Los Gatos board votes to continue science camp despite arrest

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Science camp for Los Gatos fifth graders was up for debate Monday night, following the arrest of a camp counselor. Edgar Covarrubias-Padilla was arrested on molestation charges.

Covarrubias-Padilla was known as "Papa Bear" to the children. The 27-year-old was a camp aide at Walden West, where prosecutors say he possessed child porn and molested an 11-year-old boy attending the Los Gatos Union School District's science camp.

Monday, the board discussed whether the science camp program should continue in the wake of Covarrubias-Padilla's arrest.

The district received a handful of letters and emails expressing opposition, but at the meeting there was only overwhelming support.

In the end, the board agreed, voting unanimously to keep the popular program. This year though, the district plans to have a meeting with parents beforehand.

Also, for this year, the children will be going to three separate camp locations. Walden West will not be one of them.