Child and Counselor Injured After Tree Falls at Camp in Wayland, MA

Wayland, MA (August 18, 2026) – A tree fell Tuesday morning, August 18, at YMCA Camp Chickami on Boston Post Road in Wayland, leaving a young camper with life-threatening injuries and sending a counselor to the hospital.

The Wayland Police said the tree fell at the summer camp and prompted a large emergency response. The camper suffered life-threatening injuries, while the counselor was taken to a hospital.

The circumstances surrounding the accident remain under review. 

Our thoughts are with the injured camper and counselor as they recover.

What Legal Duties May Apply After a Camp Injury in Wayland, MA?

Summer camps have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to provide a reasonably safe environment for children participating in their programs. When a child is seriously hurt in a camp, determining whether negligent maintenance, inspection, supervision, or another preventable factor contributed to the injury can become central to a potential claim.

Evidence about the surrounding property may help establish whether a dangerous condition should have been identified earlier. Photographs, arborist or inspection records, maintenance documents, weather information, witness accounts, and safety records could provide information about the tree's condition and whether appropriate precautions were taken.

Massachusetts generally provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury actions. However, when the injured party is a minor, it typically pauses the running of the limitations period until the child reaches the age of 18.

In most cases, this means the three-year filing window does not begin until the minor’s 18th birthday, effectively extending the time to file a claim into early adulthood. Determining the exact filing deadline for an injured child requires a careful review of the facts, the nature of the injury, and any applicable statutory exceptions. 

When serious injuries occur at a summer camp, a personal injury lawyer in Massachusetts can examine property records, safety procedures, and other evidence to determine whether a negligence claim may be appropriate. 

At Fiorentino Legal, P.C., we can discuss the circumstances of your case and explain what information may be relevant. 

If you want to learn more, you can contact Attorney Christopher Fiorentino of Fiorentino Legal, P.C., at (617) 990-2568 to discuss the matter. Our team can provide information about your possible next steps.

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Fiorentino Legal, P.C. has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Fiorentino Legal, P.C. so we can promptly review and update the content.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Fiorentino Legal, P.C. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.