Thirteen children at a New Jersey summer camp became ill after consuming chocolate believed to contain a controlled substance, prompting a police investigation into how the product ended up in the hands of campers.
Authorities said the children, who ranged in age from 10 to 13, were evaluated after reporting symptoms during a YMCA summer camp program in East Orange. One child was taken to a hospital because of a preexisting medical condition.
Incident
The incident occurred shortly after 11 a.m. Thursday at a YMCA summer camp in East Orange, New Jersey.
According to officials, all 13 children became sick after eating chocolate that investigators believe may have contained mushrooms. Police and emergency responders were called after campers began feeling unwell.
Authorities have not released the final results of any testing related to the substance.
Response
Emergency personnel evaluated all of the affected campers at the scene. Officials said every child was in stable condition, while one camper was transported to a hospital because of an existing medical condition.
The YMCA said staff immediately followed emergency procedures after noticing campers experiencing adverse reactions.
The organization stated, “When staff noticed campers having an adverse reaction to the substance, we immediately enacted our emergency protocols, contacting emergency services, parents, and the police.”
Investigation
According to police, a camp counselor reported that one of the children had been seen sharing the chocolate with other campers before they became ill.
Detectives are investigating how the suspected edible came into the child’s possession and whether any laws were violated.
As of now, no charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Parent
One parent, Cynthia Cunningham, told ABC7 that she rushed to the camp after learning about the incident.
“When I arrived, there were 13 children; they looked like zombies,” Cunningham said.
She said she immediately drove her 12-year-old daughter to the hospital.
“I got there, my daughter was destroyed, very emotional; all she thought she was in trouble,” Cunningham said.
She also described her daughter’s condition during the drive, saying, “We were in the car she would shift her body to one side.”
Police
East Orange Police Chief Phyllis Bindi said investigators are treating the incident seriously.
“This incident is deeply concerning, particularly because it involves the safety and well-being of children,” Bindi said in a statement.
She added, “The East Orange Police Department takes incidents involving suspected controlled substances extremely seriously.”
According to the chief, detectives are working to determine exactly what happened, how the suspected edible reached a juvenile, and whether criminal offenses were committed.
Ongoing
Officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Police have not announced any arrests or criminal charges, and authorities have not identified the child who allegedly distributed the chocolate.
The YMCA and local law enforcement say they are cooperating as the investigation continues.
FAQs
Where did the incident happen?
It occurred at a YMCA summer camp in East Orange, New Jersey.
How many children became ill?
Thirteen campers reported feeling unwell.
What caused the children to become sick?
Police believe they ate chocolate containing a suspected controlled substance.
Were any children hospitalized?
One child was hospitalized due to a preexisting medical condition.
Have any charges been filed?
No. The police investigation remains ongoing.
