P.T.
Barnum lived by a simple philosophy “build it one tiny brick at a time.”
The CAMPsafe program has a similar philosophy that we can build
community-one condom at a time.
During
the past two months, the CAMPsafe program has held two condom-stuffing
events to prepare safer sex packets for the summer of 2002. These safer sex
packets consist of one condom and a package of lube enclosed in a cardboard
carrier. Our hope of distributing these packets to the community is to make
them readily available for gay/bisexual men when they find themselves in the
heat of the moment. CAMPsafe takes pride in keeping our community safe while
realizing many men who come to Rehoboth are here to have fun.
The
condom stuffing events brought many people from the community together for a
common cause. Each event brought over 20 men and women who stayed from one
to three hours to help stuff condoms. During these “wrap” sessions, they
got to meet new people in the community, talk about safer sex and have a
good time. During the last event over 5,000 condom packets were prepared for
the many bars, beach houses, guesthouses and nightclubs that receive these
packets.
The
CAMPsafe program relies on community members to become an active part in the
sexual health of the men who come to Rehoboth Beach. Whether it is picking
up condoms for beach houses, giving them to a friend, or donating time to
wrap some condoms-every little bit makes a difference. Without support from
the community, the CAMPsafe program would not be able to continue doing the
work it does today. CAMPsafe especially owes many thanks to our condom
kings! These two men (John Batchelor and Randy Brammer) have stuffed and
wrapped more than 6,000 packets during our last two seasons. A special
thanks goes to Dos Locos for sponsoring the last stuffing event by providing
a great dinner. They sure know how to spice things up! Dos Locos is a great
place to go and an awesome supporter of the CAMPsafe program.
Our
average distribution of condoms is usually 10,000 to 13,000 for a year. This
year that will increase! The CAMPsafe program has been awarded a mini-grant
through the Department of Public Health to provide safer sex packets to the
many bars in Rehoboth and Dewey that cater to a young college crowd where
there might be a small population of gay men. This will allow us outreach to
the many seasonal workers and college students who come to this area who may
not know where to get condoms or find out information about sexual health
and HIV Testing and Counseling. CAMPsafe has a lot of work to do to get the
message out about safer sex and condom usage.
Condoms
used with water-based lube are the surest way to protect you or your partner
against HIV infection. CAMPsafe and its community liaisons are here to make
sure that men in the area are playing safe. If you would like to get
involved with our wrapping session or help distribute condoms, call CAMPsafe
staff at 302-227-5620.
National
HIV Testing/Counseling Day, June 27
In recognition of National Testing Day (June 27), CAMPsafe is urging
sexually active men and women to be tested at its counseling site at CAMP
Rehoboth. CAMPsafe staff will be available at 39 Baltimore Avenue between
the hours of 5-9 p.m. for walk-in testing and counseling.
CAMPsafe
uses Ora-Sure testing, which is a non-blood taking procedure. A swab is
placed between your lower cheek and gum to obtain a sample, which is tested
for HIV. Results come back in two weeks.
Individuals
who are tested are eligible for some special give-away items, such as free
ice cream coupons provided by Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream of Rehoboth Beach.
For
more information about HIV Counseling and Testing or National HIV Testing
Day, please call 227-5620.
CAMPsafe
Safer Sex Contest
CAMPsafe Question #2
•
What are the ways in which HIV can be transmitted?
Please
send your answers, along with your name, mailing address and phone number
to: CAMPsafe Contest, 39 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
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