EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN & FEMA FLOOD ZONE DISCLOSURE

1. Purpose and Scope​​​

• This Emergency Preparedness Plan establishes procedures to protect campers, staff, volunteers, and visitors during emergencies at Bandina Christian Youth Camp. The plan addresses mitigation, preparedness, response, accountability, communication, and reunification for a wide range of hazards relevant to youth camps in Texas.

• This plan applies to all camp operations, including overnight cabins, program areas, common facilities, and transportation activities, whenever campers are present on site.​

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2. Regulatory Compliance Statement

• This Emergency Preparedness Plan is adopted in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapters 141 and 762, House Bill 1 (Youth Camp Alert, Mitigation, Preparedness, and Emergency Response), and Senate Bill 1 (Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act).

• This plan shall be submitted to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) annually for review and approval. If DSHS determines that the plan does not meet statutory or regulatory requirements, the camp shall correct all deficiencies within the 45-day correction period provided by law.

• Upon DSHS approval, this plan shall be submitted to the Bandera County Emergency Management Coordinator, the Bandera County Sheriff, and Bandera County Fire Marshall within 10 days.

• The plan is provided to parents and guardians of current and prospective campers.

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3. Camp Profile

• Location: 320 Bandina Ranch Road, Bandera, Texas

• Camp Type: Licensed youth camp with overnight cabins

• ​Maximum Capacity: 

  • Campers: 350​

  • Staff: 125

• Floodplain Status:​

  • Bandina Christian Youth Camp Main Campus which includes all structures are not located in a FEMA-designated flood zone. ​See Section 16 of this Emergency Preparedness Plan.

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4. Emergency Preparedness Coordinator (EPC) and Incident Commander

• The camp designates an Emergency Preparedness Coordinator (EPC) responsible for the development, implementation, training, and maintenance of this Emergency Preparedness Plan.

• EPC Name: Elaine Stotts

• Title: Camp Manager

• Primary Phone: 830-798-6761

• Alternate EPC and Default Incident Commanders: Session Directors

  • Session 1: Cecil Hutson Jr (May 31-June 6, 2026)​

  • Session 2: Doug Selby (June 7-June 13, 2026)

  • Session 3: Stephen Johnston (June 14-June 20, 2026)

  • Session 4: Dale Wilson (June 21-June 27, 2026)

  • Session 5: Grant Jackson (June 28-July 4, 2026)

  • Session 6: Tom Kimmey (July 5-July 11, 2026)

  • Session 7: Gerald Elliott (July 12-July 18, 2026)

  • Session 8: Wes Wilson (July 19-July 25, 2026)

• The Session Director serves as the Incident Commander during emergencies unless otherwise delegated. The EPC acts as the primary liaison with Bandera County Emergency Management and emergency responders unless otherwise designed.

• Emergency Contacts:​

  • Bandera County Emergency Services 830-460-8299

    • Judy LeFever 830-460-8299

  • Kerr County Emergency Management

    • Casey Goodman 830-257-8449 

• Fire, Law Enforcement and EMS: Dial 911​

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5. Incident Command Structure

• During emergencies, the camp operates under a simplified Incident Command System (ICS):

  • Incident Commander: ​Session Director or designee

  • Medical: Health services lead, camp nurse(s)​

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6. Hazard Identification, Mitigation, and Response

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6.a Flash Flood Mitigation and Response:

• During sessions, the camp continuously monitors National Weather Service alerts, Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA weather radios, and Bandera County emergency notifications. All structures at the Bandina Christian Youth Camp are outside of the FEMA designed flood zone. (see Section 16)

• The Incident Commander or EPC has authority to initiate emergency actions based on alerts or observed conditions.

• EPC and Incident Commanders coordinate all activities during the Flash Flood including but not limited to changing scheduled events, altering camp start and end dates to facilitate safe entrance and exit from camp premises. The EPC and Incident Commander will notify the Bandera County Emergency Management that the alert has been received and how the EPC or Incident Commander is responding to the alert. The EPC or Incident Commander will stay in contact with the Bandera County Emergency Management to ensure the latest information and alerts are known and acted upon.

• Given the location of all structures and primary facility of Bandina Christian Youth Camp are outside of the FEMA designated flood zone, an evacuation is unlikely. However, should an evacuation order be given by the Bandera County Emergency Management or local law enforcement, the EPC or Incident Commander will initiate the evacuation procedure as outlined in sections 10, 11 and 12 of this Emergency Preparedness Plan.

• No ladders are installed in dormitories as all structures at the facility, including, but not limited to all dormitories are outside of the FEMA designed flood zone.

