On July 4, 2025, 27 girls lost their lives during the devastating floods at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas. Now known as the “Heaven’s 27,” we honor their lives and legacies by seeking to ensure such a preventable tragedy never happens again.

The work began immediately, because protecting children cannot wait. 

Originally launched as the Campaign for Camp Safety, a coalition of Heaven’s 27 parents went to the Texas State Capitol in August 2025 to advocate for change. In less than a year, the campaign advanced legislation in four states, built partnerships with leading safety experts, launched free parent education resources, established a fund to help camps implement improvements, and elevated camp safety to a national conversation. But this progress came at far too high a cost.

From the deepest grief has come a commitment: to ensure other families never suffer the same heartbreak and preventable loss the Heaven’s 27 families live with every day.

As more families, survivors, experts, partners, and supporters came together, it became clear the challenge was larger than a singular campaign. What began in Austin, Texas, quickly evolved into a national movement.

Millions of children attend summer camp in America each year, yet safety standards, oversight, and transparency vary state by state. Information is fragmented. Resources are limited. Accountability is inconsistent.

Children deserve better.

Drawing on the expertise of trusted advisors, implementation partners, and an army of advocates, Safe Summers grew to address the issue from every angle: empowering parents, supporting camps, advancing reform, strengthening accountability, and creating practical solutions that improve safety and prevent harm across the camp ecosystem.

We believe children should experience the joy, growth, and lifelong memories camp creates, but with baseline protections in place that families can trust. 

Meaningful change requires more than awareness. It requires action. It requires courage. It requires families, camps, experts, policymakers, and communities working together toward a common goal. So we raise the standard. We empower change. We build trust. And we work every day to ensure the tradition of summer camp endures, at its safest.

Because summers should be safe.