LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Connect |
by Beth Fitton |
Connect
We have three-year-old twins who visit CAMP Rehoboth when they are in town. They refer to CAMP Rehoboth as "Aunt Kathy's beach house." (These are the same boys who, upon seeing a six-foot-four-inch tall (in heels) drag queen dressed in a floor length white gown stroll down Baltimore Avenue, remarked, "Look! It's a princess!"). The twins have a real zest for life and quite an advanced vocabulary for three years of age so I am always delighted to have a conversation with them. Their view of the world is quite entertaining and offers lessons for me (and anyone willing to really listen). They don't care for changeLori should wear her hat. She looks too different without it. There are not many adults who really embrace change. We like routine and accept change about the time it becomes "routine". The twins are also quick to recognize people who are kind to them. After spending time with an elected official known to their family, one of the boys said, "That Pete's a nice man!" His twin answered, "Yep! The other Pete is a dog." (Murray and Steve's Bichon, Pete.) Here is a truism for adults. We like people who are kind or nice to us and we work to recognize the "dogs." The boys' reaction to visiting CAMP Rehoboth also makes me think of the similarities to adults who visit. For many, it is excitement as they stop in for information to enhance their vacation. (Where is the gay beach? What restaurants do you recommend? Can I buy tickets here?) For others, it is that "coming home" feelinga place to be accepted and embraced. I spent several summers with my family at a beach house in Westport, Massachusetts when I was a teenager. My mother was the one who provided that feeling of acceptance and caring for all of the visiting friends and relatives. Interesting that I get to join the rest of the CAMP staff to do that year round for all of our friends and family. Founders' Circle It is the last week to join the Founders' Circle Capital Campaign by adding your name to the list of people making history in Rehoboth Beach. To date, $1,161,123.60 has been pledged with $886,889.30 of those pledges being fulfilled. The CAMP Rehoboth board of directors is truly grateful for the community's support in making CAMP Rehoboth the "House with a Heart." They join me in offering thanks to all who have become recent members of the Founders' Circle, upgraded their original pledge, or made a pledge payment. More than 800 of your friends and neighbors have become members. This is your last chance to join them. If you own a business, consider what a smart use of advertising dollars this recognition affords. For individuals, think about giving an honorary membership in the Founders' Circle to a family member or friend. You will be making an investment in our community, plus it's a great tax deduction. CAMP Rehoboth is a 501(c)(3) organization and contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Whether you think of CAMP Rehoboth as the "Heart of the Community" or Aunt Kathy's beach house, you know how important it is to you. Please do your part to help us grow. Pledge Form available in PDF format HERE Beth Fitton is Development Director at CAMP Rehoboth. She may be reached by e-mail at beth@camprehoboth.com. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 16, No. 12 August 25, 2006 |