HIV/STI Update at CAMP Rehoboth
On March 14, CAMP Rehoboth hosted an STI Update workshop presented by the STD/HIV Prevention Training Center at Johns Hopkins. Those attending included representatives from the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) STD and sexual and reproductive health programs, the Christiana Care Health System, Gilead Sciences, and Sussex Technical High School.
The workshop provided the opportunity to discuss issues surrounding STI prevention and education, and to learn about major developments—e.g., condoms specifically designed for anal sex that are on their way, and injectables for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) are being developed. Current PrEP medication is delivered in a daily tablet; injectables could reduce frequency to weekly or even monthly.▼
Fay Jacobs Scholarship: Show Your Pride!
The Fay Jacobs LGBTQ Youth Journalism Scholarship Fund is preparing to make its first award! The endowed fund, established with the Delaware Community Foundation, will provide an annual scholarship to a young LGBTQ writer residing in Delaware.
The scholarship is available to high school juniors and seniors attending Delaware schools. The winner will receive $500 towards their higher education.
To apply, students need to write an essay on the importance of LGBTQ Pride. Essays must be no more than 750 words.
No identifying information (e.g., writer’s name) should appear on the essay. A cover sheet which includes a copy of the applicant’s school ID, their name, address, and contact information, must accompany the submission.
Timelines:
• Essays must be submitted to info@camprehoboth.com by May 8.
• The winner will be notified by May 25.
• The winning essay will be published in the Pride issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth (release date: June 17).
Contributions to the scholarship fund may be made directly to the Delaware Community Foundation by visiting camprehoboth.com/fayjacobs. If you prefer to mail your donation, send it to: Delaware Community Foundation, 36 The Circle Georgetown, Delaware. 19947. Checks should be made payable to Delaware Community Foundation and must have “Fay Jacobs Fund” noted on the memo line. ▼
Winterfly Raises Funds for Youth Up Program
On February 25, superfans of Firefly Music Festival came together at the Starboard in Dewey Beach for the annual event affectionately known as “Winterfly.” Friends from all over the country who met at Firefly reunite each February to enjoy each other’s camaraderie outside of the Woodlands in Dover. Fundraising efforts are an integral part of Winterfly, and this year, over $1,500 was raised for CAMP Rehoboth’s youth program. Special thanks to event organizer Michelle Manfredi, and to all those who donated raffle items to make Winterfly a success. ▼
Women’s FEST Is Here!
From April 7-10, Women’s FEST returns to Rehoboth Beach. With spring in full swing, Women’s Fest 2022 returns in full for the first time since 2019. This year will mark over 20 years of FESTs since the tradition’s start. This year’s festivities will take place at host hotel the Atlantic Sands, the RB Convention Center, various sporting venues, and CAMP Rehoboth.
“This is the biggest women’s event on the Mid-Atlantic coast,” said Lisa Soens, a 2022 Women’s FEST Co-chair. Over 32 events will make this weekend an unforgettable experience, including: headline performances by country superstar Chely Wright; Funny Girlz, starring Vickie Shaw, Lisa Koch and Roxanna Ward; and activities such as dances, golf, a corn hole tournament, and the annual Broadwalk on the Boardwalk.
CAMP Rehoboth extends special thanks to our many generous sponsors and volunteers for making this event possible. For a full lineup of events and to purchase tickets, visit camprehoboth.com/womensfest. ▼
⊳ Travels with Letters ⊲
Letters Goes to Barbados!
(Left to right) Philip (Maple Glen, Pennsylvania, and
Rehoboth) and John (Moravia, New York)
We’d love to see a (high res) photo of you and a
recent issue of Letters at your vacation destination—send to
editor@camprehoboth.com for consideration.
— On the Cover —
Sug Daniels is a singer, songwriter, and producer who is using the tools around her to capture the emotions of an era. Daniels’ work is as colorful, vulnerable, and charismatic as her personality. She thoughtfully combines elements of folk, R&B, and lo-fi alternatives to create personal and tender music interlaced with messages of truth and positive change.
This year, Sug will make her debut on the FEST stage. “I’m from the area, and Rehoboth has a special place in my heart, especially as a queer woman. It was the first place I saw rainbow flags. It’s always represented this freedom, this place I can go to be myself. It’s really exciting to come back and share my gift with the community,” said Sug.
Notably, Sug released a four-song, self-produced EP, Franklin Street, through the Brooklyn women-run music label Weird Sister Records in September 2021.
Inspired by her mother as a gospel singer, and the likes of Brittany Howard and Leon Bridges, the Smyrna native is ecstatic to return to live shows after the pandemic. “It’s so exciting to be in that environment again—to be giving and receiving. Every performance is a two-way street: you’re giving to the audience and they’re giving back. It just feels so absolutely lovely. I feel like I’m on cloud nine being able to sing and play for people again,” said Sug.
The pandemic also gave Sug the opportunity to explore her solo work. During the pandemic, Sug wasn’t able to play shows with the funky soul and blues of her band, Hoochi Coochi, despite their growing momentum. With a ukulele in her house and after an emotional split with her partner of 10 years, the desire to express herself through music became a necessity. “I brought things that were really important to me—friendship, my role in this country, a lot of deep subjects that I haven’t covered before, mostly because I was in a different place in my life,” said Sug about the making of her latest EP.
But don’t expect Sug’s set at FEST to be a drag. Sug’s positive style and attitude, especially coupled with the uke, lends itself to a light and beachy sensibility, backed with soul and swagger. Joining her is guitarist Rebel Natty. “We’re going to hang out and have a good time,” said Sug, on what to expect. “We’ll do originals and covers since they’re always a sweet treat, and we’ll chit-chat and have a great party.”
On Saturday, April 9, Sug Daniels performs at Women’s FEST at 1:30 p.m. at CAMP Rehoboth Community Center, in the Elkins-Archibald Atrium. Purchase tickets at camprehoboth.com/womensfest.▼
Follow Sug Daniels online and social media to find out more on where to find her upcoming shows and releases at linktr.ee/SugDaniels.
Photo by Nathalie Antonov