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4w ago

Judge Weighs Whether Camp Mystic Lawsuits Move to Private Arbitration

The decision will determine if families seeking public accountability over the deadly flood and alleged evidence problems must instead resolve their claims in secret proceedings.

The sun sets over Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas. The privately owned Christian camp for girls is located 18 miles southwest of Kerrville. 
HUNT, TEXAS - JULY 07: Debris is piled up at Camp Mystic on July 07, 2025 in Hunt, Texas. Heavy rainfall early Friday caused severe flash flooding along the Guadalupe River in central Texas, leaving more than 100 people reported dead, including children attending the camp. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Camp Mystic asked the court to compel arbitration based on parent-signed agreements, which would move the families’ civil claims out of public court and into private hearings.
  • Families’ lawyers urged the judge to keep the cases in open court to preserve public records, live testimony, and lessons that could prevent future harm.
  • Plaintiffs filed motions for severe sanctions saying defense lawyers and camp operators altered evidence, acted in bad faith, and engaged in hostile behavior toward victims’ attorneys.
  • Defense attorneys denied the allegations and disputed the scope of the agreements; Judge Maya Guerra Gamble said she is reviewing the evidence and has not yet ruled.
  • If the judge orders arbitration, public access to testimony could end and that outcome could complicate parallel criminal inquiries and regulatory reviews while families continue to seek accountability and recovery.