Though the summer beach season officially began on Memorial Weekend, it always seems like things don’t really get going full blast until the Fourth of July when the Rehoboth “high” season kicks in big time. From now through Labor Day, though, “this joint is jumpin’,” and there’s no better place to be than in Rehoboth Beach.
On July 3, the Fourth of July Weekend starts off with a lotta fun as the second LottoHEART Game Show gets under way at the Convention Center. Over 200 artists and the awesome talent of Christopher Peterson make this a night like no other. On July 4, fireworks light up the beach and Boardwalk, but inside the Convention Center our own version of “fireworks” will light up the dance floor when the doors open on the 16th Love dance. With DJ Joe Gauthreaux and lights by Paul Turner, “all you need is Love.” See our website at camprehoboth.com for information and tickets.
Last week, members of participating houses involved in the Summer CAMP 2010 Beach House Challenge gathered at CAMP Rehoboth for a kick-off t-dance. Near the end of the event, Josh Levie and Chris Beagle spoke briefly to the crowd. Their passionate support of CAMP Rehoboth and the work we do was inspiring and I thank them both for their hard work in organizing the event. Thanks also, to DJ Bradley Schurman for donating his time to the event and to Gretchen Hanson at Hobo’s for providing the food—and to all the CAMP Counselors for their input and energy. Speaking of Chris Beagle, congratulations, on winning the recent Mr. Gay Rehoboth contest at the Double L—and for using it to talk about the work of CAMP Rehoboth.
On June 25, 68 golfers played in the 2010 CAMP Rehoboth Golf Classic at Marsh Island Golf Club. The Golf Classic, as well as the CAMP Rehoboth Golf League, wouldn’t happen without the hard work of Evie Simmons and Barb Thompson. The Golf Classic benefits CAMP Rehoboth, MCC Rehoboth, and the West Rehoboth Youth Program, and depends on many sponsors, including Tournament Sponsor Karen Gustafson (move2rehoboth.com). From the tournament to the luncheon and awards that follow, it’s a great day. Thanks to everyone who worked to make it a success.
On June 26, the Blue Moon turned white for their White Party benefit for CAMP Rehoboth. Featuring a special performance by recording artist Kaci Battaglia, and multiple glowing white palm trees, it was a beautiful night—even my little white dog Pete made an appearance! Blue Moon owners and CAMP neighbors Tim Ragan, Randy Haney, and Meg and Lion Gardner always find creative ways to support CAMP Rehoboth and we are thankful for their support.
With all the new, young beach house families in town this year, I’ve had many conversations about the history of CAMP Rehoboth and our town and how we got to be the Rehoboth we are today. Telling our stories is a great way to preserve the history of a community, and we’ve been trying to do a little of that in the “Before the Beach” column and in our “Volunteer Spotlight” each week. There are many more stories to be told and we’d love to hear them. Send suggestions to editor@camprehoboth.com.
On page 17 of each issue of Letters, there is a list of the many people who have signed up to be members of CAMP Rehoboth. Our annual Membership is one of the best ways to support the work of CAMP Rehoboth and to help us maintain our facilities and improve our programming. A recent survey has given us a clear guide for developing new programs and activities, but it takes adequate funding for any organization to survive. Please consider becoming a member of CAMP Rehoboth or renewing your current membership at the highest level you can afford. Your support makes a huge difference in our ability to serve this community.