In celebration of CAMP Rehoboth’s 21st season, we’re continuing our Volunteer Spotlight to honor many of the behind-the-scenes heroes that we’re so fortunate to have in our CAMP family.
The Spotlight is an ongoing column in Letters and features recipients who’ve been selected by the volunteers themselves and you, our readers.
If you know someone whose efforts are worthy of consideration, please make a nomination. We’ll be maintaining a database that will be used to help determine future recipients. Email us at info@camprehoboth.com and put “Volunteer Spotlight” in the subject line.
Leslie Sinclair: Volunteering’s an Important Part of Life at the Beach
Having vacationed in Rehoboth for eight years, Leslie and her partner of 13 years, Debbie Woods, moved here full time in 2008. After a successful, 21 year career with VISA working in San Francisco and DC, Leslie was ready for a change. The small town atmosphere, camaraderie among the locals and visitors, and being able to devote more time to her passions of photography and volunteering, were all reasons to make the move.
Volunteering has been a common thread for Leslie throughout her life. While in DC, she mentored a high school student who is now in her senior year of college. Leslie will attend her graduation in May. She has continued mentoring here in Rehoboth, now working with a ten year old girl at Rehoboth Elementary.
Leslie has been heavily involved with CAMP Rehoboth’s “Volunteer on Vacation” (VOV) program since its inception in 2009. Doing so has been a “natural fit” for her as she’s been able to volunteer while utilizing her love of photography to chronicle various VOV events. She’s used many of these images to create brochures and slide shows to support CAMP Rehoboth.
Leslie and Debbie reside in Canal Point along with their two very spoiled cats, Max and Daisy.
When/why did you start volunteering for CAMP Rehoboth?
I started volunteering here in 2009, with the Volunteer on Vacation Program. It enabled me to become more familiar with CAMP Rehoboth, its services, programs, and events. Through VOV, I can support the needs of CAMP and Sussex County as well as create opportunities for people with a block of free time to do the same. I have also just joined the Volunteer Development Committee and am excited to be using my volunteer experiences to support CAMP Rehoboth in this capacity.
What’s been your best memory volunteering here?
My best volunteer memory was seeing the proud look on the faces of the young artists as they saw their photographic artworks on exhibit at the VOV’s “end of summer celebration” last year. Especially meaningful was seeing them sign their works and present them to their new owners. The event brought together youth from West Rehoboth, the greater Rehoboth area, and CAMP families who formed teams for a fun afternoon of photo taking and activities. They were wonderful images, and I’m sure at least one new artist was inspired in the process.
If you had an extra hour in the day, what would you do?
Visit one of the picturesque places our area has to offer and take photos.
If you could spend a full day with one person, who would it be? Why?
Rachel Carson, writer, scientist, and ecologist, who launched the environmentalist movement. She was a courageous person and stayed true to her convictions even in the face of adversity. She wrote Silent Spring, which challenged the use of pesticides and called for a change in the way people viewed the natural world. She also wrote several books and essays about the ocean, one of her passions, and a passion I share with her.
“Wouldn’t you like to be a CAMPer too?” How would you encourage someone to get involved with us?
Tell them it’s easy! There are many ways to support CAMP Rehoboth: Volunteer on Vacation, supporting a CAMP event, or helping to keep the courtyard flowers beautiful. Just go to the CAMP website or CAMP Rehoboth Community Center on Facebook, choose the “volunteer” tab and pick from the many options. And there is one thing that every volunteer will tell you – it’s fun, and definitely rewarding!
Please tell us a little known fact about yourself, until now that is…
I love marine science. If I had it to do all over again, it would be my field of study. But wait, maybe it’s not too late!
We already know you love Rehoboth, where’s your next favorite get-away? Why?
Any tropical island. And if there is scuba diving, all the better. Please, take me there now!
We’ve seen many iconic entertainers over the years. Who’s your favorite? Why?
Bette Midler. I’ve followed her from the time she came out of the Continental Baths in Greenwich Village and performed with Barry Manilow as her manager, to the present time. I love her bawdy sense of humor and energy, as well as her ability to bring back old standards in fresh new ways.
As a teenager, who was your first celebrity crush?
Haley Mills, or was it Mary Poppins?
Most recent movie you’ve seen?
Toy Story 3. The movie was cute, and I saw it with the fifth grader I mentor. The expression on her face as she donned the 3D glasses in anticipation was priceless!