Backbone Mountain Youth Center (BMYC)

124 Camp 4 Road
Swanton, MD 21561

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Contact Information

Main 301-359-9190

Superintendent: Corey Marshall

Assistant Superintendent: vacant

About Backbone Mountain

Serves male youth
Capacity: up to 24 males
Staff trained in trauma-informed care
Secure treatment center program typically lasting 6-9 months
Behavioral and physical health screening at admission
Dietary, medical, dental and counseling services on premises
Educational program in the facility year round, five days a week for six hours a day
Recreation space and recreational programming

Note updated visitation procedures for this facility: In addition to regularly scheduled facility visitation, non-routine visitation requires a 24-hour RSVP to the case manager and cannot interfere with school.

Activities at Backbone Mountain

The Center partners with community organizations, churches, and civic organizations to provide programing for youth at the facility. Youth have the opportunity to participate in:

Writing competitions
Faith-based activities
Fine arts
Fitness and sports
Life skills development
Greenhouse and gardening
Fruit harvesting
Woodworking
Reflections
Fishing and camping
Pet therapy

Backbone Mountain program information

Find out more information about what's happening at Backbone Mountain Youth Center (BMYC), including data and programming specifics.

Facility history

In 1964, the General Assembly appropriated funds to establish a forestry camp near Backbone Mountain in Garrett County. The Backbone Mountain Forestry Camp for Boys opened in May 1966. The camp was renamed as the Backbone Mountain Youth Center in 1977.

Historical content courtesy of the Maryland State Archives.