Holland College suspends children's camp counsellor as police investigate 'serious complaint'

Holland College says it has suspended a member of its children's camp staff after it received a "serious complaint" that is now being investigated by Charlottetown Police.

CBC News has seen a copy of a letter that was circulated to former Holland College Canes Camp parents and guardians Friday afternoon, the same day the college learned of the complaint.

Charlottetown Police also confirmed there has been a complaint.

The nature of the allegation is not known at this time.

"Holland College received a serious complaint from an individual about one of the counsellors who works at our camps. Due to the nature of the concern, we contacted Charlottetown Police Services (CPS). Our staff are co-operating fully with the CPS investigation," the email reads.

"At this time, we are unable to share specific details to protect the privacy of those involved, but please know that the safety and well-being of your children remains our highest priority. The staff member in question has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation."

Police can't share details

In an email to CBC News, Charlottetown Deputy Police Chief Sean Coombs said the details in the message sent out to parents appear to be accurate.

"CPS are in the preliminary stages of this investigation and are gathering facts and evidence," Coombs wrote. "I am unable to share any more on this as it is still under investigation."

Holland College President Sandy MacDonald said in a text message that he would speak further when the police investigation concludes, adding: "It will undoubtedly take a few days, as they've started their interviews."

Our staff are co-operating fully with the [police] investigation.— Holland College email to families

The timing of the alleged incident or incidents under investigation is not known. 

The college puts on its 'Canes Camps — with the name based on the nickname for its Holland College Hurricanes sports teams — over the summer holidays, during March break, and on province-wide professional development days when there is no school.

The camps are for children ranging in age from kindergarten through Grade 6.

Parent 'alarmed'

One parent told CBC she was "quite alarmed" to receive the email last week.

"I was glad that it was actually told to us, and that the police were contacted immediately and they dealt with it right away… It's good, I think, that they addressed it immediately," Kim Steele-Gallant said.

"My daughter has had nothing but great experience there. It was one of the best decisions I made, putting her there in a summer camp… That's why I blown away in getting that email. I couldn't believe it."

Police investigations can take anywhere from days to years, depending on the protocol being followed and the strength of the evidence gathered. 

So far, no charges have been laid.