Special Olympics camp returns to Camp Barnes

Human foosball was a popular activity at the SODE Summer Camp at Camp Barnes. Shown are athletes (l-r) Ann Marie Eaddy-Smith, Laura Scott and Pam Cannon. More than 40 athletes participated in the camp, held Aug. 15-17. DAN COOK PHOTOS

Dan Cook

August 17, 2021

The 20th annual Special Olympics Delaware Summer Camp was held Aug. 15-17 at Camp Barnes, where more than 40 athletes, 20 counselors and 15 support staff attended the three-day, two-night gathering. The traditional camp experience could not be dampened by the loss of last year’s camp due to the pandemic.

Campers had the opportunity to reacquaint with old friends and meet new ones during the three-day, two-night camp experience. They took part in traditional camp activities such as arts & crafts, bocce ball, canoeing, kayaking, basketball, human foosball, Frisbee golf, cornhole, bulls-eye washers, golf, softball and many more. All campers and staff members were fully vaccinated before attending.

“Special Olympics summer camp is three amazing days where our counselors interact with Special Olympics athletes in an inclusive setting to enjoy a traditional camp experience together,” said Kylie Frazer, director of sports. “The counselors develop a greater understanding and appreciation of their peers with disabilities, and it serves as a tremendous lesson that all people are more alike than different. There’s no greater tribute to our athletes than the fact that many of our counselors come back year after year to spend the three days at camp with them.”

"The athletes were so excited to be back to Camp Barnes after missing last year due to COVID-19," said Jon Buzby, SODE director of media relations. "We changed up some of the usual activities for a variety of reasons, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. We welcomed several new counselors who are already talking about next year, and that's, of course, because of the experience they get working with our athletes, many of whom count camp as the highlight of their summer."

For more info go to sode.org.

Ann Marie Eaddy-Smith works on her carry bag project.

Athlete Kim Jones tosses a washer in the bulls-eye washers game.

SODE Director of Media Relations Jon Buzby reviews scoring in the bulls-eye washers game.

Lynn Dolphin shows off her hand drawing at arts & crafts.

Jillian Mathews decorates her bag at arts & crafts.

Caroline Oberle, left, blocks a kick from Suzi Schiable during human foosball.

Athlete Ann Marie Eaddy-Smith, left, makes a save on a shot by Laura Scott during the human foosball game.

Athletes and counselors alike enjoy a game of human foosball.

Caroline Oberle works on her project during arts & crafts.

Athlete Morgan Jungling tosses the bag in a game of cornhole.

Athlete Elizabeth Nolan takes a shot during the basketball activity.

Athlete Brianna Hamilton gets some help from counselor Amy Metcalf during the ice cream activity.

Counselor Nate Threatts assists athlete Matt Montgomery during the water sports activity.

Athlete Kim Jones makes a throw during the washer toss.

Counselor Dave Manwiller, left, helps athlete Anthony Benevento during the water sports activity.

Cabin mates pose with the Camp Barnes sign. Shown are in back (l-r) Joe Mullen, Matt Montgomery and Justin Daisey. In front are Chris Loehr, Gene Giuliani, Anthony Benevento and Charles Foster.