Applications will soon be available for Camp Barnes, the Delaware State Police summer camp for kids.
Camp Barnes is a recreational camp State Police runs each summer in Sussex County.
DSP Corporal Shawn Hatfield says it’s been around for nearly 70 years.
“The camp was started in 1948 by Corporal Herbert Barnes. It was intended to start out as a camp to help people with juvenile delinquency problems within the State of Delaware. It has evolved through the years as a camp, which is free, for kids 10 to 13-years-old age who are residents of the State of Delaware,” Corporal Hatfield said.
Hatfield says Camp Barnes offers many activities, such as swimming in an Olympic-sized pool, kayaking in Millers Creek and archery.
“They arrive on Monday, they leave on Friday.We have three girls weeks and three boys weeks. There’s various activities they can do from kayaking, basketball and archery, to cooking, arts and crafts and we have a talent show. Multiple Delaware State Police demonstrations also come in...or SORT Unit (Special Operations Response Team), our Canine Unit and our Equestrian Unit comes in as well,” said Hatfield.
Applications for this year’s camp, which runs from June 25th through August 3rd, will be available starting March 1st, online or at any Delaware State Police Troop.
Campers are required to get a physical exam or have an updated physical exam prior to being accepted and assigned a week.
Hatfield says DSP is also currently looking for camp counselors. Those interested can get an application on the Camp’s website.
