How Kidventure Meets – and Exceeds – New Texas Camp Safety Standards to Keep Kids Protected
This summer, we all watched as Central Texas experienced devastating floods. As a dad and as the president of Kidventure, I felt the same thing many of you did: concern, worry, and a need to make sure our kids are safe no matter what comes our way. When you send your child to camp, you’re not just signing them up for adventure. You’re trusting us with their well-being, and I want you to know how seriously we carry that responsibility.
Because of what happened, the Texas Legislature recently passed new laws to strengthen youth camp safety. These new rules are designed to make sure every camp in Texas has plans in place for severe weather, trains its staff properly, and communicates with families during emergencies. I welcome these changes, because they help raise the standard for everyone. Every child deserves a safe camp experience.
At Kidventure, these steps aren’t new, they’ve been part of who we are for years. Our Overnight Camps take place at Camp Eagle near Rocksprings, Texas, a location we choose in part because of its safety features. The lodges where kids stay are set at higher elevations and outside of floodplains. We’ve always trained our staff to respond calmly and effectively in the face of severe weather. We keep supplies, generators, food, and water ready in case they’re ever needed. We have nurses and medical professionals on site. And every single day, we keep parents informed through updates and communication.
Why New Rules Were Passed
The July floods were a stark reminder of how quickly severe weather can turn dangerous. For parents, they triggered real fears about whether camps could respond fast enough.
Before these changes, Texas already required youth camps to meet certain standards – like having licensed medical staff on site, running background checks for counselors, and maintaining general emergency plans. But when it came to severe weather, those requirements were broad and left a lot of room for interpretation. One camp might have practiced detailed flood drills, while another simply noted “shelter in place” in a handbook. Families were left wondering if “basic” was enough.
In response to the tragedy, Governor Greg Abbott signed three new laws – House Bill 1 (the Youth CAMPER Act), Senate Bill 1 (the Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act), and Senate Bill 3 – designed to raise the bar for every camp in Texas. At the signing, Governor Abbott said:
“Every child who goes to camp should come home to their families, and no parent should ever have to outlive their child or endure this kind of loss. Today we are doing more than just changing campgrounds in Texas, we are changing the future for our children.”
What the New Laws Require
The floods made it clear that “basic” wasn’t enough. Families needed reassurance that every camp in Texas would be prepared, not just some. The state’s new rules were designed to fill those gaps – requiring stronger, clearer, and more uniform safety standards so no parent has to wonder if their child’s camp is truly “ready.”
The new state laws set stronger expectations for:
- Emergency action plans for floods and severe weather.
- Evacuation and shelter-in-place procedures practiced with campers and staff.
- Mandatory staff training in disaster response.
- Reliable communication with parents during emergencies.
- Facility standards to keep cabins and central camp areas out of floodplains.
For parents, these changes mean consistency and accountability across the board. Every licensed camp in Texas will now be required to prepare, train, and communicate at a higher level.
How Kidventure Measures Up to the New Laws
While the new state requirements are important, they aren’t new to us. Kidventure has built its Overnight Camp programs on the belief that safety comes first, long before laws required it. From the location we’ve chosen at Camp Eagle to the way we train our staff and communicate with parents, each safeguard is part of a larger culture of care. Here’s how the new rules compare to what we’ve been doing for years.
Emergency Action Plans
The new law requires camps to have written emergency action plans. At Kidventure, these plans aren’t just paperwork – they’re put into practice. Every session begins with drills so both staff and campers know exactly what to do if severe weather strikes.
Evacuation and Shelter Procedures
Camps are now required to have clear shelter-in-place or evacuation protocols. At Camp Eagle, the cabins and lodges where Kidventure campers stay are located at higher elevations, away from flood-prone areas. In the event of heavy rain, campers are brought safely indoors, accounted for, and supervised until conditions improve.
Staff Training
The state now requires disaster training for camp staff. Our approach has always gone further. Every Kidventure counselor and director is trained not just in severe weather procedures, but in how to care for children emotionally during stressful times. Safety isn’t only about logistics – it’s about making sure kids feel calm, secure, and cared for.
Parent Communication
Reliable communication with parents is now required by law. At Kidventure, it’s part of our daily rhythm. Parents receive updates every day of camp. In the event of severe weather, communication becomes more frequent and detailed, with alerts sent by email and through our app. We also maintain satellite phones for backup, ensuring communication never stops.
Facility Standards
The new law prohibits lodging in floodplains. Camp Eagle’s Headwaters campus – where Kidventure Overnight is based – is safely outside of flood zones. In addition, drainage systems, backup generators, and emergency supplies are in place to keep camp functioning if storms cause disruption.
Medical Support
While not specifically required by the new legislation, Kidventure goes further by staffing a full-time nurse and medical team. In the rare event of a medical emergency, we also have access to mediflight services.
What This Means for Parents
As a parent, I know peace of mind matters just as much as campfire songs, friendships, and adventures. The new state laws make camps across Texas safer, but for Kidventure families, these protections have been part of our culture for years.
When your child is at Overnight Camp, they’re not only learning new skills and building confidence – they’re in an environment where safety and care always come first.
Peace of Mind for Every Parent
For nearly three decades, Kidventure has combined adventure and safety in equal measure. We’re proud that Texas is now holding all camps to higher standards, and we’re proud to already exceed them.
When your child joins us for Overnight Camp, they’ll laugh around the campfire, try new things, and grow in confidence. And you’ll have peace of mind knowing they’re cared for like family – no matter what the forecast holds.
Want to learn more about our approach? Visit our Severe Weather Preparedness page.
Registration for Overnight Camp is now open – secure your child’s spot today.
