Burke County law enforcement responded swiftly to a firearm call at the YMCA summer camp on Monday.
During routine supervision on Monday, June 30, at YMCA summer camp at Mountain View Elementary School, staff found a firearm on campus, requiring immediate attention. Staff secured the area and called law enforcement.
Officers from Burke County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Morganton arrived quickly and took over the investigation.
No threats were made and camp attendees were unharmed. Staff made phone calls to the families of the attendees.
Bethany Duncan, marketing specialist with Burke County Public Schools (BCPS), said that they are grateful to staff and law enforcement for their actions.
“We recognize how concerning this news may be for families. As partners in youth development and education, Burke County Public Schools and the YMCA are committed to reviewing and reinforcing safety protocols and ensuring open communication within our community,” Duncan said.
“We also ask families to help us reinforce a key safety message: If students or children ever see or hear something concerning, they should immediately tell a trusted adult. Bringing weapons of any kind onto a school campus is strictly prohibited and carries serious legal and disciplinary consequences.”
BCPS Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan of BCPS also sent a message to parents.
“When a serious incident occurs on or near our school campuses, it’s important that parents receive clear, accurate information,” Swan wrote.
Questions or concerns can be directed to Erica Simmons, YMCA VP of Youth Development, at 828-578-6374 or Dr. Dillon Sain, Director of Student Services for Burke County Public Schools, at 828-439-4335.
Weeklong summer camps are being held through mid-August at the school. Other camp locations include Hildrebran, Ray Childers, Salem, and Valdese elementary schools. New Dimensions, a charter school in Burke County, is also hosting camp this summer.
This is a developing story.