Trails Carolina Disputes Deficiencies Report and Faces Fine Amid Tragic Death of 12-Year-Old Camper

Trails Carolina, a therapy camp for troubled teens in the mountains, has disputed a deficiencies report issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) following the tragic death of a 12-year-old camper in February. The incident occurred on the early morning of February 3 at the camp, which is located near Lake Toxaway just south of Asheville.

In response to the report and potential license revocation, Trails Carolina submitted a correction plan on April 4. The camp has acknowledged the need for changes and has outlined plans to improve their programming for troubled teens. This includes ceasing the use of bivvies and tarps as restraints for potentially dangerous kids, implementing improved incident reporting procedures, increasing communication with parents or guardians, and making changes to medication administration.

Despite their commitment to making these adjustments, Trails Carolina officials maintain that they do not agree with the state’s report. They argue that the cause of death has not been officially determined by the medical examiner and any speculation regarding the incident is premature. In addition to addressing concerns raised in the report, Trails Carolina was fined $18,000 in March for noncompliance with DHHS regulations.

The camp continues to work with DHHS officials to address any concerns and improve their programming for troubled teens.