KL Hockey in Kawartha Lakes provides summer programming for kids in July and August, focusing on delivering a top-notch experience both on and off the ice, according to its website. However, the camp faced controversy as one of its main instructors, Bradley Gibbs, a Durham Regional Police officer, recently admitted to assaulting children. Gibbs pleaded guilty to the charges earlier this year but further details are restricted due to a court order.
Although described on the camp’s website as an influential figure in the Kawartha Lakes region, Gibbs opted to resign after CBC News reached out to him and the camp. The camp’s management informed parents via email that they had been supportive of Gibbs during his legal ordeal over the past year. It remains unclear if they were aware of his guilty pleas or the reasons for allowing him to continue working despite them.
Currently, there is no Ontario law mandating summer camps to conduct background checks on their staff. However, in response to the situation, Premier Doug Ford’s office expressed intentions to make criminal background checks obligatory for summer camps.
The Ontario Camps Association (OCA) enforces a vetting process for its accredited members, requiring criminal record checks for staff. Yet, since membership in the OCA is voluntary, camps like KL Hockey are not bound by these standards.
Gibbs, still employed by Durham Regional Police, has been reassigned to a non-patrol role pending the outcome of his legal proceedings. The absence of statutory requirements for summer camps in Ontario concerning staff screening is seen as a significant deficiency by legal experts. They advocate for legislation mandating vulnerable sector checks for employees working with vulnerable groups like children.
As the controversy unfolded, a victim of Gibbs, now an adult, shared concerns about the situation. The lack of regulatory oversight for summer camps in Ontario has raised questions about the need for more stringent staff vetting measures to ensure child safety.
In a statement, KL Hockey reassured parents that Gibbs’ departure was due to personal legal matters unrelated to camp operations. The camp emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe and positive environment for campers. Despite the ongoing legal issues, Gibbs expressed remorse and accountability in a letter to the camp, signaling his withdrawal from all camp-related responsibilities.
The absence of standardized vetting practices for camp staff underscores the need for parents to inquire about the screening procedures in place. While some camps voluntarily adhere to stringent checks, the lack of legal requirements poses challenges for parents seeking assurance of their children’s safety at summer camps.
