Delaware 4-H State Camp
2023 Newsletter
Based on current State and UD protocols, Delaware 4-H is planning in-person camps at full capacity at this time. Specific state or university health guidance, if any, will be provided to families in advance to safeguard the wellbeing of all campers.
Registration
Registration for Delaware 4-H State Camps opens March 1 at 10:00 AM for active 4-H’ers through 4-H Online. A confirmation email with family balance and payment instructions will be provided within 3 business days of registration. Registration for non-4-H’ers will open April 1 if availability remains. Call the 302-831-2509 for assistance. Online registration is required. You may pay by credit card or ACH bank transfer from a checking account or mail a check for the full balance due to the address provided in your confirmation email by June 1, 2023.
REGISTER AT: 4-H Online
State Camp
Week 1: Monday, June 12, 10:30 AM – Saturday, June 17, 10:00 AM
OR
Week 2: Monday, June 19, 10:30 AM – Saturday, June 24, 10:00 AM
The State Camp residential overnight experience provides lasting memories and the chance to make lifelong friends. Surrounded by nature, campers can disconnect from technology and focus on developing healthy living habits while participating in a variety of workshop topics. Each afternoon provides time for recreation, such as swimming and canoeing. Campers are assigned to a people group for afternoon and campfire activities.
2023 Camp Fee: $375.00
Campers must be 10 years old and not more than 19 years old on 6/1/23 to attend this camp.
Environmental Camp
Friday, June 9, 3:00 PM – Sunday, June 11, 10:00 AM
This residential overnight experience allows campers to explore basic soil and environmental science information through hands-on discovery. Getting your hands dirty, exploring the forest, and looking for critters was never so much fun.
Campers will attend a variety of classes related to the environment taught by University of Delaware undergraduate and graduate students. Previous camp classes included topics such as “Is River Water Safe to Drink? and “Digging Up the Dirt on Soil Microbes.” New classes are developed every year. Each afternoon provides time for recreation, such as swimming and canoeing.
You will be assigned to a group for afternoon and campfire activities.
2023 Camp Fee: $145.00
Campers must be 8 years old and not more than 12 years old on 6/1/23 to attend this camp.
Health Form
A health form is mandatory to attend 4-H Camps. 4-H members are required to update their health form in 4-H Online.
Shuttle Bus
Bus transportation is available for New Castle County and Kent County campers. Locations and times will be provided.
Scholarships
Camp scholarships may be available to any active 4-H members. Enroll through your County 4-H office.
Camp Policies
Code of Conduct Violations
Anyone breaking the Code of Conduct during the 4-H year will not be put in a leadership role at State 4-H Camp. If the offense is severe enough, the 4-H’er will not be allowed to attend State 4-H Camp. If infractions occur at camp, parents may be contacted for immediate pick-up. Refunds related to expulsion will not be considered.
Cell Phone Policy
Cell phones are not permitted at camp. The use of cell phones has become a distraction and takes away from the ability of campers to stay focused on camp. Any camper that brings a cell phone to camp will be required to turn in their phone on Monday morning at registration, and it will be returned on Saturday morning at dismissal.
This program is brought to you by University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, a service of the UD College of Agriculture and Natural Resources—a land-grant institution.
Cooperative Extension Education in Agriculture and Home Economics, University of Delaware, Delaware State University and the United States Department of Agriculture cooperating. Distributed in furtherance of Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30,1914. It is the policy of the Delaware Cooperative Extension System that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex, disability, age, or national origin.
Frequently Answered Questions
How do I get to Camp Barnes?
Camp Barnes, (37171 Camp Barnes Road, Frankford, DE 19945), your destination for summer camp adventure, is 15 acres of woodland, located in southeast Sussex County on beautiful Miller’s Creek. [map]
What if camp is full?
If camp is full for your preferred camp, you may join the waiting list. If camp slots become available you will be notified.
What is the refund policy?
Cancellations for a verified emergency are refunded in full minus at $25 administrative fee if the 4-H State Program Office is notified by June 1. No refunds will be issued after this date.
May I leave camp and come back?
You must attend camp full time and remain on Camp Barnes property for the duration of camp. The exception is a family emergency. Please refrain from scheduling doctor appointments that can be deferred.
What does the camp fee cover?
The registration fee includes the camp photo, class costs, snacks, meals, and lodging.
Is there an early dismissal policy?
Normal dismissal time for weeklong camp is 10 AM. Any exception must have prior approval of the camp staff. ANY SPECIAL DEPARTURE REQUESTS SHOULD BE MADE WITH THE STATE 4-H OFFICE ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE START OF CAMP.
Where will I sleep, eat, and play?
You will sleep in cabins of 12-14 campers, including a counselor. A central bath facility is nearby. All meals are served cafeteria style, and there is also a canteen for snacks. A variety of classes are available for your participation. Each afternoon provides time for recreation, such as swimming and canoeing. You will be assigned to a group for afternoon and campfire activities.
May I have family or friends visit?
Please do not invite anyone to visit you at any time during camp. Our camp is closed to all visitors during the week.
What is your medicine policy?
Completion of the Camp Medicine Form is mandatory if sending any pharmaceuticals with your camper. Prescribed and over-the-counter medicines must be turned in upon arrival at camp in the original container. Original prescription packaging must include the camper’s name. This includes over-the-counter as well as prescription medications.
Are scholarships or family discounts available?
The Delaware 4-H Foundation offers one $25.00 scholarship per 4-H family with two or more children attending overnight 4-H camp.
In addition, the Delaware 4-H Foundation provides scholarships to qualifying enrolled/active 4-H members in the counties to support attendance. Delaware Environmental Institute (DENIN) provides scholarships to qualifying enrolled/active 4-H members in the counties to support attendance at Environmental Camp. Scholarships are awarded at the county level and recipients will be notified by County 4-H Office Staff.
Will I be able to stay in touch with my child?
Campers are absorbed in camper life and building friendships. You can keep abreast of their activities by joining the 4-H Delaware Facebook page.
Do you offer accommodations?
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. If you have special needs that need to be accommodated, please contact the State 4-H Office to discuss your situation.
Can I get a sneak peak at camp life?
Absolutely! See our 2019 photo galleries: 2019 Environmental Camp, Week 1 State Camp, and Week 2 State Camp.
Other Questions? We’re here to help!
Contact your local County 4-H office (New Castle: 302-831-8965, Kent: 302-730-4000, Sussex: 302-856-7303) or the State 4-H Office at 302-831-2509, de4h@udel.edu.
