Sadness reaches deep and wide
TORONTO, ON—Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) president Geri Rodman is discovering that the fallout from tragic events stretches far and wide. She heads an organization trying to come to grips with serious allegations against one of its associates, a young man who took his own life once charges were laid.
David Dewees, a 32-year-old schoolteacher and longtime volunteer leader at a Christian camp, died two days after Toronto police charged him with two counts of invitation to sexual touching and luring.
"It's a tragedy that has such a depth of sadness, I can't find words to describe the sadness for so many people. It's like a boulder being put in the waters and ripples going out, almost like tidal waves from the centre," says Rodman.
"Dave's family is profoundly affected. Many of them have been involved in our camps," she says. "We have spoken with Dave's parents. We are absolutely deeply saddened by the loss and can't even imagine the sadness and grief of being a parent in this situation."
The broader IVCF family has also been significantly impacted, particularly those close to Ontario Pioneer Camp. "All kinds of supporters—alumni, friends and family—are grieving as well. And the Christian camping community across Canada is so interconnected. It's an impact that is far-reaching."
And then there are the campers who raised the allegations. "The families of those kids have a very difficult situation. I can't really talk about their comments, but it's been profoundly difficult, tragic. These are young kids. It's very hard to work through the healing process, especially with such a tragic end.
"I hear more confusion and ambiguity than blame," she says. "It's hard to put together. The stark reality is that we don't always know what goes on in the hearts of human beings."
It has made for a lot of soul-searching, and IVCF is among those asking if there is anything that anyone could have done differently to prevent this tragedy. The organization had followed protocol in screening counsellors, a rather stringent process involving applications, interviews, police and reference checks.
When the allegations surfaced, they were investigated, found credible and reported to police. IVCF was not apprised of the process of the investigation and only became aware charges would be laid when that actually happened. As part of its "due diligence," an outside review of IVCF procedures is in the works.
Meanwhile, Rodman is trying to take the long view. "We're going forward. We still believe camp is a place that positively shapes the minds and hearts of thousands of students and develops leaders."
She adds: "Our internal review helped us recognize that we've created a climate where kids can come forward with serious issues and be heard, evaluated and taken seriously if need be. You don't always have that. We want to continue to create that kind of openness. The care and the custody of the children entrusted to us is our highest priority."
More articles on this topic:
Reflections on the funeral of a friend
Grieving need comfort, safety in face of unanswered questions
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