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6b Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Tornado Mitigation Response:

• During sessions, the camp continuously monitors National Weather Service alerts, Wireless
  Emergency Alerts, NOAA weather radios, and Bandera County Emergency Management
  notifications. In the event of a natural disaster, tornado warning or watch, or other severe weather, the
  Incident Commander will issue a shelter in place order. Upon issuing the shelter-in-place order, the
  EPC or Incident Commander will notify the Bandera County Emergency Management personnel to
  notify them of the shelter-in-place situation and seek additional information, guidance or instructions.
  Staff will conduct a headcount to ensure all campers and staff are accounted for. Headcounts will
  continue every 30 minutes during the emergency. These headcounts will include welfare checks. The
  results of these headcounts will be communicated via radio and recorded by the Incident
  Commander. The IC or EPC will communicate the headcount results and safety of all campers and
  staff to the Bandera County Emergency Management. The EPC or Incident Commander will continue
  coordination with Bandera County Emergency Management until the emergency is ended. Should an
  injury occur, the staff present or Incident Commander will dial 911 to initiate law enforcement, fire or
  EMS as appropriate. All persons will remain sheltered in place until the warning or watch is lifted and
  the Incident Commander gives the “all clear.” The “all-clear” communication will be done by public
  address system and radio. In the event of an evacuation, the EPC or Incident Commander
  immediately notifies local law enforcement and the Bandera County Emergency Management
  personnel. Sections 10, 11 and 12 of this emergency preparedness plan will govern evacuation,
  communications and reunification procedures.

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6c. Structure and Wildfire Mitigation Response:

• Mitigation: Vegetation management and defensible space are maintained around structures.
  Evacuation routes are kept clear and accessible.​

• In the event of a vegetation or structure fire, EPC, Incident Commander or a designated adult sponsor
  dials 911 and remains in contact with local emergency services. Additionally, Bandera County
  Emergency Management is notified immediately after dialing 911.

• Incident Commander directs staff and campers to primary or secondary muster locations depending
  on location and nature of fire event. The Primary Muster point is the Onstead Center. The Secondary
  Muster point is the assigned cabins for each camper/staff.

• Incident Commander coordinates headcount of all staff and campers. Headcount is recorded by camp
  counselors immediately upon arrival at the muster point and every 30 minutes thereafter. These
  headcounts are communicated to EPC or Incident Commander or designee. Camp counselors are
  assigned to dormitories with specific campers. Headcounts will be recorded on dormitory rosters
  every 30 minutes and reported. Additionally, camp counselors and other support staff are responsible
  for assisting campers with special needs such as mobility requirements. Vehicles such as golf carts
  are secured as needed to address mobility needs. Camp counselors are responsible for checking the
  welfare of each camper during each headcount. Any signs of distress, injury or emergency needs are
  communicated to the Incident Commander.

• EPC continues to coordinate with local first responders to ensure fire is extinguished and further
  threat is mitigated.

• EPC, Incident Commander and local fire officials determine need for evacuation if required or timing
  and plan for resuming normal camp activities. If evacuation is required, Incident Commander
  coordinates evacuation of staff and campers in collaboration with EPC and local authorities such as
  law enforcement, fire as well as Bandera County Emergency Management. The IC is responsible for
  coordination among local authorities and Emergency Management to ensure clear authority and
  responsibility for evacuation.

• Should an evacuation be ordered, Sections 10, 11 and 12 outline the procedures, role and
  responsibilities of the evacuation. Evacuation routes are posted in the Onstead Center (Muster point
  1) and each assigned dormitory (Muster point 2).

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6d. Aquatic Emergency Mitigation and Response:

• Mitigation: Aquatic Emergencies are mitigated by Session Directors designating certified lifeguards on
  duty at all times when campers are at the waterfront. During times when campers enter the water
  (swim time or other water related activity on the schedule), a headcount is taken prior to leaving the
  waterfront. The lifeguards record these headcounts.

• In the event a swimmer or water related emergency occurs, the lifeguards and other camp staff
  immediately initiate rescue and life saving attempts including, but not limited to, rescuing a struggling
  swimmer, locating a missing swimmer, rescuing someone who has fallen from a canoe. The
  lifeguards immediately signal an emergency and sounds a whistle to notify all individuals at the
  waterfront to leave the water and move away from the river. Immediately upon initiating rescue
  efforts, one of the lifeguards or other camp staff onsite dials 911 and remains on the line with first
  responders until local law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel arrive onsite. Another lifeguard
  notifies the EPC or Incident Commander. Incident Commander or EPC and lifeguards coordinate

• with local fire and rescue personnel to facilitate search, rescue as required. The EPC or Incident
  Commander is responsible for notifying Bandera County Emergency Management. Medical is also
  notified by the Incident Commander and on scene during the event and provides first aid, emergency
  care until EMS arrives.

