6-Year-Old New Jersey Boy Dies on First Day of Pricey Summer Camp

A summer day at Liberty Lake Day Camp in Burlington County, New Jersey, took a devastating turn when six-year-old Michael Jeffrey Stewart tragically drowned on the first day of camp. His mother, Enjoli Stewart, expressed her profound grief, stating, “Liberty Lakes messed up. Big time. And now I don’t have a son anymore.”

The tragedy occurred during the afternoon swim period. Although a lifeguard immediately administered CPR, Michael was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Enjoli, who had entrusted the camp with her son’s care and invested significantly in the program, questioned the camp’s safety protocols, pointing out that Michael, a beginner swimmer, was supposed to be in an instructional swim class that never took place.

Andy Pritikin, the founder of Liberty Lake Day Camp, expressed deep sorrow, saying, “All of us at Liberty Lake Day Camp are devastated and grieving over the tragic passing of our young camper.” The camp has committed to strengthening its safety measures and continues to offer counseling services through their clinical social worker.

In support of the Stewart family, a GoFundMe campaign has raised over $32,000 to help cover funeral and memorial expenses. Enjoli Stewart has vowed to honor her son’s memory, saying, “We’re going to do right by my son.”