H.O. Brittingham & Mariner Students Partner for Day of Service at Camp Barnes

Students from H.O. Brittingham (HOB) Elementary School’s Guys with Ties and Girls with Pearls groups joined forces with Mariner Middle School’s Junior Justice League and the Delaware State Police for a meaningful day of service at Camp Barnes, demonstrating the power of collaboration and community engagement.

Held on Saturday, April 18, the service project brought students, families, and community partners together with a shared goal: preparing Camp Barnes for the upcoming summer season. Participants worked throughout the day to clean the sleeping quarters, rake leaves, and remove debris across the campgrounds, making significant improvements to ensure the space is ready to welcome campers.

While the physical transformation of the camp was impactful, the experience extended far beyond the work itself. The day fostered strong connections among students, families, and community members, building relationships rooted in mentorship, teamwork, and shared purpose.

“This experience is about more than just giving back, it’s about helping students understand the value of service and the impact they can have on others,” said Justin Cureton, teacher and advisor for Guys with Ties at HOB. “Seeing our students take pride in their work, build connections, and truly enjoy serving others is what makes opportunities like this so meaningful.”

Throughout the day, students embraced the opportunity to contribute, discovering firsthand the joy that comes from helping others. Their enthusiasm and dedication left a lasting impression, reinforcing the importance of gratitude, leadership, and continued community involvement.

Through their collective efforts, the group not only enhanced Camp Barnes but also strengthened a culture of service and connection that will continue to benefit the broader community.