• During the aquatic emergency, Camp counselors instruct campers to assemble by dormitory for
  headcounts. Camp counselors are responsible to assemble their campers and perform a headcount
  every 30 minutes until the emergency has ended. These headcounts are reported to the lifeguards
  and Incident Commander once they arrive.

• In the event of drowning or serious injury, the lifeguards or Incident Commander identifies the victim.
  The victim is transported by the appropriate local authorities to the correct healthcare facility. Medical
  staff accompanies the victim to the healthcare facility.

• Medical maintains all records relating to the injury, illness or death. Medical coordinates with Incident
  Commander as needed. Incident Commander and Medical communicate to parents or guardians at
  the first available opportunity. The Incident Commander is responsible to ensure parent or guardian
  communication occurs and is documented.

• Incident Commander or Medical is responsible for ongoing communication to parents or guardians
  until reunification has occurred. This notification and communication will be completed by telephone.
  The EPC is responsible documenting the incident and communicating the report to the Bandera
  County Emergency Management.

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6e. Epidemic Plan Mitigation and Response:

• Medical is responsible for proactively providing care for staff and campers exhibiting any symptoms.
  The Medical facility is a standalone building capable of isolating individuals exhibiting symptoms.
  When staff or campers exhibit symptoms potentially contagious (fever for example), they are isolated
  in the Medical facility until 24 hours post symptoms. Medical staff takes necessary precautions
  including the use of personal protection equipment such as gloves and masks when providing care.
  The Session Director and/or Medical determine parental communication based on severity of illness,
  length of symptoms or campers desire to inform parents or guardians. Medical determines when
  additional care is warranted and coordinates transportation to local medical centers as needed. When
  campers are transported, parents or guardians are immediately informed.

• In the event of a suspected epidemic, the Incident Commander or Medical communicates with local a
  local doctor to escalate the level of care provided. The circumstances, symptoms, number of cases
  and other needed information is communicated to the local doctor, medical staff and facilities as
  needed. If, after consulting with local doctor(s) there is a suspected contagious disease, the EPC
  immediately notifies the Bandera County Emergency Management. The EPC is responsible for
  coordinating with Burnet County Emergency Management in responding to the epidemic thereafter.

• In the event of an epidemic, patients who remain on the premises are isolated in accordance with
  procedure and instruction from local health authorities. Medical and other staff will utilize all personal
  protection equipment available to reduce risk of further disease spread. Those affected remain
  isolated until they can be transported at the direction of local medical staff and in coordination with the

• Bandera County Emergency Management. Other unaffected campers and staff are to “shelter in
  place” and schedules are altered to mitigate spread until evacuation can occur. The Incident
  Commander and designees are responsible for communicating with parents and guardians to
  facilitate communication, transportation and reunification either onsite or in designated locations. This
  notification is done by phone. A log of notification is recorded and maintained by the medical staff.

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6f. Heat-Related Illness Mitigation and Response:

• Mitigation: Water stations are maintained throughout the camp both during daylight and non-daylight
  hours. During periods of activity, frequent hydration breaks are mandated. Medical performs
  awareness training for hydration and heat related stress at the beginning of each session. Climate
  controlled and/or shaded muster zones are provided.

• Medical and Staff monitor campers for signs of heat-related illness. Should severe illness occur, see
  Section 6g.

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6g. Severe Injury/Illness or Death and Response:

• In the event of severe Injury, illness or death, the follow responsibilities are initiated.

• The first on the scene of the incident calls 911 and remains on the line or relinquishes that
  responsibility to the EPC or Incident Commander once available. If not already onsite, Medical is
  notified to provide immediate first aid until EMS arrives. The Incident Commander or their designee
  call the Bandera County Emergency Management to notify them of the incident as well as notification
  of local law enforcement, fire or EMS responding.

• Medical coordinates immediate first aid, care and all records relating to the injury, illness or death.
  Medical coordinates with Incident Commander as needed. Incident Commander and Medical
  communicate to parents or guardians at the first available opportunity. The Incident Commander is
  responsible for ensuring parent or guardian communication occurs and is documented. The
  communication will be completed by telephone. Medical records the communication has been
  completed. Medical accompanies individual injured or severely ill to the medical facility.

