From the Jewish Federation of Madison Executive Committee
We are writing to follow up on our January 15 community letter and to respond to the questions, concerns, and emotions many parents and families have shared since then. We want to be clear at the outset: when a child is harmed, families deserve honesty, compassion, accountability, and meaningful action. We understand that our initial communication, while necessary, left some families with unanswered questions and heightened concern. We take that seriously.
At the center of this situation is a child who was harmed and a family who experienced profound trauma. Our focus remains on protecting the victim’s anonymity, supporting families, and ensuring that Camp Shalom is a safe and enjoyable place for every child entrusted to our care.
Below, we address some of the more common questions and concerns, while acknowledging the limitations related to privacy and confidentiality. Please also note the upcoming community forum facilitated by Safe Harbor Madison, with details provided at the end of this letter.
Regarding potential contact with other children and exposure to risk
Camp Shalom, like most summer day camps and outdoor educational programs, is a highly dynamic environment. Groups and staff move through multiple activities and shared spaces each day, and staff roles often include supervising transitions and common areas. Because of this, it’s often difficult to impossible to determine with certainty whether a particular counselor had “direct” or “close proximity” contact with every individual child at every moment.
Some families have understandably asked whether the counselor in question had contact with children outside their assigned group, where the abuse occurred, and which campers may have been affected. We want to be clear about why we cannot provide that level of detail.
Disclosing specific information about camp group assignments, locations, transportation routes, schedules, or granular supervision contexts would make it highly likely to identify the impacted child and family. Protecting the anonymity, dignity, and privacy of a minor victim is an obligation, not a discretionary choice. That obligation must take precedence over our ability to answer certain questions at the level of detail some families want. We understand this is frustrating.
That said, based on the information available to us through law enforcement, Child Protective Services (CPS), and outside experts, we have no indication that another child was in a similar isolated circumstance. At present, we are not aware of any other child being harmed.
If we were to become aware of any additional child who may have been affected, parents and legal guardians would be notified immediately and directly.
Regarding notification of families
CPS and the Dane County Sheriff’s Office conducted their investigations independently and determined the appropriate scope of interviews and outreach as part of those processes.
From the Federation’s perspective, because we did not have information indicating that additional children were harmed, individual notifications beyond the impacted family were not made at that time. We recognize how difficult this is for parents, which is why we have shared multiple resources and engaged outside experts to support families who may wish to speak with their children in age-appropriate ways.
Regarding CPS findings, leadership accountability, and what went wrong
Following notification to authorities, the Sheriff’s Office and CPS investigations proceeded independently. The findings of the investigations were reviewed by experienced outside experts in child safety and sexual abuse response, working in close collaboration and with the full cooperation of the impacted family.
Through that process, we were informed that CPS determined the abuse was credible and substantiated. In addition, the CPS report raised repeated concerns about the actions and judgments of former camp leadership both prior to and after the initial mandatory reporting process.
While former leadership fulfilled their required legal obligations to report the allegation, CPS’s concerns and the Executive Committee’s conclusions extended beyond basic legal compliance.
Specifically, the former leadership did not
- Timely inform the Jewish Federation of Madison Executive Committee or Board of Directors
- Ensure appropriate internal escalation and governance oversight
- Maintain consistent, compassionate communication and support for the impacted family
These shortcomings caused considerable additional stress for the family and delayed broader accountability and reform. They were significant but not the only factors in the Executive Committee’s determination (reflected through the resignations) that new leadership was imperative.
Because these matters involve personnel issues and victim privacy, we cannot provide further details publicly. These limitations are not intended to obscure accountability; they are required to honor confidentiality, privacy, and employment obligations.
Addressing the perceived inconsistency between reporting and resignations
We understand why it may appear contradictory to acknowledge mandatory reporting while also announcing leadership resignations. It is important to clarify that meeting minimum legal requirements does not, on its own, satisfy the full standard of leadership accountability expected in circumstances involving harm to a child and responsibility for safety.
After being presented with the Executive Committee’s assessment of these deficiencies and the potential actions under consideration, the former Executive Director and former Camp Director chose to resign their positions, believing it was in the best interests of the organization and the community.
Regarding criminal charges and camper safety
Decisions about whether to bring criminal charges rest solely with the Dane County District Attorney’s Office and involve legal standards that differ from those applied by CPS in assessing child safety and welfare. While we recognize that the absence of criminal charges can be confusing and distressing, it does not lessen the seriousness of the harm or our responsibility to respond decisively. Questions about charging decisions should be directed to the Dane County District Attorney’s Office.
What will be different moving forward
JFM is committed to more than general assurances. As previously shared, we have initiated an independent external review and update of Camp Shalom’s policies, supervision practices, training, reporting pathways, and governance escalation procedures. We are also partnering with Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center of Madison, which is available to provide confidential guidance, individual consultations, and referrals for families seeking additional support.
Next Steps, Community Engagement
To continue healing as a community and to provide as many supporting community resources as possible, JFM will host a public community forum facilitated by Safe Harbor on February 9, 2026, at 7:00 pm, focused on education, healing, and charting a path forward together. Please note that the forum is intended for an adult audience and not geared for children.
The event will be held at Temple Beth El, with a streaming option available. Register HERE for both streaming and in-person attendance. Any questions about community resources or camp planning can be sent in advance to campshalomsupport@jewishmadison.org.
Your voices matter, and we appreciate your engagement and allyship for Camp Shalom. We are committed to ensuring a safe, trusted, and meaningful camp experience this summer.
Sincerely,
Jewish Federation of Madison Executive Committee