This is the memorial day issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth and with its
publication we celebrate the official start of Summer 2006. It is also the
fifth issue in our year-long, "sweet 16," birthday party for
both this magazine and for CAMP Rehoboth—and writing this makes me smile
a little to myself because I know that over all those years I’ve begun
the summer season with almost the exact same words. Though the year and
anniversary numbers have changed—and though Rehoboth Beach itself has
been somewhat transformed—this summer will be very much like all the
others. Over time it too will become a pleasant, if somewhat fuzzy, memory
of old and new friends, sunshine and rain, big parties and intimate
moments. Summertime and the ocean have a way of making us relax and
appreciate the time we have together. Welcome to the summer season, I hope
it will be a great one for all of us.
One sure way to make sure that our memories of "summer camp"
remain good ones is to play by the rules of the "campground," so
to speak. Though Fay Jacobs and I again provided sensitivity training to
the RB summer police (and we will soon be doing the same for the state’s
park police), that in no way will save anyone from the problems that
accompany breaking the law. Please remember that: 1) there are no clothing
optional beaches in the area; 2) pets and alcohol are not allowed on the
beach and boardwalk (leashed pets are permitted in designated areas of
Henlopen State Park); 3) bicycles are only allowed on the boardwalk
between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m.; 4) parking permits are required in all
non-metered areas of the city from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.; 5) feeding the
ducks and geese in city lakes is prohibited. A good summer is a safe and
healthy summer so party with care (and a designated driver).
Speaking of health, our state funded AIDS prevention program CAMPsafe
is now in its eighth year, and over the summer we will be unveiling our
new ad campaign designed around hit television shows. Photographer Judy
Rolfe, creative director Sondra Arkin, designer Mary Beth Ramsey, CAMPsafe
director Sal Seeley and a cast of "desperate houseboys" have all
worked to create another exciting line-up of ads and postcards. As always
the CAMPsafe program will continue to make condoms available all over
town. CAMP Rehoboth also provides onsite, rapid (20 minute) HIV testing,
as well as counseling, support groups, and other health related
activities. A limited, part-time CAMPsafe summer assistant position is
currently available. To apply, or for information about safe sex, HIV
testing, or the CAMPsafe program contact Sal Seeley at the CAMP Rehoboth
Community Center.
During the last few years the CAMP Rehoboth follies has become one of
the most outrageous evenings of the summer. We are delighted that once
again the show will be hosted by the amazing and talented Mr. Christopher
Peterson. Christopher and his astonishing assembly of celebrity friends
will be appearing in the Atlantic Sands ballroom for the last two months
of the summer, beginning Fourth of July weekend. Now, of course, is the
time to get to work on skits for this year’s Follies competition.
Organizations, beach house buddies, families (in all interpretations), or
just friends united by a longing for stardom are encouraged to perform.
See page 46 for the Follies troupe application and information about the
event. We are also looking for volunteers with theatrical experience to
serve on the Follies 2006 Production Team and Stage Crew.
The Follies, of course, is only one of the events in our busy summer
lineup, and all of them depend on the talents of numerous volunteers.
Every production requires help on all levels from planning to final
breakdown. From the HeART of the Community Art Reception and the Black and
While Beach Ball, to Love and Sundance and everything in between we can
always use help. Plus, it’s fun!
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