13 Children Sickened After Consuming Suspected Mushroom-Laced Edibles at New Jersey YMCA Summer Camp

At least 13 children became ill Thursday after consuming suspected mushroom-laced edibles at a YMCA summer camp in East Orange, New Jersey, according to local law enforcement. The incident, which occurred shortly after 11 a.m. at the camp on North Arlington Avenue, has prompted a criminal investigation and renewed calls for vigilance regarding children's exposure to unknown substances.

East Orange police responded to reports that multiple campers were not feeling well after a child was observed distributing candy to fellow campers—an act that violates YMCA policies. The candy was later suspected of containing hallucinogenic mushrooms. A short time later, one child who had consumed the suspected edible reported feeling ill, and twelve other campers subsequently reported similar symptoms.

The affected children ranged in age from 10 to 13. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and evaluated all of the children. Officials confirmed that all were in stable condition. One child was transported to University Hospital as a precaution due to a preexisting medical condition.

Witness Accounts and Parental Response

Cynthia Cunningham, whose 12-year-old child was among those affected, described a harrowing scene. "When I arrived, there were 13 children, they looked like zombies. It was sad, really sad," Cunningham said. "This shouldn't happen. We send our kids to summer camps so that they can have something productive to do during the summer and the YMCA's mission statement says that they cultivate a safe space and this was the opposite."

Cunningham recounted rushing her child to the hospital while her 9-year-old daughter recorded video from the car. "I got there my daughter was destroyed, very emotional, she thought she was in trouble. We were in the car she would shift her body to one side," she said.

Another parent, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed the emotional toll of the incident: "It's heartbreaking to hear your kid has ingested something because … I felt like anything could have happened." The parent added, "They were about to play in water. So, this could have resulted in something way more serious. Thankfully it didn't."

According to one mother whose two sons were affected, the children told her that the child who distributed the edibles had received them from a family member as a birthday present.

Official Response and Investigation

East Orange Police Chief Phyllis L. Bindi addressed the gravity of the situation in a public statement. "This incident is deeply concerning, particularly because it involves the safety and well-being of children," Chief Bindi said. "The East Orange Police Department takes incidents involving suspected controlled substances extremely seriously. Our detectives are conducting a thorough investigation to determine exactly what occurred, how these suspected edibles came into the possession of a juvenile, and whether any criminal offenses were committed. We are working closely with our partners to ensure the safety of our youth and to hold anyone responsible accountable under the law."

The YMCA released a statement explaining that staff noticed campers having an adverse reaction to the substance and immediately enacted emergency protocols, contacting emergency services, parents, and the police.

East Orange police confirmed that a suspect has been identified. As of the latest reports, no charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing. Police also issued a reminder for parents and guardians to speak with their children about the dangers of consuming food, candy, or other products from unknown sources.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the East Orange Police Department at 973-266-5000.