KL Hockey in Kawartha Lakes provides summer programming for kids in July and August, focusing on delivering top-notch experiences both on and off the ice, according to its website. However, the camp faced scrutiny when it was revealed that one of its key instructors, Bradley Gibbs, a Durham Regional Police officer, had pleaded guilty to assaulting children earlier this year.
Gibbs, who admitted to two counts of assault involving children he knew, decided to step down from his role at the camp after being contacted by CBC News. The camp informed parents via email that they had stood by Gibbs during his legal issues in the past year, without specifying whether they were aware of his guilty pleas.
Notably, there is no existing Ontario law mandating summer camps to conduct background checks on their staff. Following public concern, Premier Doug Ford’s office stated that the government will move to enforce mandatory criminal background checks for summer camp employees.
The Ontario Camps Association (OCA) requires its accredited members to vet staff through criminal record checks. However, since OCA membership is voluntary, camps like KL Hockey are not obliged to adhere to such standards.
Gibbs, who remains employed by the Durham Regional Police, has been reassigned from frontline duties to an administrative position pending the outcome of his legal proceedings. The camp’s director expressed support for Gibbs during his challenging times but did not address whether they were aware of his criminal charges.
Legal experts emphasize the need for legislation requiring vulnerable sector checks for camp employees, especially when dealing with vulnerable groups like children. While some camps voluntarily follow such protocols, the lack of legal obligations poses a significant loophole.
Parents are advised to inquire about camp staff vetting procedures before enrolling their children. Although accredited camps adhere to higher standards, non-accredited camps may not have the same level of oversight. Camps have the discretion to decide how to interpret and act on information from background checks, emphasizing the importance of transparency in the vetting process.