Association for Experiential Education suspends accreditation for Trails Carolina [Video]

LAKE TOXAWAY, N.C. (FOX Carolina) – Accreditation for nature-based therapy camp Trails Carolina, which is at the center of an investigation after the death of a 12-year-old student, has been suspended by the Association for Experiential Education (AEE).

The AEE voted on April 29 to suspend the camp’s status with their Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Accreditation program, saying they have been following the investigation and the situation is “unprecedented” for the group.

In February, law enforcement was called to the camp after receiving reports that a child was not breathing. Deputies said the 12-year-old boy had been dead “for some time” when they arrived.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) said they found multiple violations at the camp during a subsequent investigation. In March, DHHS suspended admissions to Trails Carolina and issued a notice of intent to revoke the camp’s license.

State licensure is required for AEE …