The Colorado shooting suspect worked as a summer camp counselor in 2008 that was run by Jewish Big Brothers and Sisters in Los Angeles County, the group's CEO confirmed to NBC4 on Saturday.
James Holmes, 24, was a cabin counselor at Camp Max Straus during the summer of 2008, said Randy Schwab, the CEO of Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters, said in a statement to NBC4. The camp is located in the Verdugo Moutain foothills above Glendale.
"It is with shock and sorrow that we learned of the incident in Aurora," Schwab said in the statement. "Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families and friends of those involved in this horrible tragedy.
"On behalf of Camp Max Straus I want to offer our deepest sympathies and condolences."
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As cabin counselor, Holmes was responsible for the care and guidance of a group of about 10 children.
His role was to ensure that the children had a "wonderful camp experience."
He "helped them learn confidence, self esteem and how to work in small teams to effect positive outcomes," the statement said. "These skills are learned through activities such as archery, horseback riding, swimming, art, sports and high ropes course."
Camp Max Straus, pictured below at left, is a nonsectarian program for children ages 7-14, run by Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles.
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The Colorado graduate student is suspected of killing 12 moviegoers and wounding 58 others on Friday during the premiere of "The Dark Knight Rises."
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