Mom says son’s hands were burned during summer camp punishment
Three camp counselors in New Jersey have been suspended indefinitely after a local mother claims her son's hands were burned from a punishment they issued on Monday. According to mom Sandra Santora, her son and other children were forced to sit on hot blacktop while the three counselors played basketball at the Toms River Youth Services summer program.
Santora, in a Facebook post which has since been made private, according to Patch.com, shared photos of her son's blistered fingertips. She alleges that the punishment was for "the entire class messing up the art room," and that if the children complained they would be forced to sit an additional 10 minutes. Another mother commented on the post, adding that her child had to sit on a book because the blacktop was so hot. Santora responded that her son "put his hands under his butt to stop the burning," and that he also suffers from burns on his butt.
While it was 88 degrees on Monday in Toms River, NJ, the asphalt was likely much, much hotter; a recent summer-safety guide focusing on pet paws noted that if it’s 77 degrees outside, asphalt in the sun could rise to 125 degrees (and added that “you can fry and eat an egg at 131 degrees.”)
Stacy Georgaklis, the township’s public information officer, did not immediately respond to Yahoo Lifestyle's requests for comment.
But, she told Patch.com, "The three program counselors involved in the incident were immediately and indefinitely suspended. The township cannot comment further on this incident until those investigations are complete."
According to a press release provided by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, the Special Victim's Unit was notified of the incident on Tuesday by the Toms River Police Department and the Division of Child Permanency & Protection.
"The allegation, facts and circumstances were subsequently reviewed by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Special Victim's Unit," the release read. "At this time, this matter does not appear to be criminal in nature, as there was no criminal intent associated with the actions of the camp counselors."
The matter has since been referred back to the Division of Child Permanency & Protection's Institutional Abuse Unit "for whatever action they deem appropriate."
"This isolated and unfortunate incident, however, should in no way deter participation in Toms River's exceptional youth programs," Georgaklis said. "Providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all children involved is the township's highest priority."
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