State Police open applications for Camp Barnes campers and counselors
Applications for Camp Barnes will be available at all Delaware State Police troops and can be downloaded starting Saturday, March 1, at www.campbarnes.net.
Camp and orientation dates will be listed on the website. Camp Barnes is a recreational overnight summer camp run by the Delaware State Police.
All children who are Delaware residents and are ages 10-13 are eligible. Activities campers participate in during their stay include swimming in an Olympic-size pool, kayaking in Miller Creek, arts and crafts, nature walk, talent show, fishing and crabbing, basketball and 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, two cooks, one nurse and one 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 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.
The Delaware State Police is also seeking individuals to fill positions as camp counselors. Starting salary is $300 per week. Food and lodging are provided. Counselors have weekends off. Applicants must be graduating seniors in high school or older to apply. Applications will also appear on the camp's website; the deadline to apply is April 16.
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 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 outdoor experiences, for more than 60 years. For more information go to www.campbarnes.net.
