Markham, counsellors sued over lewd game
‘It’s just not what you do with children’
The parents of two former Camp Chimo campers have launched a lawsuit against the Town of Markham and five camp counsellors after a crude game of toe-sucking and licking porta-potties was made public.
A claim was filed in Toronto on Feb. 7 for $400,000 in general and punitive damages.
Campers at the town-run summer camp were asked to perform lewd acts as part of a game last July where the reward was ice cream bars, the Star reported in November.
Linden said the allegations against the town and the counsellors are based on what’s been publically reported in the media.
“It’s pretty sick when you think about what went on,” said Toronto lawyer Justin Linden, who is representing the campers and their parents (whose names have been withheld to protect the minors). “It’s just not what you do with children.”
The claim outlines the “emotional, physical and sexual abuse” alleg- edly suffered by the two campers, which was “co-ordinated” by the five counsellors who were in a “position of power, trust, responsibility, control, authority and influence” over the children. Linden said because of the alleged “horrendous conduct,” his clients are also seeking punitive damages. “We’re asking the court to make the award to essentially punish the responsible parties to send a message that this is just not what you do to children,” Linden said. “This isn’t just a case of mistake or negligence.” When the story was made public, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpetti confirmed to the Star the game had taken place and the five counsellors were then aged 17 to 21. The claim alleges the town “failed to take appropriate measures to warn both parents and campers and protect campers in its custody, care and control.” The suit comes after the Children’s Aid Society launched an investigation in February. Interviews of former campers have already begun, according to Linden. That investigation coincided with an action plan released by the town to overhaul camp programs. The Town of Markham has yet to file a statement of defence.