How Families Can Manage Summer Camp Anxiety After Texas Flood Tragedy

The recent flash flooding in central Texas, which killed over 100 people—many of them campers and staff at Camp Mystic—has left parents across the country questioning the safety of sending their kids to summer camp.

Experts say those concerns are natural, but avoiding camp altogether could do more harm than good for many children. Clinical psychiatrist Dr. Gail Saltz warns that avoiding anxiety-inducing situations can often increase long-term fear. “It’s important in the world of resilience and managing new tasks to be able to tolerate some risk,” she said.

Saltz and other experts encourage families to acknowledge fears while maintaining perspective. Though tragic, the event in Texas was extremely rare. Still, witnessing such an event—even from afar—can trigger what Saltz calls “irrational, catastrophic fears” in both kids and adults.

Bob Ditter, a clinical social worker with the American Camp Association, said the reason this tragedy has resonated so deeply is because camps are typically viewed as safe havens. “The idea of having our happy place swept away is unimaginable,” he said.

Saltz recommends parents do their due diligence—ask camps about emergency preparedness, medical access, and communication protocols—but also model calm and balanced thinking for their children. Avoid overexposure to media coverage and emphasize that while disasters happen, they are rare and not reflective of most experiences.

Parents should remain open to talking about fears and encourage children to ask questions, even if they can’t always provide clear answers. “You may not know the answers, but you’ll try to find out,” Saltz said.

For children with panic disorders, recent trauma, or severe mood issues, sleepaway camp may not be the best fit. But for most kids, camp still offers important opportunities for growth, independence, and resilience—even in the face of difficult news.

Credit: CNN Newsource

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.