North Carolina Moves to Revoke License of Wilderness Camp After Tragic Death
In a decisive action that has gripped the state, North Carolina officials are set to revoke the license of Trails Carolina, a wilderness camp designed for troubled youths, following the unsettling death of a 12-year-old boy. The child, known by his initials CJH, tragically passed away after spending less than 24 hours at the facility located in Lake Toxaway.
A Tragic Loss and Immediate Action
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has found Trails Carolina in violation of several state regulations following an in-depth investigation into the young boy’s death. These violations specifically concern the camp’s failure to protect its clients from abuse, thus threatening the health, safety, and welfare of those in its care. The exact nature of these violations has not been detailed, but the implications are clear: Trails Carolina is facing an imminent revocation of its license.
In addition to the license threat, the camp has been hit with an $18,000 fine and an indefinite suspension of new admissions. This drastic step reflects the severity of the breach in regulations, emphasizing the state’s commitment to protecting its youth.
The Response from Trails Carolina
Trails Carolina, which operates as a private, for-profit wilderness program, has yet to respond to these allegations publicly. This silence comes in the wake of a tragic event that has sparked a criminal investigation by the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office. The circumstances of CJH’s death, found with his clothes partially removed, have been described as unnatural, though the precise cause remains undetermined. Initial statements from Trails Carolina suggested an accidental death, but this has done little to quell the growing concern over the camp’s practices.
Voices of Concern
It’s not just the recent tragedy that has cast a shadow over Trails Carolina. Over a dozen individuals placed at the camp between 2013 and 2022 have come forward with harrowing accounts of their experiences, leading to serious concerns about the camp’s protocols and, in some cases, reports of ongoing trauma. While Trails Carolina has stood by its approach, declining to address specific incidents, the cumulative accounts have added weight to the scrutiny now facing the camp.
What This Means for Trails Carolina
The steps taken by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services signify a crucial juncture for Trails Carolina. With its license at risk, the camp is compelled to demonstrate compliance with state regulations or face permanent closure. The ongoing criminal investigation adds another layer of complexity to the camp’s situation, with the potential for further repercussions based on its outcome.
As the process unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and welfare of children placed in such programs. The loss of a young life has shed light on critical issues within the wilderness camp system, prompting a reevaluation of practices and safeguarding measures. The fate of Trails Carolina hangs in the balance, but the broader implications of this case will likely resonate far beyond the confines of the camp itself.
The community and state officials are rallying for justice and accountability, sending a clear message about the paramount importance of child safety in care facilities. As more details emerge, the hope is for a resolution that honors CJH’s memory and prevents such tragedies in the future.
Divya 
Priyanka