Dozens of parents in Laurentians are left with nothing at a summer camp for children, some with special needs, after TPJ’s emergency intervention Wednesday.
“We have no clue!” Is the complaint about the entire camp? A specific monitor? Sexual or physical assault? asks translator Marie-Eve Petit.
Her 9-year-old son attended the Hiboux des jeunes camp in Saint-Hippolyte, Laurentians, until she received a call from the Department of Youth Protection (DPJ) last Wednesday.
At the organization’s request and without further explanation, the family’s mother rushes to take her autistic son on a trip to La Ronde.
Other parents took their child back from the operation, in tears and after midnight, under the watchful eyes of several workers from the DPJ and police officers who came as reinforcements.
“It breaks my heart. Is youth conservation about keeping kids alive?” asks Camp Director General Dave Allaire, aka Nemo.
Camp activities were canceled on Thursday and Friday.
The DPJ notes that the camp is not closed.
A real headache
Many parents were surprised, before the reopening of the camp was finally announced the following week.
Courtesy image
Melanie Gebauer and her 7-year-old daughter attended the camp.
“I had to run a coin, and it caused me a lot of stress,” says Melanie Gebauer, a beneficiary assistant.
The pain of many children was also added to this tragedy.
“My son misses his friends, his activities. It was beautiful to see, he conquered his fear by climbing…”, says Lori-Anne Valiquette, whose 7-year-old boy has ADHD anxiety.
With DBJ’s intervention, the family is yet to decide whether he will set foot in the camp again.
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