Court Orders Youth Day Camp In Belmar Shuttered Because Of Violations

A Monmouth County Superior Court judge has issued a temporary restraining order today against Mesivta Keser Torah-Jersey, Rabbi Dovid Heinemann, and Camp Emzee, Inc., to stop them from operating an unlicensed youth day camp in the Borough of Belmar.

Superior Court Judge Joseph P. Quinn issued the order to close the facility on Eleventh Avenue. It prevents the defendants from operating the camp not only at the Eleventh Avenue property, but in any other location within Monmouth County until a final determination is made.

“We are gratified that Judge Quinn acted quickly and decisively today on this matter of great concern,” Freeholder John P. Curley, liaison to the Monmouth County Health Department (MCHD), said. “The Health Department has numerous responsibilities not the least of which is enforcing the laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety. We are entrusted with the public’s welfare and it was imperative that we took swift action on behalf of the young people attending this camp.”

The defendants are accused of violating sections of the state's Youth Camp Safety Act. The violations include no camp director with proper qualifications, no medical program under the direction of a licensed physician or health director; and failure to use swimming pools or beaches which conform to municipal, state and public recreational bathing rules, according to the order.

"The defendants allegedly repeatedly allowed their campers to swim in a private, residential pool which does not comply with this regulation," the order states.

The camp does not have a certificate of occupancy from the state Department of Health.

After receiving information from local authorities, the MCHD investigated the location and discovered there are approximately 30 campers ranging from second to seventh grade participating in the camp.

The Belmar Bureau of Fire Prevention has also issued numerous violations, including failure of maintain a fire alarm system.

“We ask anyone who has concerns about any facility or camp to please contact the Monmouth County Health Department at 732-431-7456,” Curley said. “It is imperative that we ensure the health and safety of our County’s youth so they can enjoy the summer months in a protected environment.”