KL Hockey in Kawartha Lakes, known for its summer programming, recently faced controversy as one of its prominent instructors, Bradley Gibbs, a Durham Regional Police officer, pleaded guilty to assaulting children. Despite being described as a coach and mentor on the camp’s website, Gibbs decided to resign following inquiries by CBC News. The camp informed parents that they had supported Gibbs during his legal issues, but did not disclose if they were aware of his guilty pleas.
Unlike the Ontario Camps Association’s requirement for criminal record checks for staff, non-member camps like KL Hockey are not obligated to follow such vetting procedures. The absence of legislation mandating staff screening in summer camps has raised concerns among legal experts. Puneet Tiwari, an employment litigator, suggested the need for legislation mandating vulnerable sector checks for camp employees working with vulnerable groups like children.
Gibbs, still employed by Durham Regional Police, awaits sentencing in September. Despite the lack of legal requirements, Tiwari emphasized the importance of camps ensuring staff vetting for child safety. KL Hockey’s camp director, Amanda Tayles, mentioned in an email that Gibbs chose to step away due to personal legal matters, emphasizing the camp’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment for campers.
The controversy surrounding Gibbs has highlighted the need for enhanced regulations in summer camps to ensure the safety of children. Although the Ministry of Education mandates background checks for day camps catering to children under four, a broader legislative framework is necessary to address staff screening in camps for older children. Parents are advised to inquire about camp staff vetting procedures and make informed decisions when choosing a camp for their children.