A camp, typically a haven for children to create cherished memories and enjoy carefree fun, has transformed into a nightmare for some at Brant Lake Camp. The traumatic experiences they endured have left indelible physical and psychological scars, prompting a deep and necessary examination of the camp's practices.
In 2018, Air Mail, following an investigation into Brant Lake Camp, sounded an alarm, reaching out to the camp's executive director, Richie Gersten, to highlight potential sexual abuse within the camp. Despite the gravity of the warning, Gersten merely thanked them for the information, assuring that action would be taken. Little did anyone know that this would be a hollow promise.
But two months later, a heart-wrenching revelation came to light when a 9-year-old boy, through a letter sent from the camp, disclosed that Dylan Stolz, a teacher with a 33-year tenure at Brant Lake, had subjected him to sexual abuse. This revelation prompted the boy's parents to file a complaint, setting off a police investigation that uncovered numerous reports against Stolz.
The distressing truth goes beyond the actions of an individual teacher. The heart of the issue lies in the reprehensible lack of oversight by camp officials, who, despite allegations, turned a blind eye and allowed Stolz to continue working with children. This appalling negligence perpetuates a culture of silence that puts innocent children at risk.
Shockingly, Stolz's case was not an isolated incident. In the same April 2018 email, Air Mail exposed another employee, Emmanuel "Mani" Cadet, for sexually harassing younger male counselors. Despite this, Cadet not only returned to work after a year's absence but was greeted with pride by members of the camp. This alarming pattern reveals a disturbing culture within Brant Lake Camp, where individuals reported for abuse are seemingly welcomed back into the fold.
Currently serving a 4 1/2-year sentence for 27 counts of sexual abuse, Stolz's actions have led to three lawsuits pending against the camp.
Camp Remains Dismissive of the Allegations
What compounds the horror is Brant Lake's callous response to the allegations. The camp dismisses the accusations, arguing that the victim, a defenseless child, failed to take adequate precautions and should have known about the alleged abuser's tendencies. Furthermore, they claim no guilt in the abuse that transpired, creating an environment of denial and evasion of responsibility.
Perhaps most unsettling is the fact that Brant Lake Camp continues to operate as if untouched by these heinous events. The responsibility, however, extends beyond the camp's administration. It involves parents who, despite knowledge of the allegations, continue to support the camp by sending their children there.
The time for silence and complicity is over. The #StopBrantLakeCamp movement emerges as a rallying cry for justice, accountability, and a reevaluation of the camp's policies. Together, we must ensure that institutions caring for our children prioritize their safety over protecting abusers. The future of our children demands nothing less.
