What Should Texas Parents Look for in a Safe Summer Camp?

What Makes a Summer Camp Safe in Texas?

Just like daycare centers, a safe summer camp is one that prioritizes child safety guidelines, including supervision, staff training, and emergency preparedness above everything else.

In Texas, the Department of Health and Human Services requires youth camps to follow specific health and safety rules, including background checks for staff, medical screening for campers, and first aid readiness.

But beyond state requirements, we believe a safe camp should also have:

Accessible communication with parents, so that you never feel in the dark about what’s happening at the camp or with your child.

Clearly defined child-to-staff ratios so every camper receives appropriate attention.

Clean, well-maintained facilities and equipment, including bunk areas, playgrounds, sports gear, and swimming areas.

Emergency plans for injuries, severe weather, or other unexpected situations.

Trained and attentive staff who actively engage with kids instead of chatting among themselves or being distracted by personal electronic devices or smartphones.

When summer camps meet these standards, children are more likely to enjoy their summer, and Texas parents have peace of mind that their child is protected from preventable harm.

New Summer Camp Laws Just Passed in Texas. Will My Child be Safe Now?

Thanks to the championing of Heavens 27, a foundation created by Camp Mystic families, Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law the Youth CAMPER Act, the Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act, and Senate Bill 3 in September 2025.

These new laws require camps to:

Conduct annual emergency training and planning
Install and maintain emergency systems
Notify parents of floodplain risks with signed acknowledgement
Train staff on evacuation procedures

The new regulations also:

Create an online registry of licensed camps (similar to daycare centers)
Establish a Youth Camp Safety team
Install early-warning sirens in areas prone to flash-flooding
Prohibit the state from licensing camps with cabins in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-designated floodplains

In addition, the new laws authorize the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to conduct inspections of summer camps to ensure compliance with safety laws, conduct complaint investigations, and suspend or deny licenses for unsafe camps.

These new laws and regulations create a great foundation of basic child safety at summer camps ahead of the 2026 season, but they do not cover all aspects of safe practices.

What Questions Should I Ask Before Enrolling My Child in a Summer Camp?

While you may have put your child on a waitlist as soon as they were born, it is important to take a step back before signing any enrollment paperwork or sending payment to a Texas summer camp.

Some facilities even offer family camps to introduce a new camper to the experience. Participating in these events allows you to visit and see the full property in person and ask more questions.

Examples of questions to ask:

Are campers ever left alone or unsupervised during activities, meals, or rest time?
Are individual cabins equipped with emergency contact or response tools that are easily accessible in the event of an emergency or widespread power outage?
Can I see your emergency response plans for inclement weather and other emergencies?
Do you conduct background checks on every staff member and volunteer?
Has this camp been impacted by flooding or any major events in the past?
How do you handle medication administration or medical emergencies?
How do you communicate with parents if something happens to a specific child?
Is there a way I can reach my child in the event of an emergency?
What does communication look like for an emergency that impacts multiple children at the camp?
What are your staff-to-camper ratios?
What training do counselors receive in first aid, CPR, or child supervision?
What is your protocol if a child is hurt, lost, or goes missing?
Where are the cabins located on the campgrounds?

If the director hesitates to answer or avoids giving specifics, that’s a major red flag. Transparency is one of the strongest signs of a well-run, safe camp.

Be sure to check out our summer camp safety guide here for more tips to keep your child safe.

What Kind of Supervision Should I Expect at Camp?

Supervision is one of the most important factors in keeping children safe at camp. Proper supervision means caregivers:

Actively engage with children during activities instead of standing off to the side.
Anticipate potential dangers, like rough play, running near water, or unsafe use of sports equipment.
Maintain constant visual and auditory awareness of every child in their care.
Never leave children alone, even for a brief moment.

If your child tells you they were left unsupervised or if you notice inattentive staff during parents’ weekend, those are red flags that the camp might not prioritize your child’s safety.

How Can I Tell If a Camp Might Be Unsafe or Poorly Managed?

While most camps work hard to provide positive experiences, some fall short. Look out for these warning signs:

Activities feel chaotic or unorganized
Equipment looks broken, dirty, or outdated
Kids appear to be unsupervised in cabins, near water, or in a play area
Staff appear tired, distracted, or untrained
The camp refuses to provide proof of inspection, licensing, or counselor background checks

Your instincts matter. If something feels off, it’s worth reconsidering. A camp that’s confident in its safety policies will gladly explain them and let parents observe how they’re implemented.

What Should I Do If I’m Concerned About My Child’s Camp?

If you’re unsure about a camp’s safety practices or if your child was hurt while attending, don’t wait to get answers. Ask questions, gather information, and reach out for help if something doesn’t feel right.

Our experienced and compassionate team of child injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm is here to keep Texas children safe. We understand how devastating it can be to learn that your trust was broken, especially from a camp to which you have long-standing ties. If camps are unsafe, we’re committed to holding them accountable and helping your family move forward.

Call us at 214-699-4409, email us at intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or fill out a contact form for a free case evaluation.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Dallas Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you've suffered serious injuries due to the negligence of someone else, you should speak to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. We know how difficult getting through this can be. That’s why our experienced team wants to help guide you – as we have helped guide many of our clients within Dallas and the surrounding areas.

You can give us a call at (214) 699-4409 or email us at intake@buttonlawfirm.com. Feel free to contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation by filling out the form below or by starting a chat with a member of our team.