Mushroom edibles sicken 13 kids at NJ summer camp

Key points

• 13 children fell ill after consuming mushroom edibles at an Essex County day camp
• The edibles were disguised as candy and shared by a camper
• The incident occurred on a Thursday at a YMCA camp facility
• The incident highlights risks of substance exposure at youth summer programs
• Parents and camp operators need to be aware of products designed to look like regular candy

FAQ

What happened at the Essex County day camp?

Thirteen children became sick after consuming mushroom edibles that were shared by another camper. The edibles were disguised to look like regular candy, making them difficult to identify without inspection.

Where did this incident take place?

The incident occurred at a day camp in Essex County, New Jersey, identified as a YMCA-operated facility.

How can parents protect children from similar incidents?

Parents should educate children about not accepting food or candy from others without permission, and camps should implement stricter policies about outside food items and conduct regular safety briefings.