A 12-year-old boy attending a wilderness therapy camp in North Carolina died of suffocation after staff failed to check on him, as per a recent state report. The Trails Carolina camp in Lake Toxaway is under scrutiny for the incident that occurred on February 3rd.
A 12-year-old boy attending a wilderness therapy camp in North Carolina tragically suffocated in his tent after staff failed to check on him. The incident has sparked an investigation and raised concerns about the safety protocols at the camp.
According to a recent state report, the boy, who had been at the Trails Carolina camp in Lake Toxaway for less than a day, was found dead on February 3rd. A Statement of Deficiencies and Plan of Correction from the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation states that staff members at the camp told NCDHHS workers that they believed the boy had suffocated in his tent.
The report further reveals that one staff member explicitly answered "yes" when asked if they thought the boy had suffocated. The incident has prompted an investigation into the camp's safety measures and staffing protocols.
The Trails Carolina camp is a wilderness therapy program designed for troubled youth. It offers a variety of programs aimed at helping young people overcome challenges such as behavioral issues, substance abuse, and mental health difficulties.
Following the boy's death, NCDHHS conducted an investigation into the camp. The report identified several deficiencies, including inadequate supervision of campers and a lack of proper emergency response procedures.
The report also criticized the camp's staffing practices, noting that many staff members had limited experience and training in working with troubled youth. Additionally, the camp had a high turnover rate among staff, which contributed to inconsistencies in care and supervision.
The state has since taken action to address the deficiencies identified in the report. NCDHHS has increased its oversight of the camp and required Trails Carolina to implement a number of corrective actions, including increasing staff training, improving supervision protocols, and developing more comprehensive emergency response procedures.
The boy's death has raised concerns about the safety of wilderness therapy camps, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. These camps typically operate in remote areas and utilize outdoor activities and physical challenges as part of their therapeutic approach.
While wilderness therapy camps can provide benefits for struggling youth, experts emphasize the importance of proper supervision and safety measures. Parents and guardians are advised to thoroughly research any camp they are considering for their child and to prioritize camps with a strong track record of safety and quality care.
The Trails Carolina camp remains open, but it is operating under heightened scrutiny and increased oversight from state regulators. The camp has implemented the corrective actions required by NCDHHS and is working to improve its overall safety and quality of care.
The boy's death serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of proper supervision and safety protocols in wilderness therapy camps. It is essential that these camps prioritize the well-being and safety of their young clients, ensuring that they receive the care and support they need in a safe and nurturing environment.
