Summer Camps

Sexual abuse in summer camps includes a range of inappropriate behaviors by camp staff, volunteers, or even fellow campers. The effects of such traumatic experiences impact the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of young survivors throughout their lives. Sadly, many summer camp abuse cases go unreported or unnoticed, leaving survivors to deal with their experiences in silence.

At Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, we stand with families whose children have been sexually abused. We also provide unwavering support to adult survivors who are courageously confronting past traumas inflicted by camp counselors. Our dedicated team understands the immense emotional and psychological toll these experiences can take, and we are here to offer more than just legal advice.

Our goal is to provide compassionate legal guidance throughout the legal process to help you and your loved ones obtain justice and closure after enduring such devastating trauma. We know navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with sensitive matters. Therefore, we aim to alleviate this burden by offering clear, straightforward legal counsel every step of the way.

Sexual abuse in summer camps encompasses a range of unwanted, inappropriate sexual behaviors. It can include anything from unsolicited physical contact to non-contact acts like exposure or voyeurism, often perpetrated by someone in a position of trust or authority. This abuse takes advantage of the inherent power dynamics in camps, where children are encouraged to trust and obey adults. The scope of this issue is not limited to direct physical harm; it also encompasses situations where a child is coerced into viewing or participating in sexual activities.

Emotionally, survivors may grapple with feelings of fear, shame, guilt, and confusion. These feelings can be particularly intense in summer camp, where children are away from their usual support systems. Physically, abuse can lead to immediate harm and long-term health issues, including chronic pain and sexual health problems. Psychologically, sexual abuse survivors may struggle with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and issues related to self-esteem and trust.

The environment of a summer camp can exacerbate these effects. The breach of trust in a setting that promises care and protection can leave survivors feeling betrayed and vulnerable. At Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, we recognize these challenges and are dedicated to providing the compassionate and comprehensive support that survivors of sexual abuse in summer camps rightfully deserve.

Sexual abuse in summer camps is a more common and serious issue than is often recognized. Recently, CBS News discovered that over the past 55 years, there have been reports of sexual abuse involving more than 500 victims at children's camps across the United States, with at least 21 cases reported in a single year. Advocates, however, believe the actual number of abuse incidents is likely much higher, as many cases go unreported.

Sexual abuse in summer camps has been reported in a wide range of camps, including faith-based camps like Christian camps, publicly funded camps, and organizations such as Boy Scout camps.

Parents send their children to summer camp expecting a safe and enriching experience. However, summer camps can inadvertently become environments where children are vulnerable to sexual abuse. This occurs for many reasons:

• Inadequate Staff Training and Vetting: Many camps, especially smaller or less-funded ones, may rely on counselors who lack experience and proper child supervision and safety training. The process for vetting employees and volunteers might not be rigorous enough, potentially allowing individuals with harmful intentions to work closely with children.
• Lack of Stringent Regulations: Unlike schools, which are typically subject to strict regulatory oversight, summer camps often operate with less stringent controls and standards. This lack of uniform regulation can create gaps in safety protocols, leaving room for sexual predators to exploit these vulnerabilities.
• Increased Risk in Overnight Camps: Overnight camps pose a unique risk due to the extended periods children spend away from their parents. The isolation from their usual support networks and limited communication channels can make it easier for abuse to occur and continue unnoticed.

Fortunately, California is one of a handful of states that requires background checks for summer camp employees. The state mandates that all staff members, including counselors and volunteers, working at youth camps undergo a criminal background check. This requirement is part of California's efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of children attending these camps.

The background check typically includes searching state and federal criminal history records. It's designed to identify any past criminal behavior that might disqualify an individual from working with children, such as histories of sexual offenses, child abuse, or other violent crimes. The aim is to prevent individuals with potentially harmful backgrounds from being placed in positions where they could have unsupervised access to minors.

California has established stringent laws to protect children from sexual abuse, including in summer camps. These laws mandate that camps adhere to specific safety standards and protocols to prevent abuse. Camps must conduct thorough background checks on all employees and volunteers and ensure they are trained in recognizing and preventing abuse. Failure to comply can result in severe legal consequences.

In California, individuals working in summer camps are considered mandatory reporters. This means that camp staff, counselors, and administrators are legally obligated to report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect, including sexual abuse, to the appropriate authorities. If they fail in this duty, they can be held legally responsible.

