KL Hockey in Kawartha Lakes provides day and overnight activities for kids during July and August, with a commitment to deliver top-notch experiences both on and off the ice, according to its official website.
Despite this mission, the camp faced controversy this summer as one of its primary instructors, Bradley Gibbs, a Durham Regional Police officer, recently admitted guilt to charges of assaulting children. Gibbs’ lawyer confirmed his guilty pleas to two assault charges involving children known to him in April, details of which are subject to a publication ban by the court.
Although Gibbs was portrayed on the camp’s website as an active coach and mentor in the Kawartha Lakes area, he chose to resign following inquiries by CBC News to both Gibbs and the camp. The camp informed parents via email that they had supported Gibbs during a personal legal issue over the past year but did not clarify whether they were aware of his guilty pleas or why he was allowed to continue at the camp.
Notably, there is no existing Ontario law mandating summer camps to screen their staff working with children. While the Ontario Camps Association (OCA) enforces criminal record checks for its 400+ accredited members, membership in the OCA is voluntary. Consequently, camps like KL Hockey Camp, not affiliated with the OCA, are not bound by any vetting standards.
Amanda Tayles, the camp director, stated that Gibbs had taken responsibility for his actions publicly and emphasized the camp’s commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for campers. Gibbs, however, did not respond to CBC News’ request for comment and is set for sentencing in September.
Despite the lack of legislative requirements, legal experts argue that summer camps should implement vulnerable sector checks for employees working with vulnerable groups like children. The Ministry of Education mandates child-care licenses and vulnerable sector checks for day camps serving children under four, but camps for older children fall outside its jurisdiction.
Tiwari, an employment litigator, emphasized the importance of camps ensuring staff accountability and supervision when dealing with children. While KL Hockey is not an OCA member, the organization’s standards emphasize the necessity of criminal record checks for staff over 18 and periodic rechecks.
Middlebrook, from the OCA board, highlighted the discretionary use of criminal record check information by camps and recommended parents review OCA standards when selecting a camp. Tiwari advised parents to inquire about staff vetting procedures at summer camps and emphasized the need for a safe system for children.
In light of the gaps in legislation, Tiwari suggested that parents’ options are limited if a camp retains a staff member despite concerns, proposing that parents may choose to demand refunds or withdraw their children from the camp.
