I say the same thing every year at this time, I know, but I really can’t believe that another year is coming to a close, and that this is the last issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth for the 2014 season. Of course, as one year ends, another begins, and already, the excitement here at CAMP Rehoboth is building as we anticipate the arrival of 2015, and the beginning of a year-long 25th Anniversary celebration of our organization and this magazine. We’re already looking for ways to honor and recognize the countless people who have contributed in one way or another to the success of our first quarter century. Throughout 2015 we will also be collecting personal CAMP stories and photographs from the last 25 years. Email your favorite stories and photographs to CAMP Rehoboth.
Recently, members of the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) from Delaware Technical Community College in Georgetown came to CAMP Rehoboth to talk about ways we can work together in the future. One point I made with the group of visiting students was that even though attitudes have changed over the last 25 years, it is still very important that we continue to do all we can to create safe and inclusive schools and communities. As we’ve seen from the recent Indian River School Board curriculum debate, and alleged discriminatory issues at Cape Henlopen High School, GSAs and support from LGBT organizations like CAMP Rehoboth is still very much needed.
This time of year, the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center is often filled with music as the 80+ member CAMP Rehoboth Chorus prepares for its winter concert. The 2015 concert is scheduled for February 6, 7 and 8 at Epworth United Methodist Church and on March 29 at Del Tech. The 2015 concert And the Winner Is will feature award winning songs. Members of the Chorus continue to live up to their reputation as “goodwill ambassadors” for CAMP Rehoboth, by also providing the music for both the World AIDS Day Service on December 1 and the CAMP Rehoboth float in the Rehoboth Beach Hometown Holiday Parade on December 2. It goes without saying, I’m sure…and our winner is the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus! Concert tickets will be available on the CAMP website by mid-November.
Organizations such as CAMP Rehoboth depend on financial support from members and donors to make programs like the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus and the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center possible. Now is the perfect time to make an end of the year gift to CAMP Rehoboth; to make a donation or give a CAMP Rehoboth membership in someone’s honor or memory; or to sign up to be a prestigious CAMP Rehoboth Annual or Annual Premier Sponsor for 2015. I’m always available to talk about any or all of these giving opportunities. Having been a part of CAMP Rehoboth for all of its 25 years, I know beyond any shadow of doubt that CAMP Rehoboth would not—could not—be what it is today without the generous support we receive from our members, donors, and sponsors.
December 1 is World AIDS Day, and we will once again be honoring that day with a Candlelight Walk and Service of Remembrance and Hope. The Candlelight Walk begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Rehoboth Bandstand and ends at All Saints’ Episcopal Church. To volunteer or to add a name to the list being read at the service, visit the CAMP Rehoboth website or call or email me at CAMP Rehoboth.
Starburst Gayla, our women’s (men are welcome too!) New Year’s Eve Party at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center is our last event of the year. With dinner music by Cathy Gorman and dance music by DJ Nan, dinner by Food by Design, an open bar all night, photo booth by Fortier Photography, and much more, it’s sure to be an amazing evening. Tickets available online or call CAMP Rehoboth.