EAST ORANGE, New Jersey — What began as an ordinary day at a summer camp quickly turned into a frightening emergency after 13 children reportedly became ill from eating suspected mushroom-laced chocolate at the East Orange YMCA. The incident left parents shocked, prompted emergency medical responses, and launched a police investigation into how the suspected drug-infused candy made its way into the hands of campers.
Children became ill after eating suspected mushroom chocolate
According to authorities, the incident happened on Thursday at the East Orange YMCA, where campers between the ages of 10 and 13 allegedly consumed pieces of a chocolate bar believed to contain mushrooms.
Officials said one camper distributed the chocolate to other children, despite camp rules that prohibit bringing or sharing candy. Shortly after eating it, one child began feeling sick, and 12 others soon developed similar symptoms, raising immediate concerns among counselors.
Emergency responders were called to the camp to evaluate the children. Authorities said all 13 campers were reported to be in stable condition, although one child was taken to the hospital for further medical care.
Parent describes heartbreaking ‘zombie-like’ scene
Parents rushed to the scene after learning something had gone terribly wrong.
One of them, Cynthia Cunningham, described the disturbing condition of the children after arriving at the hospital with her 12-year-old child.
“When I arrived, there were 13 children; they looked like zombies,” Cunningham said.
She added that the experience was heartbreaking.
“It was sad, really sad. This shouldn’t happen.”
Her child was among the group that had eaten the suspected chocolate before becoming ill.
Police launch investigation into suspected controlled substance
The East Orange Police Department has opened an investigation to determine exactly what happened and how the suspected edibles ended up at the children’s summer camp.
Police Chief Phyllis Bindi called the incident deeply troubling because it involved young campers.
“This incident is deeply concerning, particularly because it involves the safety and well-being of children,” Bindi said.
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She added that investigators are treating the matter seriously.
“The East Orange Police Department takes incidents involving suspected controlled substances extremely seriously.”
Detectives are now working to determine how the suspected mushroom-infused chocolate came into the possession of a juvenile and whether any criminal offenses were committed.
YMCA says emergency procedures were activated immediately
According to police, one YMCA counselor noticed a camper passing out candy, something that is strictly prohibited under camp rules. Staff quickly recognized that several children were experiencing adverse reactions and immediately began emergency procedures.
In a statement, the YMCA said staff acted without delay.
“When staff noticed campers having an adverse reaction to the substance, we immediately enacted our emergency protocols, contacting emergency services, parents and the police.”
The organization said it worked closely with first responders and families throughout the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue examining the suspected substance and determining exactly how it reached the camp. Parents and community members are now waiting for answers about how an ordinary summer camp day turned into a frightening medical emergency involving young children.
What are your thoughts on this incident? Should summer camps introduce even stricter safety checks to prevent situations like this? Share your opinion in the comments.
