Camp Jorn employee faces child neglect felony charge

A 27-year-old Mercer woman has been charged with neglecting a child, consequence of bodily harm, related to a child being injured under the supervision of staff at Camp Jorn YMCA in Manitowish Waters on Feb. 20.

According to court records, the Vilas County district attorney’s charged against Alexis Engler on March 8.

Four days ago, Camp Jorn YMCA in Manitowish Waters released a statement via Facebook.

Camp Jorn said in its statement the incident was “isolated” and “there was no risk to other children.”

Court records show Vilas County judge Daniel Overbey set a signature bond of $5,000 for Engler during an initial appearance March 8. 

The judge proceeded to set an adjourned initial appearance for April 15. 

Camp Jorn said the Wisconsin Department of Child and Family Services and the Vilas County sheriff’s office are investigating its staff’s response to the incident. 

After acknowledging criminal charges have been brought against one of its staff members, Camp Jorn said there’s no additional information to share at this time and it is “cooperating fully with authorities to ensure a thorough and fair inquiry into these allegations.”

“In light of these events, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily close our childcare center until further notice,” the statement said. “This pause in operations will allow us to conduct our own internal review to ensure that we are providing the safest environment possible for the children we serve. We are also taking this time to evaluate staff training and oversight measures.”

The Vilas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed a second Camp Jorn employee, Aimee Hubacher,was brought in but released without being charged.

Trevor Greene may be reached via email at [email protected].