Our Project
Vista Forever Foundation Launches Major Initiative to Safeguard Campers and Preserve Vista Camps for the Next 100 Years.
Vista Forever, a foundation created by Vista families and friends, announced the launch of a new initiative to protect the legacy of Vista Camps while ensuring the highest safety standards for all campers and staff. This initiative comes in response to the devastating Hill Country floods this summer, new state-mandated safety requirements, and a strong community desire to rebuild and reinforce in a way that celebrates the historical significance of Vista Camps and preserves the magic for many more generations.
For more than 104 years, Vista Camps has been a home away from home for thousands of campers, fostering lifelong friendships, resilience, and memories in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Now, Vista Forever is stepping forward to ensure that this tradition continues for another century and beyond.
“Our mission is twofold: safety and legacy,” said John Meyer, Vista Forever spokesperson. “We are locking arms with the team at Vista Camps to reinforce safety across all aspects of camp life while repairing and rebuilding the facilities so that Vista Camps will remain a cherished place for generations to come.”
Funds raised will directly support rebuilding projects following the recent floods, as well as compliance with all state-mandated safety measures. Additional investments will go toward long-term facility improvements, reinforced safety features, and historical preservation to ensure that Vista Camps continues to thrive for another century.
RECOVER
Building Restoration:
Structural repairs and extensive restoration of cabins, staff housing, offices, and buildings that experienced damage—includes electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, walls, roof, windows, doors, interior finishes, furnishings, and more.
Irrigation & Water Systems:
Rebuild of water wells and pump houses, including new casing, controls, and plumbing connections.
Rock & Debris Removal:
Major environmental cleanup of riverbanks and flood-damaged areas, including removal of hazardous debris, reshaping of terrain, and reinforcement of banks to prevent future erosion and flooding impacts.
Waterfront Restoration:
Reconstruction of all waterfront features including slides, docks, rope swings, and the blob platform. Concrete, rock work, and safety upgrades at all of the waterfronts will ensure compliance with updated water safety standards.
Infrastructure Reconstruction:
Complete rebuild of camp’s front entrance, fencing, lighting, security systems, and signage. This includes new gate openers, electrical and water connections, and rock work to restore safe, welcoming access to camp.
Replacement of Flood-Lost Items:
Replacement of equipment, supplies, and furnishings lost in the flood to restore daily operations and camper readiness.
REINFORCE
Facility Location & Infrastructure:
Ensure all cabins are outside designated floodplains, assess access roads and secondary escape routes, and maintain documentation for compliance with state regulations.
Reinforced Infrastructure & Power Resilience:
Provide backup power and emergency lighting for critical areas, identify high-ground assembly points, and clearly mark safe gathering areas for campers and staff.
Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Planning:
Develop & submit a detailed Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for floods and severe weather, conduct evacuation drills, and coordinate with local emergency services.
Supplemental Training & Accountability:
Additional training for all staff on emergency procedures, document drills and training, and designate a Safety Officer to oversee compliance and updates to safety plans.
Communication & Alert Systems:
Equip cabins with weather radios or alert devices, maintain redundant communication channels, and assign staff to monitor conditions and activate alerts during emergencies.
Added Safety Upgrades:
Enhance safety with outdoor warning systems, real-time weather monitoring, digital parent alerts, third-party safety audits, and additional measures to reduce risk and improve readiness.
