CROP at the Food Bank
On Tuesday, May 3, a CAMP Rehoboth Outreach Program (CROP) team of seven volunteers made its bi-monthly appearance at the Food Bank of Delaware in Milford.
This visit, they sorted incoming donations into various food categories such as breakfast, protein, soup, pasta and rice, beverages, and more. And then, filled 80 boxes with 30 pounds of food each; these boxes will go directly to individual families in need.
It’s always a good day when CROP volunteers can help out their fellow Delawareans. Next outing to the Food Bank: Tuesday, July 5. Hope to see you there! ▼
Book Your Next Event at CAMP Rehoboth
Do you have any big upcoming events and need an accommodating space? Consider booking your next event at CAMP Rehoboth!
Whether it’s a gathering for a birthday party, a wedding, a conference, or a general meeting for your organization, our conference rooms and/or the Elkins-Archibald Atrium may be your perfect fit. For more information and for booking rates, call 302-227-5620. ▼
Rainbow Thumb Club Is Back in Action
In mid-May, the Rainbow Thumb Club sprang back into action for another season of beautifying CAMP Rehoboth’s Courtyard. This special group of volunteers waters the flowers, blows the leaves, and freshens up the dog bowls for all stopping by the courtyard. Many members of the crew are impressive gardeners in their own right, and to combine their talents as a collective makes the CAMP gardens look inviting and wonderful.
Special thanks to Linda DeFeo, the club’s coordinator for many years. She has stepped down from her coordinating position, but will still show each Friday morning for her gardening shift. And another special thanks to Carol Brice, who assumed that role in addition to her Monday morning shift. The club appreciates you both!
CAMP Rehoboth extends a huge thank you to Windsor’s Flowers, Plants, & Shrubs, which has again graciously donated many of the flowers that grace the courtyard. Please stop by CAMP anytime to marvel at the selections, and if you see one of our volunteers sweeping leaves or plucking weeds, be sure to say hello! ▼
— Derrick Johnson —
Joins The Team
On May 23, Derrick Johnson officially joined the CAMP Rehoboth team as a full-time financial assistant. Previously, Derrick had worked with CAMP in this role as a temp. Bringing an extensive background in healthcare administration, Derrick was retired for two years before deciding to get back out there. And we’re so happy he did! Get to know Derrick a little from his answers below and stop by the CAMP Rehoboth front office anytime during business hours to meet (and welcome!) him in person.
Where are you from?
I am originally from NYC.
What’s your favorite part about living by the beach?
Living by the beach provides quick access to the ocean. The ocean is a natural wonder that soothes as well as invigorates my spirit.
Latest music obsession?
Brazilian soul
Favorite cocktail?
Vodka martini, but Manhattans are a close second.
Did you expect to see the growing acceptance of the LGBTQ community in your lifetime?
No, but I am excited by the freedom of expression of the young LGBTQ community.
What excites you about CAMP Rehoboth?
The mission, vision, personal acceptance of all of me, and the interpersonal comfort I experience with the CAMP community. ▼
Rehoboth Beach Bears Donate to CAMP Rehoboth
The Rehoboth Beach Bears, celebrating seven great years of fun in Rehoboth Beach, recently made two donations to CAMP Rehoboth. The Fundraising and Philanthropic Committee of the Bears recommended a donation of $2,000 to support the general operations of CAMP Rehoboth. An additional $500 was earmarked specifically for CAMPsafe, the organization’s health and wellness programs. The Board of Directors approved the donations earlier this year.
The Rehoboth Beach Bears hold an annual weekend of fun activities each fall. This year they will host their gathering on September 14-18. Over 300 attendees from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region are expected to participate.
Highlights of the weekend will include visits to local restaurants and bars, social gatherings, and shopping sprees at a bear-centric vendor mall. The climax of the weekend is a Comedy Show on Saturday evening that features headliner Ben Zook, a well-known and beloved fixture of the Where the Bears Are film series.
Weekend passes and individual event ticket information will be available on the Bears’ website at rehobothbeachbears.com.
The Rehoboth Beach Bears are part of the LGBTQ+ community and can best be defined as “a large part of the community, being men of a larger size, most of them with facial hair, and all of them with a jovial perspective on life.” The Rehoboth Beach Bears, Inc. is a 501(c)3 community-based social organization working to better the LGBTQ+ community in the Rehoboth Beach area. ▼
Pictured, left to right, Kenny Mahan, Board Vice President, RB Bears, Wes Combs, Board President, CAMP Rehoboth, Mike DeFlavia, Board Secretary, CAMP Rehoboth, Charlie Rouse, Board President, RB Bears
Condom Stuffing Party
On Friday, April 29, CAMPsafe hosted its first condom stuffing party in the Elkins-Archibald Atrium. This volunteer event brought in community members to stuff condoms, lube, and materials promoting safe sex to be shared with CAMPsafe distribution points and community partners. Dozens of kits were prepared and are being shared with local establishments. See a jar around town running low on materials? Feel free to let us know at the CAMP Rehoboth office. Would you like to be added to our condom distribution list? Contact amber@camprehoboth.com to register for this free service. ▼
All Aboard to the Philly Flower Show
The CAMP Rehoboth bus trips are back! On Thursday, June 16, CAMPers will be heading to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Philadelphia Flower Show. As the nation’s largest and longest-running horticultural event, the show’s theme is “In Full Bloom.” CAMP’s excursion will fall in the middle of the show’s run, which begins on June 11 and ends on Sunday, June 19. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at camprehoboth.com. ▼