Colonel’s Camp Barnes Chili Bike Run

Colonel’s Camp Barnes Chili Bike Run Set for Sunday the 7th

State of Delaware

Registration on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Camp Barnes History: In 1947, the Delaware Association of Chiefs’ of Police, an organization which was composed of active law enforcement and correctional officers, accepted the challenge to undertake a project to combat juvenile delinquency in the First State. A committee was appointed to investigate the problems confronting youth. The committee’s resulting recommendations led to the establishment of Camp Barnes for the recreation of deserving youth from throughout the state.

Camp Barnes, located on Miller’s Creek, a tributary of Little Assawoman Bay, has since served the needs of thousands of children from throughout Delaware. Camp Barnes was originally designed to provide the children who were unable to attend summer camp an opportunity to experience life at a summer youth camp. Camp Barnes has remained basically unchanged, providing Delaware children with these outdoor experiences for over 60 years.

The summer camp is an overnight residential camp run by the Delaware State Police and is open to children between the ages of 10 and 13 at no cost to the camper or family. Camp Barnes accommodates 60 campers per week for six weeks. The camp is in session from early July through August. All children are eligible to attend regardless of family income.

One of the many positive aspects of Camp Barnes summer camp is the innovative use of adventure based outdoor learning experiences. Camp Barnes has on its grounds an extensive outdoor initiative course with 17 different initiative and team building elements. Some of the many activities campers participate in throughout the week include swimming in an Olympic size pool, kayaking in Miller’s Creek, arts and crafts, nature walks, and talent shows. Campers also enjoy a scaled down version of the Olympics and State Police demonstrations by the K-9 unit.

Camp Barnes has a staff of 12 counselors, two cooks, and one kitchen assistant and a nurse. Counselors are required to submit to a criminal background check as well as an interview. There is also a State Trooper on grounds at all times when the camp is in session.

How the public can get involved: This Sunday, an exciting fundraising initiative will again be held to benefit Camp Barnes and the children who attend. The Colonel’ Camp Barnes Chili Bike Run will commence on June the 7th. Registration is from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the following locations:
Smyrna Rest Area on Route 13, just north of Smyrna
Harley Davidson of Seaford, on Route 13 in Seaford

This event is a police escorted ride through many parts of Delaware’s scenic landscape. The event is open to the public and all citizens are invited to attend. The flyer for this event is below.

DSP News Release:

On June 7th, 2009 the Colonel’s Camp Barnes Chili Bike Run will take place. Bikers can register at two locations, at the Smyrna rest area in lower New Castle County and the second location at the Harley-Davidson of Seaford in western Sussex County. Registration will take place between 9 am and 10 pm. This event was previously scheduled in May however due to inclement weather was postponed until this Sunday. After registration the riders will make their way through Kent and Sussex counties until they reach the camp located in southern Sussex County where chili will be served to each participate. T-shirts will be given to the first 250 participates.

Registration fee is $25 per rider and all proceeds go to support the operation of Camp Barnes. Camp Barnes is a camp run by the state police and is free to teens that may not be able to afford a week long camping program. The camp is totally support by donations and events such as the Camp Barnes Golf Tournament and the Colonel’s Chili Bike Run.

Donations may also be made to the camp at any of the two registration locations.

Contact person: Brenda Unruh 302-739-3711