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Special Olympics makes 22nd trip to Camp Barnes

Local Tony Bowe leads his cabin mates (l-r) Steve Dagg, volunteer Lisa Smith, David Dube, Jerome Watson, Brian Perry, Cade Williamson and Michael Bowe in a Michael Jackson skit rehearsal for the end-of-camp activities. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
August 13, 2023

The 22nd annual Special Olympics Summer Camp was held Aug. 5-7 at Camp Barnes, where more than 60 campers and dozens of staff members enjoyed a three-day, two-night camp experience that included sports and traditional camp-type activities.

Campers and staff participated in activities such as basketball, arts and crafts, yoga, kayaking, canoeing, bocce ball, soccer, swimming, kickball, board games, inflatable pool slides, dancing and more.

The camp’s last evening ends with a party where campers and staff enjoy refreshments and dancing. Before departing the camp Aug. 7, each cabin group performed a fun skit for the other cabins and staff.

“Our summer camp is an opportunity for our campers and counselors to interact with each other in an inclusive setting while enjoying a traditional camp experience,” said Nate Threatts, Special Olympics Delaware staff member and camp director. “For many of our campers, it’s the highlight of their summer, as they get to experience all the fun that a summer camp can provide and create memories that they talk about all year long until they return again.”  

The second session of the camp will be held Aug. 13-15.

For more information, go to sode.org.

 

Elizabeth Toner enjoys a refreshing splash in the inflatable slide pool.
Preparing for a canoe ride are (l-r) Sarah Szewczyk, Chelsea Patton, Sara Giles and Julie Gibbons.
Volunteer Heather Smyth of Indian River High School assists camper David Dube with his arts and crafts tie-dye project.
New to the Special Olympics Delaware summer camp this season is a yoga class.
Singing “Thriller” by Michael Jackson for the end-of-camp skit is Jerome Watson.
Volunteer Jacob Duggan, right, puts the tag on camper Rohit Kanthamneni during a kickball game.
Camper Jesse Benson delivers a homer in a kickball game.
Camp director and Unified Champion Schools Program Director Nate Threatts says the camp experience is the highlight of summer for many participants.
Trinity Crouch splashes in the inflatable pool slide.
Veterans of the Camp Barnes experience are (l-r) Tony Bowe, Jerome Watson and Michael Bowe.
Camper Laura Kelly says, “Ahoy, mateys,” as she and volunteer Karen Lundin pull to shore during the kayak activity.
Enjoying the swimming activity are in back (l-r) Brynn MacBride, Ashlie Lake and Devon Wineland. In front are Tiffany Snyder, Christi Theron, Laura Hoffman, Maggie Corrigan, Tineisha Simpson and Taylor Swain.
Dalton Glanden collects a hit in the kickball game.
Camper Brian Perry shows off his bullseye at the hatchet throw.
Camper Sasha Hudson reaches high and stretches during the yoga class.
Camper Leanne Evans snags her winnings in the Go Fish game while cabin mate MaryBeth Austen looks on.
Rachel Rhea writes a thank-you note to the Camp Barnes sponsors.
Assisting happy camper Laura Kelly after a successful kayak trip are volunteers (l-r) Karen Lundin, Danny Hall and Pam Cannon.
David Halley, left, congratulates Jesse Benson on his homer in the camp kickball game.
Playing an intense game of Trouble are (l-r) Carol Bak, Erin Bailey, Brandee Deibel and Kim Strunk.
Volunteer Heather Smyth of Indian River High School assists Tony Bowe with his tie-dye project.
Camper Tiffany Crouch splashes in the inflatable pool slide.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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