emergency plans. Camps must also train staff for weather events and evacuations.

How much will fees increase under the new system?

Large overnight camps could see licensing fees jump from 750 dollars to 11,000 dollars. Day camps may pay up to 3,200 dollars, depending on camper numbers. Fees now tie to attendance instead of operating days.

Why do camp owners say these rules will force closures?

Many camps operate on tight budgets. Costs for broadband, new facilities, and training can reach six figures. Small, nonprofit camps often cannot absorb such expenses, risking permanent shutdown.

What support could help camps comply?

State grants or low-interest loans could offset broadband installations. A tiered fee schedule might ease costs for small camps. Adding camp directors to safety committees could ensure practical rules.