Assessing Progress
I don’t know about you, but this summer has flown by so fast. As the season began, I formed a list of things to help prioritize what was most important given the limitations COVID presented last summer. Being intentional about being inclusive is my mantra as shown in my earlier column in Letters, and the same goes when choosing what and where to focus your energy. With Labor Day only a few weeks away, I decided to reflect on progress against my goals.
#1: Make time for family and friends. It is easy to grab lunch or dinner with those you see most often at the beach, when hanging out at Aqua for Happy Hour, or catching the amazing Kristina Kelly at The Pines. After being part of this community for more than 30 years, my husband Greg and I are grateful to have a wide variety of friends who we met in other ways too, like when walking our dog Bailey on the beach or attending CAMP Rehoboth events.
Which is why we take a moment each week to think about who we have not seen in a while and reach out so we can get them on our increasingly busy dance card. As the years go by, I consider the quality of my relationships to be the most important asset necessary to be happy.
#2: Exercise more. Staying healthy is easier when your life is filled with people who you value and vice versa. However, over the years it became apparent that completing a workout took more than joining a gym. All too often I would blow it off for one reason or another. My coach training reinforced what I had already learned: making a change happens when you create accountability to reach an objective. In the end I decided to hire a personal trainer to help me stay on track and help hold me responsible to deliver on my commitment towards better health by simply showing up.
#3: Make Board service fun. Being a board member carries a big responsibility and can be stressful at times. To help minimize burnout and retain the incredible skills my fellow board members bring to the table, I know it is important to just enjoy being together doing something that takes our minds off the day-to-day and sharing a laugh or two. After two years of social distancing, we cannot wait to let it all hang out over Labor Day weekend at SUNFESTIVAL, CAMP Rehoboth’s largest fundraiser of the year.
The weekend kicks off on Saturday, September 3, featuring headliner comedian Judy Gold, where we plan to laugh the night away. Before the show, there will be a silent and live auction featuring fabulous trips, concert tickets, and much more. You must be there to win so make sure to check out the ad on page 11 and article on page 8 to learn more.
On Sunday, September 4, the mirrored disco ball will once again hang from the convention center ceiling at Sundance. Back by popular demand, legendary Studio 54 DJ Robbie Leslie starts the night at the Sundance Disco Twilight Tea playing your favorite “songs with words.” Direct from New York, remixer, producer, DJ James Anthony finishes the night with his “big room” sound. Tickets are limited so check out ads on pages 7 and 13 for more information.
While I am confident in the progress I have made towards my personal goals and am incredibly proud of the steps we are taking to continue to grow and transform CAMP Rehoboth, there is always more work to be done. I look forward to an amazing SUNFESTIVAL to cap off what has already proven to be an incredible summer, for both me personally and for this wonderful organization.
TRANSITION
As the next step forward in its ongoing leadership transition, the Board of Directors of CAMP Rehoboth Community Center has issued a request for proposals to identify a Strategic Planning Consultant to help assess and update CAMP’s strategic plan. CAMP plans to remain a relevant and a nimble resource as we continue our mission to “Create A More Positive (CAMP) Rehoboth.” We invite you to help the Board find a forward-thinking and innovative consultant to help guide it through this process. If you know of someone, are interested in responding, or need more information, please visit our website: camprehoboth.com/employment.
CAMP Rehoboth’s ongoing evolution also includes a physical transformation thanks to two grants—totaling more than $170,000—received from the State of Delaware. These funds will help us modernize our facilities, create a more private HIV testing space in the back of the courtyard, put a new roof over our heads, and make improvements to increase energy efficiency and overall security. If you know of someone in the community with experience managing renovation projects who can provide support on a volunteer basis, please contact Interim Director Lisa Evans. ▼
Wesley Combs is CAMP Rehoboth Board President.