When sexual abuse occurs in a summer camp, determining liability involves looking at multiple levels of responsibility. Firstly, the abuser is clearly at fault for their actions. These individuals exploit their position of trust and power to harm the children they are supposed to protect and nurture. This can include:

• Camp counselors
• Camp officials
• Camp nurses or medical teams
• Other campers

However, responsibility often extends beyond the individual perpetrator. The camp itself may bear liability, especially if it fails to implement adequate safety measures, such as thorough background checks, proper staff training in child protection policies, and effective supervision procedures. If the camp ignored or did not adequately address previous complaints or warning signs, this, too, points to organizational negligence.

In some cases, there may be systemic issues at play. This includes inadequate enforcement of child safety regulations in camps or a lack of stringent standards for hiring and monitoring staff. When regulatory bodies or oversight institutions fail to enforce or establish comprehensive safety standards, they also share the responsibility for creating environments where abuse can occur.

Facing your abuser to seek accountability is an incredibly challenging and courageous step for any survivor of sexual abuse. At Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, we acknowledge the strength it takes to seek legal counsel. Our dedicated team is here to stand with you, offering a compassionate, supportive, and skilled guiding hand. We believe in empowering you, ensuring your voice is heard, and your rights are fiercely protected. Together, we can explore your legal options and help you choose the best one for you.

In cases of sexual abuse in summer camps, there can be both civil and criminal legal actions. The state pursues criminal cases and focuses on punishing the offender, with possible outcomes including imprisonment and fines. Civil cases, on the other hand, are initiated by the survivors or their families seeking compensation for damages caused by the abuse, like emotional distress, therapy costs, and more. You can file a civil lawsuit at any time, even if no criminal case is pending. Further, you can file and win a civil lawsuit even if your abuser is found “not guilty” in criminal court.

​​The statute of limitations sets the time frame within which a legal action must be initiated. In California, recent changes have extended the statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases. Survivors now have until age 40, or within five years of discovering the abuse, to file a civil lawsuit. These extended time frames acknowledge the often-delayed disclosure of abuse and the time it can take for survivors to come forward.

Sexual abuse statutes and laws in California are evolving each year to help protect victims of sexual abuse and violence. Even if you believe you’ve missed the deadline to file a claim, this might not be true. Contact our sexual abuse law firm today to discuss your case and explore all your legal options.

Survivors of sexual abuse in California have legal rights and protections. These include the right to report the abuse to law enforcement and pursue a criminal investigation and prosecution of the perpetrator. Survivors also have the right to file a civil lawsuit against their abuser and any liable institutions for damages caused by the abuse.

It is essential to maintain confidentiality and protect the privacy of survivors in summer camp sexual abuse cases. This includes sealing court records, using pseudonyms in legal documents, and conducting sensitive proceedings in a manner that respects the privacy of the survivors.

At Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, we are dedicated to ensuring that survivors are fully aware of their legal rights and their protections. We provide compassionate guidance and representation to secure the justice and support that survivors deserve.

We stand with you on your journey to healing. At Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, we recognize the immense courage it takes to confront your abuser and hold negligent institutions accountable for the harm you’ve suffered.

We understand that deciding to pursue legal action is profoundly personal and significant. It is a path you choose, and we are here to support you in making that choice.

Our team of compassionate sexual abuse lawyers offers a safe and confidential space for you to share your story. We believe in the importance of listening and understanding your experiences without judgment.

During this consultation, we aim to offer more than just legal advice. We provide empathetic guidance and ensure that you are fully informed and comfortable with each step of the legal process.

Should you decide to proceed with legal action against your abuser or the responsible institutions, our experienced legal team will be by your side at every stage. We will work tirelessly to represent your interests, fighting for the justice and closure you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of sexual abuse at a summer camp, know that you are not alone. At Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, we are dedicated to standing alongside you through this challenging journey. We understand the courage it takes to come forward and the importance of having a compassionate team that listens, understands, and fiercely advocates for your rights.

Don't let the silence overshadow your story. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation where we will listen to your story with empathy and respect. Our experienced team will provide you with a clear understanding of your legal options.

Take the first step towards healing and justice. Contact Cerri, Boskovich & Allard today. Let us be your advocates in this fight, helping to turn your experience into a catalyst for change and healing.