KL Hockey in Kawartha Lakes provides day and overnight activities for children during July and August with a focus on delivering exceptional experiences both on and off the ice, according to its official website. However, the camp had an instructor, Bradley Gibbs, who recently admitted to assaulting children. Gibbs, a Durham Regional Police officer, pleaded guilty to two charges related to assaulting children he knew, as confirmed by his lawyer in April. Due to a court ban, further details cannot be disclosed by CBC News.
Gibbs was listed on the camp’s website as an active coach and mentor in the Kawartha Lakes region. Nevertheless, he voluntarily stepped down following inquiries from CBC News. Camp management informed parents via email that they had been supporting Gibbs through a personal legal matter for the past year. They did not address whether they were aware of his guilty pleas or the reasons for retaining him despite the charges.
Currently, there is no Ontario law mandating summer camps to conduct background checks on staff working with children. However, following public concern, Premier Doug Ford’s office announced plans to make criminal background checks compulsory for summer camps. The Ontario Camps Association (OCA), which has over 400 accredited members, requires criminal record checks for staff. Yet, membership in the OCA is voluntary, leaving camps outside the association, like KL Hockey Camp, without mandatory vetting requirements.
Gibbs, still employed by Durham Regional Police Services, has been reassigned to an administrative role pending sentencing in September. A legal expert highlighted the significant gap in legislation for summer camps in Ontario, emphasizing the need for mandatory vulnerable sector checks for camp employees. These checks provide comprehensive information beyond standard criminal record checks and are crucial for individuals working with vulnerable groups like children.
Parents are advised to inquire about the vetting procedures of summer camps and review standards set by organizations like the OCA when choosing a camp for their children. While camps have discretion in using information from background checks, ensuring a safe environment for campers remains a priority. Parents are encouraged to be proactive in ensuring the safety of their children and to consider all available information when selecting a summer camp.