• Incident Commander or Medical is responsible for ongoing communication to parents or guardians
  until reunification has occurred. The EPC is responsible for documenting the incident and
  communicating the report to the Bandera County Emergency Management.

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6h.  Unauthorized Individuals Mitigation and Response:

• Session Directors and other staff are responsible for identifying unauthorized individuals on camp
  premises. This is accomplished by continuous monitoring at specified activities throughout the day
  including but not limited to morning roll call, meal times and other activities where attendance is
  recorded. Additionally, Session Directors designate staff to perform role of safety and responding to
  unauthorized individuals.

• If an unauthorized individual is identified, the Session Directors, their designee asks the unauthorized
  individual(s) to leave the facility. Session Director or designee escorts them off the premises. In the event an unauthorized individual(s) is non-compliant, the Session Director, their designee or the first
  available staff on scene dials 911. That individual continues to communicate with 911 until local
  officials arrive. The emergency alarm is sounded to shelter in place. Staff, as directed by the Incident
  Commander, isolates the unauthorized individual(s) to protect campers and staff. Should shelter in
  place locations be deemed unsafe based on location of unauthorized individual(s), then the Incident
  Commander directs staff and campers to be moved to safest location available until local law
  enforcement arrives and removes the unauthorized individual(s). Staff and campers remain in shelter
  in place locations until unauthorized individuals are removed from the facility by local law
  enforcement. The Incident Commander provides the “all clear” for staff and campers to leave the
  shelter in place locations.

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6i. Transportation Emergency Mitigation and Response:

• The camp facility is self-contained and no offsite transportation is required during the scheduled
  activities for the duration of the camp. Staff and campers walk throughout the day from activity to
  activity.

• Should a transportation emergency arise, the Incident Commander, their designee or first staff
  member on the scene dials 911. That individual continues to communicate with 911 until local
  officials arrive or are relieved by the Incident Commander. The Incident Commander or EPC also
  notifies the Bandera County Emergency Management. Should severe illness occur, see Section 6g.
  Incident Commander coordinates with local law enforcement, fire and EMS as needed depending
  upon the type of emergency and directs staff as needed to provide alternative transportation as
  determined by or in collaboration with local authorities or the Bandera County Emergency
  Management. The camp staff present during the transportation emergency are responsible for
  conducting a headcount of those campers present during the emergency and communicating the
  headcount to the Incident Commander. These headcounts and welfare checks will continue every 30
  minutes until the emergency is concluded by either safely returning campers to the camp facility or
  reunification with parents or guardians. Additionally, camp staff are to provide assistance as needed
  to campers with special needs such as mobility challenges and ensure safe transportation for these
  individuals. These headcounts are reported by the Incident Commander to the first responders and
  the Bandera County Emergency Management personnel. The Incident Commander is responsible for
  securing alternative transportation. The plan for alternative transportation, timing and expected return
  to camp or reunification is communicated to the first responders and the Bandera County Emergency
  Management personnel. If injury or significant schedule delays occur, the Incident Commander is
  responsible for facilitating communication with parents or guardians immediately. This will be
  completed via telephone and records of communication recorded by the Incident Commander or their
  designee. The Incident Commander also coordinates reunification with other authorized staff.

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6j. Missing Camper Mitigation and Response:

• Mitigation: Campers are assigned to specific dormitories, and staff are assigned to a headcount in the
  morning and evening. Additionally, headcounts are performed at activities throughout the day.

• If a camper is deemed missing from a scheduled activity, their assigned dormitory staff are notified
  and a search is performed. The search is coordinated by the Incident Commander or their designee utilizing staff familiar with the facility and campers. If the camper isn’t located in the initial search, the
  Incident Commander or their designee dials 911 and continues coordinating search efforts. The
  Incident Commander or their designee remains on the 911 call until local authorities arrive. The EPC
  or their designee also calls Bandera County Emergency Management once the Incident Commander
  has called 911. Once local authorities arrive, the search continues until the missing person is found.
  The Incident Commander is responsible for notifying parents or guardians if the camper isn’t found
  withing 30 minutes or immediately upon calling local authorities and Bandera County Emergency
  Management. The Incident Commander records the completion of the notification to parents or
  guardians. The EPC is responsible for documenting the situation if local authorities are involved in the
  search. This documentation is provided to Bandera County Emergency Management.

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7. Emergency Warning and Public Address System

• The camp maintains an audible emergency warning system capable of alerting all campers, staff,
  and visitors throughout the property. It is mounted at the primary muster site and operated from within
  that facility. It is direct wired and doesn’t utilize the internet for functioning during an emergency.

