Counsellors from a summer camp and the Town of Markham are the target of a lawsuit filed by the families of the young campers who were subjected to “inappropriate conduct.” Last summer, Camp Chimo campers, including the two females who filed the lawsuit, were subjected to “inappropriate” behaviour according to their lawyer, Justin Linden.
“This is not what is supposed to happen to children,” said Linden. “They entrusted their children to this camp … their children weren’t taken care of, and in our view, they were subjected to very inappropriate conduct.”
According to one parent’s report in the local media, the campers were subjected to a “dare” game, which involved one camper sucking the toes of a male counsellor, pole dancing and taking off clothes in exchange for an ice cream bar.
The two families are seeking $200,000 for general damages and an additional $200,000 for punitive damages, which Linden said is meant to send a message to the camp that that conduct is unacceptable.
The Children’s Aid Society of York Region has also launched its own investigation into the allegations and said they could not comment as the case is ongoing.
The Town of Markham also could not comment, due to the pending litigation, said Dennis Flaherty, the communications and community relations director. He added that the names of the underage counsellors and campers are being withheld.
However, a letter provided by Linden and sent from Mayor Scarpitti’s office to his client reads, “We extend our sincere apologies for any difficulties that the events [at Camp Chimo] may have caused you and your family.” Scarpitti went on to say in the letter, “We were shocked and dismayed when we first learned of the situation … we wish to reiterate that the events were completely unacceptable and inappropriate.”
Earlier this year, the City of Markham released an action plan to overhaul and improve their 2012 summer camp program, “in response to an activity that took place during one of Markham’s camp sessions in summer 2011.” The action plan also states that improvements will focus on supervision, training and hiring practices. But Linden said the plan is not enough, and added that “This is not a case of mistake or negligence.”
A court date is yet to be set.