Omaha Catholic school summer camp counselor charged with harassment

OMAHA, Nebraska (WOWT) – Since 1967, Mount Michael Benedictine School has hosted week-long, overnight summer camps that provide recreation for boys ages 7 to 14. But it wasn't all fun and games for at least one 12-year-old, as his mother came to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office claiming her son suffered physical abuse at the camp.

“Sometimes you can just go too far and if you put someone in an uncomfortable position where they are in physical pain, then you just cross the line,” said DCSO Captain Eric Sellers.

These complaints include a situation in which the 12-year-old and several other campers were forced to go outside and stand on their tiptoes at 3 a.m. for allegedly being disruptive after bedtime.

One mother 6 News spoke to, who asked to remain anonymous, said her son told her and several other boys they were called into a gym and told to hold a pen above them and then in front of them. After a few minutes, that was replaced with a baseball bat. If the bat was dropped, more time was added.

It is alleged that other camp participants had to hold a table or other objects over their heads for long periods of time in order to comment on a sketch.

“No one was physically injured, but they were probably feeling unwell at the time,” said Captain Sellers.

Facebook says the camps are run by Mount Michael graduates, but a roster shows mostly high school-aged graduates and counselors.

“They are between the ages of 16 and 18 and may think what they are doing is harmless, but it is a violation of the state hazing law,” Captain Sellers said. “It is a Class 2 misdemeanor, so we are looking at that. We will speak with the prosecutor as we move forward as to whether they will be referred to juvenile court or given a summons.”

6 News obtained a handwritten note from Mount Michael's director of enrollment apologizing to a parent and saying her son and his family deserved better.

Mount Michael School Principal Dr. Dave Peters declined an interview but sent 6 News the following statement:

6 News learned of another tradition called “inspection,” in which counselors allegedly used hockey sticks to knock trash off picnic tables in front of campers, who had to clean it up. Parents were told the tradition was being discontinued.

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