Opinion
Memorial Day Weekend: Colonel Barnes honored as one of Delaware’s icons!
Dear Friends,
Sometimes, I like to write human interest stories about my old home state of Delaware. One of Delaware’s icons was Herbert Barnes, Sr., who was the first State Policeman to rise through the ranks to become the Superintendent of Delaware’s finest. He did much to make the State police the fine organization they are today. Col. Barnes later was appointed by President Eisenhower as Delaware’s U.S. Marshall.
Recently, Herb Barnes, Jr., the son of this great man, who is my friend and former business partner, was given a plaque with a likeness of his father. A patch with his Dad’s picture might now be worn by all state troopers.
In 1947, under the leadership of Col. Herb Barnes, Sr., 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.
Herb Barnes, Jr., now handles some of the finances for Camp Barnes and was given this great award in honor of his father.
“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 50 years.
The summer camp is an overnight residential camp run by the Delaware State Police and is open to children between the ages of 10 and 13 at no cost to the camper or family. Camp Barnes accommodates 60 campers per week for six weeks. The camp is in session from early July through August. All children are eligible to attend regardless of family income.
One of the many positive aspects of Camp Barnes summer camp is the innovative use of adventure based outdoor learning experiences. Camp Barnes has on its grounds an extensive outdoor initiative course with 17 different initiative and team building elements. Some of the many activities campers participate in throughout the week include swimming in an Olympic size pool, kayaking in Millers Creek, arts and crafts, nature walks, and talent shows. Campers also enjoy a scaled down version of the Olympics, State Police demonstrations by the K-9, SCUBA and Aviation units.
Camp Barnes has a staff of 12 counselors, two cooks, and one kitchen assistant. Counselors are required to submit to a criminal background check as well as an interview. There is also a State Trooper on the grounds at all times when the camp is in session.”
Col. Barnes’ contribution to Delaware is unprecedented and I am proud to write about him on this Memorial Day weekend.
Enjoy the photos.
Respectfully Submitted,
JUDSON Bennett-Coastal Network