On Monday, May 19, 2025, Josh Bender, CEO of Bender JCC of Greater Washington, informed members of the JCC’s Lessans summer camp community of an incident that allegedly took place during the last session of camp in the summer of 2024, specifically in Habimah (Theatre Camp). During the session, a camper reported an alleged instance of inappropriate touching by a counselor.

Consistent with Bender JCC’s protocols and Maryland law, Bender JCC immediately reported the alleged incident to Child Protective Services for investigation. Within 24 hours, the counselor in question was removed from camp while it conducted its own internal review. Habimah is a self-contained program in the summer, and the counselors do not work directly with other campers at Lessans Camp JCC.

Throughout the investigations, Bender JCC prioritized protecting the identities of individuals involved – most importantly, the camper, who was able to finish out the last session of camp.

Bender JCC has now learned that the former counselor has been charged with a third-degree sexual offense and is scheduled to stand trial this summer. In accordance with Bender JCC’s policies, this individual is permanently barred from any future employment or volunteer involvement with Bender JCC programs.

The Bender JCC has served over 10,000 campers of all abilities since 1979. The safety of every child and young person in its care is its top priority and every effort is being made to ensure every program provides the safest environment possible, including:
• Staff members participate in mandatory child abuse prevention training in an orientation before camp with
the Center for Hope of LifeBridge Health.
• All camp staff members are required to undergo national and state background checks and to follow strict
policies and protocols to ensure a safe environment for all members of our community.
• The Bender JCC routinely reviews our safety and child protection policies.
• Lessans Camp JCC has a 2:1 staff to camper ratio

Any person who has reason to believe a child has been subjected to sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect, must make a report to child protective services or law enforcement as soon as possible. Maryland’s Child Protective Services’ Hotline is 1-800-91-PREVENT (1-800-917-7383). DC’s Child and Family Services’ Hotline is 202-671-SAFE (202-671-7233).