• The system includes public address capability utilizing radios and other handheld audio devices and is operable without reliance on internet connectivity. The system is supported by electrical power and/or battery backup to ensure operation during outages.

• Emergency warning signals and voice announcements are used to direct evacuation, shelter-in-place,
  or other protective actions.

• The following staff are authorized to utilize the emergency warning system. The Incident Commander
  has primary responsibility for notifications via the Emergency Warning and Public Address System. In
  the event the Incident Commander isn’t available, the EPC is responsible for notifications and
  updates via the Emergency Warning and Public Address System. 

  • 1. The EPC​

  • 2. The Session Director or their designee

  • 3. The Incident Commander

  • 4. The above are authorized to test the system in a scheduled documented test

• The system is tested monthly and prior to each camp session. Testing and maintenance are
  documented by the EPC. The EPC is responsible for testing and maintenance of the system.

• If the system is not available, radios and cellular phones are utilized for communication and
  coordination. For those hearing impaired, staff are directed to communicate directly or “one on one” to
  ensure proper instructions are provided.

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8. Weather Alert Radios and Monitoring Safety Alerts

• The camp maintains multiple operable NOAA weather alert radios capable of receiving real-time
  National Weather Service alerts.

• The Incident Commander or EPC has authority to initiate emergency actions based on alerts or
  observed conditions.

• Weather alert radios are battery-backed and tested weekly while campers are onsite. Maintenance
  records are retained by the EPC. The EPC and the Session Director or their designee are responsible
  for monitoring the weather alerts, warnings and watches. Upon receipt of an alert, warning or watch,
  the individual observing or receiving the alert, warning or watch relays that information to the other
  parties as needed. When action is needed to mitigate or respond to an emergency, the EPC or
  Session Director initiates the relevant response to the emergency as set forth in this Emergency
  Preparedness Plan.

• Communication during an emergency occurs by two methods. First, the Emergency Warning and
  Public Address System outlined in Section 7 is utilized for notification and communication. Secondly,
  the camp maintains battery operated radios assigned to staff in each dormitory. In the event of an
  emergency, the Incident Commander initiates communication and provides relevant information and
  instructions to staff and campers.

• In the event of any emergency event as described in the Emergency Preparedness Plan, the Incident
  Commander or designee, other staff as assigned and medical staff will communicate via battery
  operated radios on a dedicated channel. The Incident Commander or designee will initiate this
  communication. It will be maintained throughout the emergency.

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9. Shelter-in-Place

• The primary shelter in place location for each staff member and camper is their assigned dormitory.
  The secondary shelter in place location is Muster Zone 1, the Onstead Center. When a shelter is
  place order is given, the alarm is sounded and the Incident Commander delivers verbal instructions
  via public address system, radio or microphone depending on incident and location of individuals
  impacted. The Incident Commander directs staff to begin headcounts immediately upon arrival at the
  shelter in place location. These headcounts continue every 30 minutes until the shelter in place order
  is lifted by the Incident Commander. Should shelter-in-place locations need to be evacuated,
  sections 10, 11 and 12 will provide instructions, process and procedure for evacuation,
  communication and reunification.

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10. Muster Zones and Evacuation​

• ​The camp maintains designated muster zones for emergency evacuation and
  accountability.

• Each muster zone includes:

  • 1. Adequate capacity for assigned occupants

  • 2. Nighttime illumination

  • 3. Access to drinking water and shade

• Muster zone assignments and routes are posted in each overnight cabin and reviewed
  during camper orientation.

• Muster Zone Point 1 is the Onstead facility. Muster Zone Point 2 is designated at the assigned cabin
  (dormitory) for each camper and staff. Campers and staff receive these assignments upon arriving at
  the facility.

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11. Muster Zones, Borders, Evacuation Routes and Lighting

• Cabin-specific evacuation routes are posted in all overnight cabins and occupied
  buildings.

• Evacuation points and muster zones are illuminated for nighttime visibility using permanent, solar, or
  battery-powered lighting. Routes and lighting are inspected monthly and prior to each camp session.
  The inspection reports are maintained by the ECP.

• The following camp maps include:

  • 1. Muster Point 1 (The Onstead Center)​

  • 2. Cabin locations (the assigned cabins for all campers and staff serve as “Muster Point 2”)

  • 3. Evacuation points 1 and 2

  • 4. Evacuation routes to evacuation points 1 and 2

  • 5. Camp borders

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Map of Bandina Christian Youth Camp With Supplemental Camp Operational Boundaries​​​​​