Delaware State Police Camp Barnes Applications Available

Delaware - Applications for Camp Barnes will be available at all State Police Troops and can be downloaded at the camp’s website starting March 1^st.  Applications can be downloaded at the camp’s website: www.campbarnes.net.  Camp and orientations dates will be listed on the website.

Camp Barnes is a recreational overnight summer camp run by the Delaware State Police and there is no fee to attend.  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
• Archery
• Lacrosse
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Nature Walk
• Talent Show

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 14 counselors (7 male and 7 female), 1 cook, 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. Applications and physicals should be turned in by May 15, 2017.

The Delaware State Police is also seeking individuals to fill position of camp counselor:

• Starting salary is $300.00 per week
• Food and lodging provided
• Weekends off
• Must be a graduating senior in high school or college student

Applications may also be found on the camp’s website and the deadline for these is April 16, 2017.

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.

Any questions, please contact Master Corporal Shawn Hatfield at 302-752-3834 or james.hatfield@state.de.us.