3 Toms River Camp Counselors Suspended As Child's Burns Probed

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Three Toms River summer camp counselors have been indefinitely suspended amid an investigation into a mother's claim her son suffered burns on his hands during a punishment at camp on Monday.

The incident at the Toms River Youth Services summer program is being investigated by Toms River officials, said Stacy Georgaklis, the township's public information officer. It additionally was referred to Ocean County prosecutor’s office, which then referred it to the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency.

The suspensions came after Sandra Santora posted photos on Facebook showing her son's fingers with blisters on his fingertips. Santora, who posted Monday evening but later made the post private, said her son was part of a group of children who were forced to sit on the blacktop at the Toms River Youth Services facility while counselors played basketball, punishment for "the entire class messing up the art room." She said the children were told that if they complained, the punishment would be increased by 10 minutes.

"The three program counselors involved in the incident were immediately and indefinitely suspended," Georgaklis said. "The township cannot comment further on this incident until those investigations are complete."

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said the office's Special Victims Unit was notified Tuesday by Toms River police and the Division of Child Permanency and Protection about the incident.

"The allegation, facts and circumstances were subsequently reviewed by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit. 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," Billhimer said. The matter was referred back to the DCPP Institutional Abuse Unit "for whatever action they deem appropriate," he said.

One mother commenting on Santora's post said her child sat on a book because the blacktop was so hot. Santora said her son "put his hands under his butt to stop the burning," and said he has burns on his butt as well as on his fingers.

Temperatures on Monday reached 88 degrees in Toms River. Asphalt temperatures can rise well above 100 degrees on a hot, sunny day; a blog geared to pets warning people about the dangers to a dog's feet noted the heat from asphalt can rise above 140 degrees when the temperature is 87 degrees.

"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."

She directed further questions to the prosecutor's office.

Toms River Youth Services has been operating the summer program for at least nine years. The eight-week camp for Toms River children ages 6 to 11 years old began June 24 and includes trips as well as daily camp activities.

"The programs at Youth Services offer children a well-rounded environment emphasizing respect and encompassing activities to exercise the body, mind and spirit," the Toms River Township website notes. The summer camp "days are filled with games, sports, arts and crafts, trips, celebrations and our annual talent show."

This report has been updated with statements from Toms River Township officials and the Ocean County prosecutor's office. It additionally has been corrected following an updated statement about state investigation of the incident.

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