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August 2025 by kaia Medrano
I am writing to share my experience and observations about Camp Barnes, which I attended for three years — as a camper in 2023 and as a Counselor-in-Training (C.I.T.) in 2024 and 2025. While there are positive aspects of the camp, the overall environment is toxic, disorganized, and poorly managed, particularly for staff and C.I.T.s. As a camper in 2023, I enjoyed activities like campfires, arts and crafts, kayaking, archery, and sports, and most counselors were kind. However, even then there was significant drama within cabins, many campers felt excluded, bathrooms were dirty, cold water was rarely available, and toilet paper and soap often ran out despite repeated requests. The bathrooms were especially unsanitary — during Girls’ Week this year, 4 out of 5 toilets were clogged most of the day, showers flooded, campers had only two minutes to wash (barely enough), and menstrual blood and feces were left on walls and floors. Sewage water even backed up into kitchen drains during meal prep.
As a C.I.T., my experience was discouraging and not at all what was promised. The program was advertised as an opportunity to shadow counselors and develop leadership skills, but in reality we were treated like janitorial staff — expected to wash dishes, refill water, and clean for hours while male counselors often stood by and contributed little. We arrived at meals an hour early and stayed up to two hours after to clean, with little to no training on how to interact with campers. In 2024, I left early due to a toxic cabin environment and lack of guidance, and in 2025 I returned for Girls’ Week 1 hoping things had improved. Unfortunately, they had not. On arrival this year, no clear instructions were given; it was up to us to set up our cabins and pick counselors to shadow. One counselor, Shelby, stood out as kind, organized, and great with campers, but most others were unclear, dismissive, or power-hungry.
Several incidents this year demonstrate the camp’s unprofessionalism. For example, Cabin 10 has a long-standing tradition of campers writing their names or messages on the walls, which staff had witnessed and tolerated for years. This year, after campers added some slightly inappropriate but harmless messages, counselors Ashleigh and Ashley Gott made us scrub the walls (despite knowing the permanent marker wouldn’t come off), then forced us to hold plank positions and do push-ups — roughly one for each of the 160 signatures — even though most of us physically couldn’t complete them. Meanwhile, two C.I.T.s completely shirked their responsibilities, ignored campers, used their phones in front of them, and refused to help clean, yet faced no consequences. Those of us who did the work were criticized by Ashley Gott as “childish” and told to “realize we weren’t campers anymore.” At the end of the week, we were even blamed for a trash bag left in our cabin, even though it had been there since Boys’ Week, already full of food and trash when we arrived.
While Camp Barnes does offer fun activities and memorable moments for campers, the lack of organization, poor sanitation, toxic staff culture, and unprofessional treatment of C.I.T.s caused me significant stress and anxiety. As a camp run by the State Police, I expected higher standards of professionalism and accountability. I have decided not to return to Camp Barnes, and I sincerely hope the administration takes these concerns seriously to improve the experience for future campers and staff. If you have any further questions about my experience, please feel free to reach out — I am happy to provide more details. Thank you for your time.
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July 2025 by Benjamin Garbacz
This camp was so bad. Food was horrible. DONT GO
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July 2025 by David Bowers
A great place to bring the kids to see some exotic animals without having to deal with the rush of the big city, zoos, friendly staff, and friendly people all along trail
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July 2025 by G. Stan Bradley
Best place ever!
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April 2025 by Nicole Kristy
This camp is absolutely amazing!!! My son Nolan has been lucky enough to attend the past two summers and each time has had an out of this world blast. We are forever grateful for everyone that contributes to this, including the police officers, camp counselors, and people who are kind enough to donate. I highly recommend this camp, but you must get on the list and apply the day. It comes out. These spots go quickly
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September 2024 by Dawn E Nash
What a beautiful place. Peaceful and lots of eagles! Delaware may be a small state, but it's packed with amazing parks. Especially if you are a wildlife lover,photographer, or just like to RELAX
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August 2024 by robin kane
My son had a fantastic time!
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October 2023 by Lori Saltenberger
beautiful view, comfortable enough beds. really fun. went for ffa and had an amazing time. just be awere its mostly outdoors so get used to feeling sandy.
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September 2023 by Bernard Miller
Best Camp in Delaware
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July 2023 by William Phillips
This camps staff are rude and toxic
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June 2023 by John Hamm
assawoman? i bearly know her.
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April 2023 by Melvin De Leon
Nice place to hang out
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January 2023 by Vernay R
Had a great time with my niece
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January 2023 by N. Bradley
This is a camp run by the DE state Police. My daughter experienced overnight camp with SODE for the 1st time this year. The staff were nothing short of amazing! There are so many activities and memories had here. The greatest of all is none of them have to do with a tablet and/or a cell phone.
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January 2023 by Arizona Miller
I had the best time I had raven as a counselor I miss her so much she helped me and was the best person I ever mean
