April 5, 2010
Vol. 40, No. 149

For more information contact Dawn Morris, Delaware State Parks Marketing Director, 302-739-9937; or Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks 302-739-9175,  Necia.Beck@state.de.us

Delaware State Parks Summer Camp Registration Now Open

DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation offers summer day camps throughout the state, from Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington to Cape Henlopen in Lewes, and plenty in between.  Half-day camps for four- to six-year-olds with various nature themes are offered, as well as full-day camps for six- to 14-year-olds.  Bellevue State Park offers a full line-up of art-themed camps to complement the park’s camps devoted to nature study.  Many camps offer before and after care.

For older youth who still love summer camp, some parks offer Counselor In Training (CIT) camps for 13- to 17-year-olds.  These camps teach participants the skills necessary to be successful camp counselors. CITs will learn first aid and how to canoe, and lead hikes and nature activities. CITs are strongly encouraged to volunteer for additional weeks of camp as Volunteer Counselors.

Summer day camp sizes are limited in order to keep counselor-to-camper ratios small.  The knowledgeable staff, variety of subjects and the small size make these camps very popular, so parents are encouraged to register children early.  Dates and fees/registration information are available at www.destateparks.com/programs or from the individual parks listed below.

Alapocas Run State Park
1914 West Park Drive
Wilmington, DE  19803
(302) 577-1164
Full-day rock climbing camps for children ages 11 and older.

Bellevue State Park
800 Carr Road
Wilmington, DE 19809
Arts Center: (302) 793-3046
Camps with nature and arts themes; half-day camps for 4- to 6-year-olds; full-day camps for 6- to 14-year-olds; CIT Camp for 13- to 17-year-olds

Brandywine Creek State Park
Routes 100 and 92
Greenville, DE 19807
(302) 655-5740
Full-day camps for 5- to 14-year-olds; CIT Camp for 14- to 17-year-olds

Brandywine Zoo
1001 North Park Drive
Wilmington, DE 19802
(302) 571-7788
Half-day camps for 4- to 7-year-olds; full-day camps for 6- to 14-year-olds

Cape Henlopen State Park
42 Cape Henlopen Drive
Lewes, DE 19958
Seaside Nature Center: (302) 645-6852
Half-day camps for 4- to 6-year-olds; full-day camps for 6- to 13-year-olds

Killens Pond State Park
5025 Killens Pond Road
Felton, DE 19943
Nature Center: (302) 284-4299
Full-day camps for 6- to 11-year-olds; CIT Camp for 13- to 16-year-olds

Lums Pond State Park
1068 Howell School Road
Bear, DE 19701
(302)368-6989
Half-day camps for 4- to 6-year-olds; full-day camps for 6- to 12-year-olds

White Clay Creek State Park
425 Wedgewood Road
Newark, DE 19711
Chambers House Nature Center: (302) 368-6560
Half-day camps for 4- to 6-year-olds; full-day camps for 5- to 13-year-olds