KL Hockey, a summer camp in Kawartha Lakes, provides children with day and overnight activities in July and August, aiming to offer a fulfilling experience both on and off the ice. However, the camp faced controversy this summer when it was revealed that one of its main instructors, Bradley Gibbs, a Durham Regional Police officer, had pleaded guilty to assaulting children earlier in the year.
Gibbs, described as an active coach and mentor in the region, decided to step down from his role at the camp following inquiries from CBC News. The camp informed parents that they had supported Gibbs through a personal legal issue but did not disclose whether they were aware of his guilty pleas.
Notably, Ontario does not have specific legislation mandating background checks for summer camp staff. Responding to the situation, the government announced plans to implement mandatory criminal background checks for summer camps. The Ontario Camps Association (OCA) already requires its members to conduct criminal record checks on staff, but membership is voluntary, leaving non-member camps like KL Hockey Camp without standardized vetting procedures.
Gibbs, who remains employed by the Durham Regional Police Service in an administrative capacity, is set to be sentenced in September. The camp director mentioned that Gibbs’ legal matter was unrelated to camp operations or law enforcement duties, emphasizing the camp’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment for campers.
A legal expert highlighted the need for legislation requiring vulnerable sector checks for camp employees, especially when working with vulnerable groups like children. While the Ministry of Education mandates stringent checks for day camps catering to children under four, camps for older children currently lack such regulations.
Parents are advised to inquire about staff vetting procedures at summer camps and familiarize themselves with industry standards to make informed decisions when choosing a camp for their children. Despite the lack of legal requirements, camps are encouraged to prioritize safety and accountability in their staffing practices.
