Ceta Canyon Camp & Retreat Center in Randall County is preparing for one of its busiest summer seasons as it marks 107 years of operation. What began more than a century ago as a simple campsite with a tent and a campfire has evolved into a large-scale retreat facility that now welcomes thousands of visitors annually.
Ahead of the upcoming summer, the camp has invested nearly $400,000 in required safety upgrades following the passage of new Texas legislation, including “Heaven’s 27” and the “Camper Safety Act,” both signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The measures were introduced to strengthen emergency preparedness standards across youth and retreat camps statewide.
According to camp leadership, the changes required a complete overhaul of emergency planning. A detailed emergency action framework was developed, outlining specific procedures for a range of potential incidents such as wildfires, tornadoes, and active shooter scenarios. The plan also defines responsibilities, response timing, and location-based actions to ensure staff can respond consistently under pressure.
Camp officials emphasized that preparedness now operates as a continuous requirement, with systems designed to function 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Leadership certification under the new law confirmed that the camp meets mandated safety provisions before the busy season begins.
The summer months of June and July represent peak activity for the facility, with thousands of campers on-site at any given time. With that in mind, administrators have prioritized readiness during this high-occupancy period when rapid response capability is most critical.
To support compliance with the new requirements, the camp installed public notification sirens throughout the grounds to improve emergency alerts. It also introduced AI-assisted camera systems designed to help locate missing campers more efficiently. In addition, a dedicated Emergency Operations Center was created to centralize communication and coordination with local first responders.
Staff training requirements were also expanded, with mandatory safety education for both employees and campers. The updated protocols include evacuation procedures, tracking systems, and structured communication methods to improve overall coordination during emergencies.
The upgrades were completed ahead of an April 1 deadline, and the facility is now awaiting official inspection. Funding for the improvements was supported through donations and contributions from the Amarillo Area Foundation, Amarillo National Bank, and the Bivins Foundation.
The reforms also carry emotional significance for the camp community, honoring the memory of the “Heaven’s 27” campers and counselors who died in a flood at Camp Mystic, a tragedy that continues to shape safety expectations across similar facilities.
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