Delaware State Police Camp Barnes Applications Now Available

Contact Information:
For questions call Cpl. Shawn Hatfield at 302-856-5850 X 212

Resume:
Applications for Camp Barnes will be available at all State Police Troops March 1st or can be downloaded at the camp’s website. www.campbarnes.net

Camp Barnes is a recreational overnight summer camp run by the Delaware State Police.
All Children that are residents of the State of Delaware and are between the ages of 10-13 are eligible. Below are some of the many activities campers participate in throughout the week:

Swimming in an Olympic size pool.
Kayaking in Millers Creek
Arts and Crafts
Nature Walk
Talent Show
Fishing and Crabbing
Basketball
Soccer

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, 2 cooks, 1 nurse and 1 kitchen assistant. Counselors are required to submit to a criminal check as well as an interview. There is also a State Trooper on the grounds at all times when the camp is in session. Camp Barnes is NOT a boot camp or intended for youth with behavior or disciplinary problems.

Campers are required to get a physical exam or an updated physical exam prior to being accepted to Camp Barnes. It is encouraged that all parents get an updated physical for their children now in preparation for the upcoming camping season.

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.