Trails Carolina, a wilderness camp for troubled youths in North Carolina, is facing the revocation of its license by state officials following the death of a 12-year-old boy who had been at the program for less than 24 hours. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services found that the camp had violated several state regulations, including those related to protecting clients from abuse. The exact nature of the violations is not specified, but the department stated that they endangered the health, safety, and welfare of the camp’s clients. Trails Carolina has been fined $18,000 for these violations and its suspension of admissions has been extended indefinitely.
Trails Carolina is a private, for-profit wilderness program that caters to children struggling with behavioral problems or depression, often with diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. The children are typically sent to the camp by their parents in an effort to address these issues. The death of a 12-year-old boy, identified only by his initials as CJH, has sparked a criminal investigation, as he was found deceased with his pants and underwear removed. While the cause of death has not yet been determined, the local sheriff’s office has indicated that it does not appear to be natural. Trails Carolina has suggested that the boy’s death was accidental, but details are still unfolding.
The state Department of Health and Human Services has not confirmed whether the violations leading to the license revocation are directly linked to the boy’s death. The specifics of these violations have not been publicly disclosed, as the license inspection reports have not been released. However, the department has cited concerns about the camp’s compliance with regulations that ensure the safety and well-being of its clients. In response to these findings, the camp has been given 10 days to present a written statement defending its compliance with the rules, along with supporting documentation or a plan for correction.
Following the tragic incident, the 18 children who were at Trails Carolina when the 12-year-old boy died were removed from the camp. Additionally, former participants have come forward to share their concerns about the camp’s practices and protocols, with some reporting ongoing trauma as a result of their experiences there. While Trails Carolina has defended its approach, it has declined to address specific allegations made by these individuals. The camp’s reputation and practices are under heightened scrutiny as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death and the alleged violations of state regulations.
As the investigation into Trails Carolina unfolds, it raises broader questions about the oversight of wilderness programs for troubled youths and the effectiveness of such interventions. The tragic death of a child has highlighted the potential risks associated with these programs and the importance of ensuring they maintain high standards of care and safety. The response by North Carolina officials to revoke the camp’s license underscores the seriousness of the alleged violations and the need for accountability in the treatment of vulnerable youth populations. The outcome of these investigations will likely have implications for the regulation and oversight of similar programs in the future.
