Officials have taken the decision to remove all children from a wilderness camp in North Carolina after the recent and untimely death of a 12-year-old boy under its care. The incident occurred at Trails Carolina, located in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, less than 24 hours after the boy's arrival.

The Transylvania County Sheriff's Office is treating the boy's death as a potential manslaughter case, as a forensic pathologist reportedly found that the death did not appear to be natural. However, the exact cause and manner of death are yet to be determined.

Following these developments, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, which is responsible for licensing Trails Carolina, has suspended new admissions to the camp and ordered the immediate relocation of the children already residing there. The department's primary concern lies in ensuring the health and safety of the children under its care.

In response, Trails Carolina expressed their discontent with the state's decision. In a statement issued through a public relations firm, the camp criticized the Department of Health and Human Services for abruptly removing children with complex mental health diagnoses, going against parents' wishes and disrupting their treatment. The camp insisted that the boy's death was accidental, and allegations made against them were based on misleading information.

The identity of the deceased child has not been disclosed publicly. However, search warrants obtained from the Transylvania County Sheriff's Office reveal that he was discovered in a state of unresponsiveness on the floor of his bunkhouse. Staff members reported that the boy had refused dinner and displayed emotional agitation upon his arrival at the camp.

Trails Carolina, a for-profit camp, describes itself as an adventure therapy program designed to assist children and teenagers struggling with mental health issues and behavioral concerns. However, the camp has faced controversies in the past. In 2014, a 17-year-old student named Alec Lansing went missing from the camp and was later found deceased due to hypothermia. A 2021 investigation revealed that the camp had delayed calling for help to locate Lansing. Consequently, the camp was fined $12,000 for failing to supervise a student but was allowed to continue operations.

As the investigation into the recent tragedy unfolds, both authorities and the camp itself are determined to determine the cause of the boy's death. The priority lies in ensuring the safety and well-being of all children who were under the care of Trails Carolina.

Parents of the affected children have been notified, and arrangements have been made for temporary care by the Transylvania County Department of Social Services. The Department of Health and Human Services regards the boy's death at the camp as both tragic and concerning.

While awaiting further updates from the investigation, it is hoped that necessary measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the safety of all individuals involved in such programs.