Support for Camp Barnes hits high gear at Georgetown Speedway

GEORGETOWN — If tradition holds, several thousand race fans will fill Georgetown Speedway grandstands this Thursday night for a special motor-sports event supporting the Delaware State Police youth camp that since 1948 has provided thousands of children a free summer camp experience.

Financial support for the operation and upkeep of this camp along Miller’s Creek will hit high gear Aug. 1 with the 52nd staging of the Camp Barnes Benefit Stock Car Race.

Teams and drivers from the Mid-Atlantic region and perhaps beyond will compete for purse money and prestige.

“This event is truly a community event,” said Delaware State Police Col. Melissa Zebley at the 2023 Camp Barnes racing event. “We can’t keep the camp up and running in the manner we would like, without this type of support.”

The competition will feature Millman’s NAPA Auto Parts Modifieds, Stockley Speed & Supply Super Late Models, Blue Hen Disposal Crate 602 Sportsman, First State Chevrolet Crate Late Models, Southern Delaware Vintage Stock Cars, Little Lincolns, Delaware Super Trucks & Delmarva Chargers.

Grandstand admission is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors ages 65 and over) and students ages 13-17, $10 for kids ages 9 to 12, and children 8 and under free.

Facilitated by Superintendent Herbert Barnes Sr. in 1947, Camp Barnes welcomed its first campers in June 1948. It is open to all children who are residents of the State of Delaware and are between the ages of 10 and 13.

Children attend at no cost to the camper or their family. The camp is in session from early June until August and accommodates approximately 90-100 campers per week for six weeks.

The Camp Barnes experience allows young campers to develop initiative and leadership skills, boost self-confidence and feelings of accomplishment from their efforts and achievements.

During the camp, Camp Barnes is staffed by 16 counselors, two cooks, and one nurse. All counselors are required to have a criminal background check prior to working at the camp.