Therapy camp at Trails Carolina addresses concerns raised by Health Department

Trails Carolina, a therapy camp in the mountains designed to help troubled teens, is currently disputing a deficiencies report issued by the Department of Health and Human Services. This report came after the unfortunate death of a 12-year-old camper in February, shortly after arriving at the camp. Trails Carolina, located just south of Asheville at Lake Toxaway, is now working to address the issues highlighted in the report.

Following the camper’s death, DHHS launched an investigation and removed all other teens from the camp while suspending its license. A letter from the health department on March 28 outlined the deficiencies that needed to be corrected, with a threat to revoke the camp’s license. Trails Carolina responded on April 4 with a plan to address the issues mentioned.

Some of the corrective measures that Trails Carolina plans to implement include discontinuing the use of bivvies and tarps for restraining potentially dangerous teens, updating incident reporting protocols, enhancing communication with parents or guardians, and changing how teens are administered medication. However, it is important to note that Trails Carolina does not necessarily agree with all the findings of the state’s report.

Trails Carolina recently met with DHHS officials to explain aspects of their camping systems that were not previously understood. The exact cause of the camper’s death has not been released by the medical examiner, leading Trails Carolina to caution against speculation until more information is available. Despite disagreements with the state’s report, the camp is committed to making necessary improvements for the safety and well-being of its campers.

In addition to addressing the deficiencies, Trails Carolina was fined $18,000 in March. The camp remains focused on serving troubled teens and providing a safe and supportive environment for their healing and growth.