A 12-year-old boy, identified as CJH, was found unresponsive at the Trails Carolina wilderness therapy camp in North Carolina. Staff failed to check that he was breathing during his first night at the facility, and his sleeping arrangements in a tubelike tent with a broken zipper are being investigated as a potential factor in his death. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released a report stating that staff did not properly supervise CJH, who was physically healthy upon arrival at the camp. Trails Carolina has been suspended from admitting new campers, and the state plans to revoke its license.
Trails Carolina originally used a sealed bivy with an alarm on the zipper to keep children safe at night until a therapist deemed it unnecessary. However, some parents were unaware of this sleeping arrangement, and the state found that it lacked dignity and respect for the children. The camp also failed to document medication distribution properly and restricted campers’ communication with their parents, violating their rights. Despite CJH’s request to call his mother shortly after arriving, he was not allowed to under camp policies. Trails Carolina argued that allowing children to receive mail without staff screening could be harmful and stated that it would improve medication management and communication protocols.
The death of CJH at Trails Carolina has raised concerns about the camp’s practices and the safety of its participants. The state investigation found that the camp’s sleeping arrangements and lack of proper supervision contributed to the tragedy. The camp has submitted a plan of correction to comply with state regulations in an effort to retain its license. A final determination about the camp’s license has not yet been made. Trails Carolina treats children with various diagnoses, including autism, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as those struggling with depression or unruly behavior.
Law enforcement reports indicate that staff at Trails Carolina heard CJH breathing heavily around 3 a.m. but could not physically see inside the bivy. Later, they heard mumbling and shallower breathing but were unsure if it was CJH or another employee. The camp conducted an internal investigation into the death but declined to share details with the state health department. The medical examiner’s report is pending, but preliminary results suggest an accidental death. The state has fined Trails Carolina $18,000 and suspended admissions to the camp. It remains to be seen whether the camp will be allowed to continue operating after implementing the necessary corrections outlined in the state’s report.
The tragic death of CJH at Trails Carolina has prompted a closer look at the camp’s policies and adherence to state regulations. The report from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services highlights deficiencies in supervision, sleeping arrangements, medication distribution, and communication with parents. The camp’s management of mail and limited communication opportunities for campers have also raised concerns about their rights and well-being. As Trails Carolina works to address the issues identified in the report and comply with state regulations, the fate of the camp’s license remains uncertain amid ongoing investigations and scrutiny.
