Texas flood recovery: Summer camp reopens after community cleanup

Indian Express

7 days ago

Just days after deadly floods claimed 27 lives at Camp Mystic in Texas, another summer camp downstream reopened because of community efforts. Camp Camp, a residential program for youth with disabilities in Centre Point, Texas, welcomed visitors again this summer after a huge cleanup restored the damaged property.
Ken Kaiser, director of facility operations, said according to The Guardian, 'Our campers will be able to enjoy our riverfront activities much sooner now. In the midst of heartache, we got to see the best of humanity through these volunteers who came from all over Texas and beyond.'
The cleanup started with a Facebook call from Austin real estate agent Cord Shiflet on July 8, seeking 'money, manpower, and machines.' By the next day, 250 volunteers showed up, and the number doubled soon after. Volunteers worked in mud and heat, using excavators and chainsaws to clear debris and repair waterfront areas and damaged facilities.
Located on 55 acres along the Guadalupe River, Camp Camp hosts over 800 campers each summer, providing activities like horseback riding, swimming, sports, and archery. Each camper receives a counselor to meet their needs. According to The Guardian, the camp has served children and adults with disabilities for 46 years.
The flash floods, beginning on July 4, have claimed at least 135 lives, with over 150 still missing, as per The Guardian. The Guadalupe River surged 26 feet in just 45 minutes. Preliminary economic losses could reach $18 to $22 billion, making this one of the worst natural disasters in Texas history.
Governor Greg Abbott has promised legislative debate on improving Texas's flood warning systems but offered no firm commitments.
(With inputs from The Guardian)